Cool Joke

Cool Joke is a Japanese rock band from Fukui, formed in June 2001 by 石川寛也, 林, 斉藤, and 麻畠 after the members met as students. Centered on 石川寛也, the group plays energetic, guitar-driven Japanese rock built on catchy melodies. The band made its indie debut in the summer of 2003 with the hybrid maxi-single "COOL JOKE", issued with a CD on one side and a DVD on the other. It then released "UNDO" in May 2004 as its major debut. The song was also used as the opening theme for Fullmetal Alchemist, linking the band with anime theme songs through that major-label debut. In January 2006, Cool Joke ended its contract with its record company over differences in musical direction and returned to indie activity. Later that year, 林 left. The band continued with support bassists until 曳地琢真 joined officially in April 2010. In 2012, it released the self-cover single "UNDO -8years later-". 麻畠 left in July 2013, and 山下雅之 appeared as a support guitarist. In November 2023, the band announced a restart with the original members. Its official website is http://www.cooljoke.net/.