HANABIE PROJECT
Hanabie. (Japanese: 花冷え。Stylized: HANABIE.) is a Japanese nu metalcore[1] band from Tokyo, formed in 2015.[2][3] The band consists of vocalist Yukina, guitarist Matsuri, bassist Hettsu and drummer Chika. They are known for combining loud and heavy music with contrasting Harajuku aesthetics in a style self-described as "Harajuku-core".[4][5] Their songs incorporate elements of metalcore, hardcore punk, and nu metal, with a blend of hip hop and electronica.[6]
The band was formed by four high school friends due to their shared admiration of Maximum the Hormone, as a part of their light music club activities.[7] Initially a cover band, they soon transitioned into writing original music, self-producing their first single in 2016.[8] After a period as an independent band, during which they released an album and an EP, they were signed by Epic Records Japan, a subsidiary of Sony Music Japan in 2023.[9] In the same year, their second album Reborn Superstar! was released, ranking 24th on Billboard Japan's weekly album charts.[10] The success of the album led to international recognition and appearances at various music festivals outside Japan.[11]
The band name Hanabie. (花冷え。, "chilly spring weather"[12]), is a reference to the birthdays of the four founding members, all of whom were born during winter or spring. The " 。" signifies progress and was adopted from the name of another band the members were fans of during their middle school years.[13] Their music has featured on DMM TV drama Kenshiro ni Yoroku and Japanese variety show Kannai Devil.[14][15]