Buono!
Buono! (ボーノ) was a Japanese idol group formed in 2007 as a select unit within the Hello! Project collective, comprising Momoko Tsugunaga and Miyabi Natsuyaki from the group Berryz Kobo alongside Airi Suzuki from °C-ute.[1] The trio, whose name derives from the Italian word for "delicious" or "good," was specifically assembled by Up-Front Promotion to perform theme songs for the anime adaptation of the manga Shugo Chara!, with their debut single "Honto no Jibun" serving as the series' first ending theme upon its release on October 31, 2007.[1][2] Over the course of their decade-long career, Buono! became known for their energetic blend of J-pop and pop rock, often backed by a live band called Dolce during performances, and they expanded beyond anime ties to release a series of singles and albums that charted on the Oricon rankings while embarking on annual concert tours across Japan. Their music frequently explored themes of youth, independence, and self-expression, resonating with fans through upbeat tracks like "Ren'ai♥Rider" and "Gachinko de Ikō!," and they performed at major venues including Nippon Budokan.[3] The group concluded their activities with a final concert at Yokohama Arena on May 22, 2017, marking the end of Buono! due to Tsugunaga's subsequent retirement from the entertainment industry on June 30 of that year, though the members have occasionally reunited for one-off events and releases in the years since.[3][4]History
2007–2009: Formation and debut
Buono! was formed on July 21, 2007, as a temporary subunit of the Hello! Project collective, with its announcement made during the Nakayoshi Summer Festival event at Sunshine City in Tokyo. The group comprised Momoko Tsugunaga and Miyabi Natsuyaki from Berryz Kobo, alongside Airi Suzuki from ℃-ute, selected specifically to perform the opening and ending theme songs for the anime series Shugo Chara!. This collaboration tied the unit directly to the show's promotion, emphasizing a rock-oriented sound to appeal to the series' young audience.[5] In late 2007, Buono! entered into a promotional partnership with the pizza chain Pizza-La, featuring the members in television commercials and themed marketing campaigns, including special "Buono!"-branded pizzas that aligned with the group's emerging image. The unit's debut single, "Honto no Jibun"—used as the first ending theme for Shugo Chara!—was released on October 31, 2007, by Pony Canyon, debuting at number 5 on the Oricon weekly singles chart and remaining on the ranking for 13 weeks, with initial sales exceeding 29,000 copies. Subsequent releases in 2008, such as the single "Ren'ai Rider" on February 6, further supported the anime's themes and helped establish the group's domestic presence.[6][7] The group's first studio album, Café Buono!, arrived on February 20, 2008, compiling their early singles alongside new tracks and peaking at number 11 on the Oricon weekly albums chart. This release marked a consolidation of their anime-tied material into a full-length project, with sales surpassing 23,000 units and reinforcing their rock-pop style. Later that year, Buono! held their inaugural solo concert tour, Buono! Live Tour 20082010–2012: Label change and expansion
In early 2010, following the conclusion of the Shugo Chara! anime series, Buono! transitioned from their initial association with Pony Canyon to the Zetima label under Up-Front Works, a move announced in December 2010 that aligned the group more closely with Hello! Project's internal structure. This shift marked a new phase of independence, allowing for greater creative control over their rock-oriented sound. Their final Pony Canyon release, the compilation album The Best Buono!, arrived on August 10, 2010, peaking at number 16 on the Oricon weekly albums chart.[10] Prior to the label change, Buono! issued their third studio album, We Are Buono!, on February 10, 2010, which debuted at number 11 on the Oricon weekly albums chart and showcased a mix of upbeat pop-rock tracks emphasizing the group's vocal harmonies and energetic style. Under Zetima, their output continued steadily, beginning with the single "Zassou no Uta" on February 2, 2011, followed by the mini-album Partenza on August 10, 2011, which reached number 21 on the Oricon weekly albums chart. These releases highlighted Buono!'s evolution toward more mature themes, blending introspective lyrics with driving guitar riffs to appeal to a broadening fanbase. The period also saw key singles that underscored their growing momentum, including the double A-side "Hatsukoi Cider / Deep Mind" released on January 18, 2012, which peaked at number 7 on the Oricon weekly singles chart; "Hatsukoi Cider" served as the ending theme for the drama Suugaku♥Joshi Gakuen, while "Deep Mind" was the main theme for the film Gomennasai, Buono!'s first group-starring movie. Live performances during this era benefited from the consistent support of their all-female backing band, Dolce, whose instrumentation added depth to the group's rock performances, enabling dynamic stage shows that emphasized guitar solos and rhythmic intensity.[11] Buono!'s expansion extended internationally with their debut overseas concert on February 12, 2012, at La Machine du Moulin Rouge in Paris, France, drawing approximately 1,000 enthusiastic fans in a sold-out show that introduced their music to European audiences. Domestically, they headlined at the inaugural Yubi Matsuri idol festival on June 25, 2012, at Nippon Budokan, an event produced by AKB48 member Rino Sashihara that attracted around 8,000 attendees and featured collaborations among prominent idol groups. These milestones reflected Buono!'s peak activity, solidifying their reputation as a versatile rock unit within the idol landscape.[12][13]2013–2015: Reduced activities
Following the release of their second mini-album Sherbet on August 22, 2012, Buono! entered a period of significantly reduced group activities, with no new music releases until 2016. The album, which included tracks like "Take It Easy!" and "Never Gonna Stop!", marked the end of their prolific output phase, as members shifted focus to solo commitments and parent groups Berryz Kobo and °C-ute. Promotional efforts for Sherbet extended into early 2013, including live performances at Hello! Project events, but the group avoided major tours or original content thereafter.[14][15] In 2014, Buono! made select guest appearances, notably at the BeriKyuu joint concerts featuring Berryz Kobo and °C-ute, where they performed hits such as "Rock no Kamisama" at Nippon Budokan and during the Japan Expo in Paris on July 3. These one-off stages highlighted their ongoing affiliation with Hello! Project but underscored the hiatus-like status, as no dedicated Buono! events were scheduled. The following year, on February 28 and March 1, 2015, they reunited for guest spots at the Berryz Kobo Matsuri, a celebratory festival honoring Berryz Kobo's legacy before its indefinite hiatus, performing songs like "Tabidachi no Uta" amid limited rehearsal time due to individual schedules.[16][17][18] A key indicator of dormancy came on April 23, 2014, when Buono! was removed from the artist listings on the official Hello! Project website during a site redesign, though the group was not formally disbanded. Public sightings remained sparse, confined to occasional cameos tied to members' obligations in Berryz Kobo and °C-ute, such as joint Hello! Project countdown parties. The radio program Trattoria Buono!, hosted by the trio since 2013, concluded with its 100th and final episode on February 28, 2015, reflecting the scaled-back presence.[19] By the end of 2012, Buono! had achieved total sales of 494,141 copies across their discography up to that point, with negligible additions during the 2013–2015 period due to the absence of new releases. This milestone encapsulated their earlier commercial success but highlighted the stagnation in group momentum amid shifting member priorities.[20]2016–2017: Reunion releases and disbandment
In early 2016, following a four-year hiatus from new releases, Buono! announced their return with a surprise indie DVD single titled "So La Si Do2023: Partial reunion
In 2023, Buono! staged a partial reunion at the Hello! Project 25th Anniversary Concert, specifically during the "ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL!" segment on September 10 at Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, featuring only two of its original members: Miyabi Natsuyaki and Airi Suzuki. This appearance came in the absence of group leader Momoko Tsugunaga, who retired from the entertainment industry on June 30, 2017, shortly after Buono!'s disbandment.[26][27] Natsuyaki and Suzuki performed the group's debut single "Honto no Jibun," a track originally released in 2007 that served as the ending theme for the anime Shugo Chara!.[28] The rendition was captured for the official Blu-ray release of the concert, issued on March 20, 2024, underscoring its place as a key moment in the anniversary celebration.[28] No additional Buono!-branded songs were included in the setlist, and the performance highlighted the duo's continued involvement in Hello! Project events amid the collective's shift toward newer acts like OCHA NORMA and BEYOOOOONDS. In January 2025, select tracks from Buono!'s discography were made available on streaming services in Japan.[29] Post-disbandment, Natsuyaki has pursued solo endeavors following the 2021 end of her group PINK CRES., while Suzuki launched a solo music career in 2018 alongside acting projects.[30][31] The 2023 outing marked a nostalgic, one-off nod to Buono!'s rock-infused legacy rather than signaling any revival, new releases, or tours, aligning with Hello! Project's structure of occasional OG (original generation) cameos to bridge past and present eras.[28]Concept and musical style
Group concept
Buono! derives its name from the Italian word "buono," meaning "good" or "tasty," which evokes a sense of fun and pleasantness aligned with its sponsorship by the pizza chain Pizza-La, where the group served as the brand's advertisement unit in TV commercials and promotional materials.[7] This branding emphasized a lighthearted, dessert-like appeal, tying the group's identity to the "delicious" theme of pizza while positioning it as an accessible, enjoyable act within the idol landscape. Formed in 2007 as a rock-oriented subunit of Hello! Project, Buono! was designed to contrast the typical pop idol style of the collective by incorporating live instrumentation from its support band, Dolce, which provided a groundbreaking emphasis on band-driven performances during an era dominated by synthesized pop.[32] This approach allowed the group to explore pop-rock territory, blending energetic guitar riffs and dynamic staging with the vocal talents of its members, creating a fresh subunit dynamic that highlighted musicianship over pure choreography.[33] The visual identity of Buono! merged edgy rock aesthetics—such as British mod influences including target motifs and Union Jack patterns—with the cute, idol-like elements characteristic of Hello! Project, particularly during its tie-in with the anime Shugo Chara!, for which the group performed theme songs and adopted anime-inspired outfits that amplified a playful yet rebellious "rock idol" vibe.[32] These designs balanced toughness and adorability, using vibrant colors and thematic accessories to reinforce the group's unique positioning. Within Hello! Project, Buono! functioned as a collaborative bridge between members of Berryz Kobo and ℃-ute, fostering joint projects that showcased cross-group synergy and allowed for experimental ventures outside their parent units' pop frameworks.[32] This role underscored its status as a "heretical" or innovative unit, enabling shared creative opportunities while maintaining distinct branding.[32]Musical influences and style
Buono!'s music primarily fuses J-rock with pop sensibilities, encompassing genres such as pop rock and power pop, which lend their songs a vibrant, guitar-infused energy suitable for anime themes.[34] Formed initially to provide opening and ending tracks for the anime Shugo Chara!, the group's early output emphasized upbeat, energetic compositions that aligned with the series' dynamic narrative.[35] A distinctive feature of Buono!'s sound is the consistent support from their all-female live backing band, Dolce, which debuted alongside the group in 2008 and contributed to an authentic rock texture uncommon within Hello! Project's typically synthesized idol productions.[36] This arrangement facilitated guitar-driven tracks, exemplified by their debut single "Honto no Jibun," arranged with prominent guitar and bass elements to underscore themes of self-realization.[37] Following their 2010 transition from Pony Canyon to the Zetima label, Buono!'s style matured, shifting from anime-centric pop-rock toward broader explorations in originals and covers that integrated J-pop structures with rock instrumentation.[35] Central to their appeal remain the harmonized vocals of the trio—Airi Suzuki, Miyabi Natsuyaki, and Momoko Tsugunaga—which create layered, youthful harmonies often centered on motifs of personal growth and discovery.[36]Members
Core vocalists
Buono!'s core vocalists consisted of three members selected from Hello! Project groups: Momoko Tsugunaga and Miyabi Natsuyaki from Berryz Kobo, and Airi Suzuki from ℃-ute. Formed in 2007, this trio provided the primary singing roles, with their performances backed by the support band Dolce during live shows. The members' commitments to their parent groups often limited Buono!'s activity frequency, as primary schedules with Berryz Kobo and ℃-ute took precedence, resulting in sporadic releases and tours.[38] Momoko Tsugunaga (born March 6, 1992) served as Buono!'s leader, a role formally announced during the group's first one-man live in 2009.[39] As a lead vocalist from Berryz Kobo, she frequently took center positions in singles and contributed to the group's energetic rock-infused style through her versatile singing. Tsugunaga's leadership emphasized group unity and stage presence, guiding the trio through anime tie-ins and concerts until Buono!'s disbandment in 2017, after which she retired from the entertainment industry.[33][40] Miyabi Natsuyaki (born August 25, 1992), also from Berryz Kobo, acted as Buono!'s sub-leader, supporting Tsugunaga in coordinating activities and maintaining the group's dynamic.[41] Known for her skills as the main dancer and rapper, Natsuyaki added rhythmic flair and choreography emphasis to performances, enhancing Buono!'s pop-rock appeal with her agile movements and occasional rap verses. She remained active in the group's partial reunion efforts in 2023.[42] Airi Suzuki (born April 12, 1994), the youngest member from ℃-ute, handled high vocal parts, delivering clear and powerful high notes that defined many of Buono!'s choruses and anime endings.[43] Following the 2017 disbandment, Suzuki pursued a solo career while occasionally referencing Buono! in her work.[44] The interplay among the vocalists fostered Buono!'s signature balance: Tsugunaga's commanding presence, Natsuyaki's rhythmic drive, and Suzuki's soaring highs created a cohesive sound that blended idol pop with rock elements, despite scheduling constraints from parent group obligations.[45]Support band (Dolce)
Dolce served as the dedicated live backing band for Buono!, formed to provide instrumental support and enhance the group's rock-oriented performances starting from their early solo concerts in 2008, though the band's stable lineup solidified around 2010 following Buono!'s label transition to Zetima. The ensemble consisted of five core members: eji on keyboards and serving as bandmaster, Mariko Fujii on guitar, Kei Higuchi on guitar (joining in 2016 as the second guitarist), Naomichi (real name Naomi Iwasaki) on bass, and Maimai (real name Mai Imamura) on drums.[46] This all-female group, known for their skilled musicianship, allowed Buono! to deliver full live instrumentation during tours, distinguishing them from typical idol acts that often relied on pre-recorded tracks or lip-syncing.[32] Dolce's integration became prominent during Buono!'s 2010 live tours, such as "Rock'n Buono! 3" and "We are Buono!", where the band's appearance marked the second half of concerts, transitioning from vocal-focused segments to high-energy rock renditions with live drums, bass, guitars, and keyboards.[47] Their role extended beyond mere accompaniment; members like Naomichi contributed backing vocals during select live numbers, adding depth to Buono!'s harmonies and creating a unified band dynamic on stage.[48] Dolce also participated in post-2010 recordings for live albums and special releases, providing authentic instrumentation that reinforced Buono!'s evolution toward a more robust rock sound after leaving Pony Canyon.[49] The band's stage presence was integral to Buono!'s identity, with members often interacting dynamically during performances to amplify the group's energetic appeal and foster a sense of camaraderie, as seen in their consistent involvement across domestic tours from 2010 onward.[50] Dolce maintained this support through Buono!'s periods of reduced activity and reunion phases, including the 2016 Festa event and the 2017 farewell concert "Pienezza!" at Yokohama Arena, where eji delivered an emotional message on behalf of the group.[46]Discography
Studio albums
Buono! released three studio albums under the Pony Canyon label between 2008 and 2010, each showcasing the group's signature blend of J-pop with rock influences and upbeat, youthful energy. These full-length releases compiled key singles alongside original tracks, reflecting the unit's evolution from anime-tie-in origins to more independent pop-rock expressions. The albums emphasized themes of self-discovery, friendship, and lively empowerment, often delivered through catchy melodies and energetic performances.[51] The debut album, Café Buono!, was released on February 20, 2008. It marked the group's introduction to full-length recording, incorporating several tracks tied to the anime Shugo Chara!, such as "Honto no Jibun," "Ren'ai Rider," and "Kokoro no Tamago," which served as opening and ending themes for the series. The album's playful, café-themed aesthetic aligned with Buono!'s "delicious" concept, blending pop with light rock elements to convey fun and aspirational vibes for young listeners. It peaked at number 11 on the Oricon weekly albums chart and remained on the chart for five weeks.[51][52][53]| Track No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Café Buono! |
| 2 | Nakimushi Shounen |
| 3 | Ren'ai Rider |
| 4 | Honto no Jibun |
| 5 | Baketsu no Mizu |
| 6 | Garakuta no Yume |
| 7 | Internet Cupid |
| 8 | Last Forever |
| 9 | Kokoro no Tamago |
| 10 | Hoshi no Hitsuji-tachi |
| 11 | Rock no Kamisama |
| 12 | Kimi ga Ireba |
| Track No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Early Bird |
| 2 | Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! |
| 3 | Kirakira |
| 4 | Shōshiten -Vanishing Point- |
| 5 | Rottara Rottara |
| 6 | Co・No・Mi・Chi |
| 7 | Minna Daisuki |
| 8 | I Need You |
| 9 | Gachinko de Ikou! |
| 10 | You're My Friend |
| 11 | Over The Rainbow |
| 12 | Gōru |
| Track No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | One Way = My Way |
| 2 | Our Songs |
| 3 | Independent Girl |
| 4 | My Boy |
| 5 | Urahara |
| 6 | Take It Easy! |
| 7 | Bravo☆Bravo |
| 8 | Kataomoi. |
| 9 | Blue-Sky-Blue |
| 10 | Koucha no Oishii Mise |
| 11 | Tabidachi no Uta |
| 12 | We Are Buono! |