Biography
Merengue is a Japanese rock trio formed in 2002, managed by Ki/oon Music and signed to the TEN CARAT label, with an official website at merengue.jp and an external association with Warner Music Japan. Built around a compact three-member lineup, the band’s core identity comes from the contrast between vocals, guitar, synthesizer, bass, chorus, drums, and percussion, all arranged within a small-group rock format.
The members are Kubo Kenji (クボケンジ), real name 久保賢二, born on 08.08.1977, blood type A, who performs vocals, guitar, and synthesizer; Takeshita Tsuyoshi (タケシタツヨシ), real name 竹下剛史, born on 25.07.1978, blood type A, who handles bass and chorus; and Yamazaki Takeshi (ヤマザキタケシ), real name 山崎剛史, born on 21.09.1976, blood type B, who plays drums and percussion. This lineup gives Merengue a direct rock configuration with a clear division of melody, rhythm, and harmonic support.
With Kubo Kenji leading the vocal and melodic parts, Takeshita Tsuyoshi anchoring the low end, and Yamazaki Takeshi driving the rhythm section, Merengue is defined by a tight and performance-focused trio. The group’s blend of guitar and synthesizer with bass, chorus, drums, and percussion allows it to move between straightforward rock energy and more layered band arrangements while keeping its compact identity intact.
