Do As Infinity
Do As Infinity is a Japanese pop rock band formed in 1999, originally comprising vocalist Tomiko Van, guitarist and backing vocalist Ryo Owatari, and composer and guitarist Dai Nagao.[1] Signed to Avex Trax, the trio debuted with the single "Tangerine Dream" on September 29, 1999, following more than 100 street performances near Shibuya's Hachiko statue.[1] Known for their blend of melodic pop rock and emotional lyrics, the band quickly rose to prominence in Japan's music scene, releasing over 30 singles and multiple studio albums, several of which achieved million-selling status.[1] The band's early career was marked by chart-topping hits and contributions to anime soundtracks, including "Fukai Mori" as the ending theme for Inuyasha and "Mysterious Magic" as the opening for Fairy Tail Season 2.[2] Their music often explored themes of love, longing, and resilience, resonating with a wide audience through upbeat rhythms and Van's powerful vocals. By 2005, after the release of their compilation album Do the A-side, Do As Infinity announced their disbandment on their sixth anniversary, concluding with a final concert at Nippon Budokan.[3] In 2008, Van and Owatari reformed the band as a duo, excluding Nagao, and resumed activities with the single "Want Me!" and subsequent tours, including appearances at events like A-Nation.[4] The reunion revitalized their career, leading to albums such as Eternal Flame (2009), Alive (2018), and the best-of collection Do The Complete (2021), alongside international tours in South America, Asia, and Europe.[1] As of 2025, Do As Infinity remains active, having released digital singles like "Tsumugi" (2023) and embarking on a 25th anniversary tour titled Do As Infinity LIVE TOUR 2025 〜QUARTER ∞︎︎ CENTURY〜, with performances at international events such as Anime Friends 2025 and Lalala Fest 2025, solidifying their enduring influence in J-pop.[1][5]History
Formation and debut (1999–2000)
Do As Infinity was formed in 1999 as a project band by composer and guitarist Dai Nagao under the avex trax label, with the group's name derived from Nagao's initials, D.A.I.[6] Nagao, already an established songwriter at avex, sought to create a new act and hosted auditions to assemble the lineup, ultimately selecting vocalist Tomiko Van for her distinctive voice and guitarist Ryo Owatari for his versatile playing style.[7] This trio—Nagao on guitar and composition, Van on lead vocals, and Owatari on guitar and backing vocals—marked the band's initial configuration, blending pop rock elements in their sound.[8] The band made their debut with the single "Tangerine Dream" on September 29, 1999, which served as an introduction to their melodic, guitar-driven style and achieved modest commercial entry on the Japanese charts.[6] Prior to and following the release, Do As Infinity built momentum through grassroots efforts, performing over 100 free street concerts primarily in front of the Hachiko statue at Shibuya Station in Tokyo, starting from August 27, 1999, and culminating in a milestone 100th free live at Shibuya Kokaido on November 22, 1999.[8][6] These unannounced, high-energy shows, often drawing spontaneous crowds, helped cultivate an early fanbase and honed the band's live presence before larger venues. On March 23, 2000, the group released their debut studio album Break of Dawn, which debuted at number 3 on the Oricon Albums Chart and solidified their emerging presence in the J-pop scene with tracks showcasing Nagao's songwriting and the duo's vocal-guitar synergy.[6] Early media appearances, including in-store promotions at locations like HMV Shinjuku and radio events such as the NACK5 Summer Party, further expanded their visibility and fan engagement.[6] In December 2000, Nagao withdrew from live performances to focus exclusively on composition and production, shifting the band's onstage dynamic to Van and Owatari while he continued contributing creatively from behind the scenes.[9]Rise to prominence (2001–2002)
Do As Infinity achieved significant commercial success with their second studio album, New World, released on February 21, 2001, which debuted at number one on the Oricon weekly album charts and sold over 353,000 copies in its first year.[10][11][12] The album's lead single promotions and upbeat pop-rock sound helped solidify the band's presence in the J-pop scene, building on the moderate success of their debut Break of Dawn. This breakthrough marked their transition from emerging artists to chart dominators, with the album earning a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for exceeding 200,000 units shipped.[12] A pivotal moment came with the release of the single "Fukai Mori" on June 27, 2001, which served as the second ending theme for the popular anime Inuyasha and became one of the band's signature songs.[13][14] The track peaked at number five on the Oricon weekly singles chart, selling approximately 173,600 copies and establishing Do As Infinity as a go-to act for anime soundtracks.[15] Its evocative lyrics and melody resonated with fans of the series, contributing to the band's growing visibility beyond traditional J-pop audiences and amplifying their domestic popularity during the anime boom of the early 2000s. The band's third album, Deep Forest, arrived on September 19, 2001, also debuting at number one on the Oricon charts and surpassing 600,000 copies in sales, with its title and inclusion of "Fukai Mori" thematically aligning with the mystical forest settings of Inuyasha.[16] This release further entrenched their chart dominance, as multiple singles from the album maintained top positions, showcasing a blend of rock-infused pop that appealed to both anime enthusiasts and mainstream listeners. In 2002, Do As Infinity capitalized on this momentum with their first greatest hits compilation, Do the Best, released on March 20, which topped the Oricon charts for weeks and sold over 832,000 copies, facilitating early international exposure through editions in markets like Hong Kong.[17][18] Capping the period, the fourth studio album True Song was released on December 26, 2002, peaking at number five on the Oricon charts and reinforcing their J-pop stature with introspective tracks tied to ongoing anime contributions.[19][20] Their success culminated in the 17th Japan Gold Disc Awards (for 2002 releases), where Do the Best won the Rock & Pop Album of the Year, highlighting their impact on the industry through anime soundtrack integrations and consistent chart performance.[21][22] This era of rapid ascent positioned Do As Infinity as a leading act in Japan's pop-rock landscape, driven by strategic anime collaborations and multi-platinum domestic sales.International expansion and peak (2003–2004)
In 2003, Do As Infinity released their fifth studio album, Gates of Heaven, on November 27, marking a shift toward more experimental sounds compared to their earlier pop-rock style.[23] The album featured tracks like "Azayaka na Hana," described as an experimental piece with refreshing changes in melody and structure, incorporating lighter, soaring pop elements alongside oriental flute influences in other songs.[24] This release debuted at No. 3 on the Oricon Albums Chart and sold approximately 250,000 copies in Japan, with year-end figures reaching 293,835 units, reflecting the band's sustained commercial momentum.[25] The period solidified Do As Infinity's peak popularity, with singles from Gates of Heaven contributing to strong chart performance. For instance, "Azayaka na Hana," released as a single on September 3, 2003, reached No. 11 on the Oricon Singles Chart, while follow-up "Machi" peaked at No. 2 in November 2003, underscoring the album's role in maintaining high visibility.[26] In 2004, the live album Live in Japan, recorded during their domestic tour and released on March 31, entered the Oricon chart at No. 23 and sold 17,000 copies, capturing the energy of their performances at that height.[27] These metrics highlighted the band's commercial peak, with overall sales in the period demonstrating robust demand amid evolving musical experimentation. International expansion became a key focus, as Do As Infinity ventured beyond Japan with tours that broadened their global reach. In summer 2004, they performed in the United States, including shows at The Cutting Room in New York on June 8 and the Adam's Mark Hotel in Dallas on June 4, where setlists emphasized hits like "Under the Sun" and tracks from Gates of Heaven.[28][29] Earlier, in 2003, they appeared in South Korea during the Korea-Japan Friendship Week on Jeju Island alongside jtL, further extending their Asian presence.[16] These outings, documented in the 2005 DVD Do As Infinity LIVE YEAR 2004 (Overseas Version), showcased their adaptability to international audiences and helped grow their fanbase overseas.[30] The band's earlier hit "Fukai Mori," tied to the anime Inuyasha, continued to influence their global appeal during this era, drawing in international fans through anime media exposure. This period saw notable fanbase expansion, fueled by tour successes and media tie-ins, with commercial endorsements emerging in Japan, such as theme songs for events like a-nation 2003 ("Honjitsu wa Seiten Nari"). While specific international collaborations were limited, the tours and live releases enhanced their media presence beyond Japan, solidifying their status at the height of their original run.Disbandment era (2005)
Do As Infinity released their sixth and final studio album, Need Your Love, on February 16, 2005, through Avex Trax, marking the culmination of their original run with a blend of pop-rock tracks that reflected their established sound.[31] The album featured contributions from core members Tomiko Van on vocals, Ryo Owatari on guitar, and composer Dai Nagao, and it peaked at number three on the Oricon weekly charts, underscoring the band's sustained popularity.[31] This release served as a poignant endpoint to their creative output during the original era, allowing them to bow out amid commercial success from prior years. On September 13, 2005, the band announced their disbandment effective September 29, exactly six years after their debut single "Tangerine Dream," with the stated reason being a desire to conclude activities at their creative and commercial peak rather than risk decline.[32] Accompanying the announcement was the release of their final single "TAO" on August 24, 2005, which served as the opening theme for the video game Tales of Legendia and topped the Oricon charts, followed by the two-disc compilation Do the A-side on September 28, collecting all their A-side singles for a comprehensive retrospective.[33][34] The split evoked widespread media attention in Japanese outlets, highlighting the band's influence on J-pop and rock fusion, while fans expressed shock and sorrow online and in fan communities, viewing it as an abrupt end to a defining act. The era closed with the farewell concert Do As Infinity -Final- on November 25, 2005, at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan, where the trio reunited onstage for a two-hour set drawing approximately 10,000 attendees in an emotionally charged performance captured on a live album released in 2006.[35] The event symbolized a graceful exit, with Van delivering heartfelt renditions of hits like "Fukai Mori" amid tears from performers and audience alike, as reported in contemporary music press. Following the disbandment, Van launched her solo career with the album FAREWELL on March 29, 2006; Owatari formed the band Missile Innovation and pursued production collaborations with Avex artists; and Nagao continued composing for various acts under Avex Trax, including contributions to other J-pop projects.[36][37]Reunion and revival (2008–2015)
Do As Infinity announced their reunion on August 30, 2008, during a surprise guest appearance at the a-nation '08 festival in Tokyo, marking the band's ninth anniversary since their formation in 1999.[38] The core duo of vocalist Tomiko Van and guitarist Ryo Owatari reformed without original member Dai Nagao, who had been instrumental in their earlier songwriting but chose not to participate.[39] This revival emphasized a renewed focus on live performances, with the duo adopting a format supported by session musicians to sustain their dynamic sound.[40] Their first post-reunion live event, a free concert titled "Do As Infinity FREE LIVE - FREE SOUL! FREE SPIRITS!" at Yoyogi Park on September 30, 2008, drew around 10,000 fans and officially confirmed the band's return on September 29, 2008.[41] The duo's initial releases included the single "∞1" on June 17, 2009, which served as their first original material since disbanding in 2005 and peaked at No. 10 on the Oricon charts.[42] This was followed by their seventh studio album, Eternal Flame, released on September 30, 2009, to coincide with their tenth anniversary; the album debuted at No. 9 on Oricon and featured themes of perseverance and renewal reflective of the band's journey.[43] In 2009, Do As Infinity launched the "Do! Creative!!" fan songwriting project in collaboration with Avex Trax, a semiannual contest inviting fans to submit lyrics and compositions for potential inclusion on future releases, fostering deeper audience engagement.[42] The project debuted with entries incorporated into Eternal Flame and continued to influence subsequent works. Subsequent albums solidified the duo's revival, including Eight (their eighth studio album) on January 19, 2011, which explored introspective themes through tracks like "1/100." Time Machine, the ninth album, arrived on February 29, 2012, peaking at No. 14 on Oricon and emphasizing nostalgic elements in its songwriting. Later that year, on October 10, 2012, they released Do As Infinity X, their tenth studio album, which broke from traditional naming conventions and reached No. 15 on the charts, highlighting collaborative production with external composers. The eleventh album, Brand New Days, came out on February 25, 2015, marking a period of creative maturation with fan-involved tracks from the ongoing "Do! Creative!!" initiative.[44] Anniversary celebrations underscored the band's emphasis on live performances, including the 14th Anniversary "Dive At It Limited Live 2013" at Maihama Amphitheater on September 29, 2013, a one-off event capturing their evolution as a duo. The 15th Anniversary "Dive At It Limited Live 2014" at Shibuya Public Hall further highlighted this shift, with recordings released to document the intimate, high-energy shows supported by session players. These events, part of the broader "Dive At It" tour series, reinforced Do As Infinity's commitment to fan interaction and stage presence over studio-heavy production during this era.[45]Recent activities (2016–present)
In February 2018, Do As Infinity released their twelfth studio album, Alive, entirely produced by composer Hiroyuki Sawano, marking a significant shift toward orchestral and cinematic arrangements in their sound.[46][47] This was followed by the Do As Infinity LIVE TOUR 2018 -ALIVE-, which included performances at major venues such as Tokyo International Forum Hall C on May 20, 2018, emphasizing the album's high-energy tracks in live settings.[45] The band continued their output with their thirteenth self-titled studio album, Do As Infinity, on September 25, 2019, featuring collaborations like the track "Forever YoungMembers
Current members
Tomiko Van (born January 9, 1979) serves as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist for Do As Infinity.[58][36] She joined the band in 1999 after being selected through auditions organized by Avex Trax to form the group.[7] Following the band's initial disbandment in 2005, Van pursued a solo career, releasing her debut album FAREWELL in 2006 and continuing with additional projects until 2008.[36] Since the 2008 reunion, she has been instrumental in the band's songwriting, contributing lyrics that reflect personal and thematic depth to their pop-rock sound.[59] Ryo Owatari (born April 4, 1971) is the guitarist, backing vocalist, co-lyricist, and composer, having been an original member since the band's formation in 1999.[60][61] He participated in the same auditions as Van and has remained a core creative force throughout the group's history.[62] Post-reunion, Owatari has taken on expanded responsibilities in production and live arrangements, leveraging his experience from side projects like Missile Innovation to shape the band's output.[59] Since reuniting as a duo in 2008 without original composer Dai Nagao, Van and Owatari have shared creative control, driving Do As Infinity's revival through collaborative songwriting and performances that blend their established styles with fresh evolutions.[4][63] This partnership has sustained the band's activities, including tours and releases up to 2025.[64]Former members
Dai Nagao (born March 28, 1971) is a Japanese composer, guitarist, and music producer who served as the founding member of Do As Infinity.[65] He formed the band in 1999 by recruiting vocalist Tomiko Van and guitarist Ryo Owatari through open auditions organized by Avex Trax.[66] As the primary songwriter, Nagao composed and produced the majority of the band's early hits, including their debut single "Tangerine Dream" and the anime theme "Fukai Mori," which helped establish their pop-rock sound.[66] He also performed as the band's guitarist during their initial live appearances and music videos in 1999 and 2000.[67] In December 2000, Nagao stepped away from live performances to focus exclusively on composition and production, no longer appearing at concerts or promotional events.[67] This shift allowed him to prioritize songwriting over onstage duties, contributing to five additional studio albums until the band's disbandment on September 29, 2005. With the group's official end, Nagao fully departed as a member.[68] Following the disbandment, Nagao continued his career as a composer and producer, building on prior work for artists like Ayumi Hamasaki, for whom he had written several tracks before and during his time with Do As Infinity.[66] In 2019, Nagao was arrested for possession of illegal drugs, which drew public criticism from Van and further distanced him from the band; he had no involvement in the 2008 reunion or subsequent activities, which proceeded as a duo of Van and Owatari.[68]Touring and session musicians
Do As Infinity, operating primarily as a duo since their 2008 reunion, has relied on a rotating group of session and touring musicians to expand their sound for live performances and certain recordings, transforming their core guitar-and-vocals setup into a fuller rock ensemble. In the early 2000s, during their rise to prominence, the band employed the Great Tour Band for major tours, which included live arrangements captured on their 2002 compilation album Do The Best. This group featured keyboardist Jun Takase, drummer Jun Matsumoto, bassist Michitaro (real name Michitaro Shimamoto), and guitarist Naoki Hayashibe, providing the rhythmic and harmonic foundation needed for arena-scale shows.[17][69] Following the reunion, the band maintained a consistent touring lineup to adapt their duo format to dynamic live settings, emphasizing layered instrumentation for songs from albums like Eternal Flame (2009). Keyboardist Jun Takase continued in this role, contributing to both recordings and tours with his arrangements on tracks such as "Piece of Your Heart," while bassist Yukiko Shibuya handled low-end support, guitarist Takumi Ishida added textural guitar layers, and drummer Noriyasu "Kaasuke" Kawamura provided propulsion, having transitioned from session work on earlier albums like Break of Dawn (2000). These musicians enabled the duo to replicate studio complexity onstage, with Kawamura's drumming particularly vital for high-energy renditions of hits like "Fukai Mori."[70][71][72] In more recent years, variations have appeared for specific tours and anniversary events, incorporating additional players to enhance percussion and harmonies. For the Dive At It limited live series in 2013 and 2014, the standard support band was augmented with extra guitarists like Takumi Ishida for intricate dual-guitar sections on tracks such as "For the Future." By 2023–2024, bassist Ryota Terasawa joined for select performances, and the 25th Anniversary LIVE in Tokyo featured an expanded ensemble: drummer Jun Matsumoto, keyboardist Jun Takase, bassist Satoshi "Anthony" Yamada, guitarist Kenji Kawamura, percussionist and chorist Sachiko Wakamori, and chorist KAZCO. This setup underscored the band's evolution, allowing for richer arrangements in intimate venues while preserving their rock essence.[64][73][74]Musical style and songwriting
Influences and genre evolution
Do As Infinity's musical foundation was rooted in 1970s middle-of-the-road (MOR) pop and rock influences from Western acts, seamlessly blended with the melodic structures and production aesthetics of J-pop, which propelled them to prominence as a flagship act for Avex Trax in the early 2000s.[75] This fusion created a distinctive sound characterized by catchy hooks, lush arrangements, and accessible emotional depth. The band's genre evolved from upbeat, synth-heavy pop-rock in their formative years to more introspective and varied expressions, reflecting shifts in production and thematic focus. Early tracks like the debut single "Tangerine Dream" (1999) exemplified energetic, optimistic pop-rock with prominent electronic elements crafted by founding composer Dai Nagao, emphasizing bright melodies and rhythmic drive.[16] By contrast, subsequent works incorporated emotional ballads such as "Fukai Mori" (2001), a poignant piece evoking mystical forest imagery and themes of longing, which aligned closely with the supernatural woodland settings of the anime Inuyasha for which it served as the second ending theme.[14] Anime integrations further shaped their evolution. Post-reunion in 2008, after a three-year hiatus and Nagao's departure, the duo of vocalist Tomiko Van and guitarist Ryo Owatari steered toward a guitar-driven revival, moving away from synth dominance toward rawer rock textures. This shift culminated in their 2018 album Alive, produced by Hiroyuki Sawano, where tracks delivered a rockier edge with intensified guitar riffs and dynamic energy, marking a maturation in their pop-rock core while retaining melodic accessibility.[47] Critics have commended this genre fusion for its versatility, highlighting Van's powerful yet emotive vocal delivery as a unifying force that bridges pop polish with rock intensity across their stylistic phases.[75]Songwriting credits and collaborations
In the band's formative years, songwriting credits were predominantly issued under the pseudonym "D.A.I.," representing compositions by founding member and producer Dai Nagao, as seen on their debut album Break of Dawn (2000), where all tracks list D.A.I. for both music and lyrics, with arrangements handled by the band and collaborator Seiji Kameda.[76] From 2001 onward, lead vocalist Tomiko Van and guitarist Ryo Owatari increasingly contributed lyrics, marking a shift evident in later singles and album tracks, such as those on True Song (2002), where Van and Owatari received credits alongside Nagao's compositions.[77] Following the band's 2008 reunion as a duo of Van and Owatari, songwriting evolved toward more collaborative and balanced attributions, with the pair serving as primary lyricists and co-composers on key releases; for instance, the single "∞1" (2009) credits Van and Owatari for lyrics, with Owatari also contributing to the composition.[78] This post-reunion approach emphasized their direct involvement, fostering a more personal creative dynamic without Nagao's overarching pseudonym. A notable innovation came with the "Do! Creative!!" project, launched in 2009 as a semiannual fan contest organized by the band and Avex Trax, inviting submissions for lyrics and melodies to be potentially featured on official releases.[79] The inaugural contest yielded three fan-composed tracks incorporated into the reunion album Eternal Flame (2009), while subsequent editions supported singles like "∞2" and elements of later works such as Brand New Days (2015), where select lyrics from fan entries appear alongside duo contributions.[80] This initiative has continued into recent years, integrating fan input on singles to maintain creative vitality. External collaborations have further diversified the band's songwriting, exemplified by producer Hiroyuki Sawano's involvement on the album ALIVE (2018), where he arranged and co-composed tracks like the title song, blending the duo's lyrics with his orchestral style.[81] Recent tie-ups highlight this openness, including "Till We End The Day" (2024), composed exclusively by Do As Infinity as the theme for the mobile RPG Langrisser's 6th anniversary.[82] Similarly, "Me and You, Always" (2025) serves as the commemorative theme for the 5th anniversary of the game app Ikemen Ouji: Bijo to Yajuu no Barbie, incorporating the band's songwriting with project-specific thematic elements.[83] These partnerships, alongside fan engagement, reflect an adaptive evolution prioritizing fresh perspectives in the duo's core process.Discography
Studio albums
Do As Infinity debuted with their first studio album in 2000 and has since released twelve more, all issued by the Avex Trax label, with consistent appearances on Japan's Oricon weekly album charts.[84][32] Their early albums marked the band's rise in the J-pop scene, while post-reunion releases reflected evolving production styles. A fourteenth studio album, currently untitled, was announced on October 3, 2025, and is scheduled for release on January 28, 2026; it will feature ten tracks, including "Me and You, Always," alongside 25th anniversary live footage.[54][85]| Album Title | Release Date | Label | Peak Oricon Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Break of Dawn | March 23, 2000 | Avex Trax | #3 |
| New World | February 21, 2001 | Avex Trax | #1 |
| Deep Forest | September 19, 2001 | Avex Trax | #1 |
| True Song | December 26, 2002 | Avex Trax | #4 |
| Gates of Heaven | November 27, 2003 | Avex Trax | #1 |
| Need Your Love | February 16, 2005 | Avex Trax | #3 |
| Eternal Flame | September 30, 2009 | Avex Trax | #10 |
| Eight | January 26, 2011 | Avex Trax | #12 |
| Time Machine | February 29, 2012 | Avex Trax | #14 |
| Do As Infinity X | October 10, 2012 | Avex Trax | #15 |
| Brand New Days | February 25, 2015 | Avex Trax | #18 |
| Alive | February 28, 2018 | Avex Trax | #20 |
| Do As Infinity | September 25, 2019 | Avex Trax | #22 |
Compilation albums
Do As Infinity's compilation albums primarily consist of greatest hits collections, fan-voted selections, and themed retrospectives that highlight their evolution from J-pop and rock influences to more mature soundscapes. These releases often coincide with milestones like anniversaries or reunions, aggregating key singles and album tracks while occasionally introducing new material to bridge their disbandment hiatus and revival periods. The compilations have consistently performed well on the Oricon charts, underscoring the band's enduring popularity in Japan. The band's inaugural compilation, Do the Best, was released on March 20, 2002, by Avex Trax as a single-disc collection of 17 tracks spanning their early singles and album cuts, such as "Summer Days" and "Desire." It debuted at number 1 on the Oricon weekly albums chart, charting for 29 weeks and selling over 800,000 copies, marking a commercial high point before their first major tour.[88][69] Following their 2005 disbandment announcement, Do the A-Side arrived on September 28, 2005, as a two-disc set compiling 21 A-side singles from their career, including "Tangerine Dream" and "Rakuen." This farewell release peaked at number 3 on the Oricon weekly albums chart and charted for 19 weeks, serving as a comprehensive singles retrospective that captured their pop-rock essence.[89][34] In celebration of their 15th anniversary, The Best of Do As Infinity was issued on January 1, 2014, featuring 30 member-selected tracks across two discs, drawing from both pre- and post-reunion eras like "陽のあたる坂道" and "Mysterious Magic." It reached number 33 on the Oricon weekly albums chart, emphasizing their stylistic breadth with remastered audio for broader accessibility.[90][91] Marking their 20th anniversary and post-reunion momentum, Do The Complete was released on March 24, 2021, as a three-disc set with 36 tracks, including two new recordings: the ballad "Anata o Tada Aishiteiru" (translated as "I Just Love You") and the upbeat "Like A Rose." Accompanied by a Blu-ray of music videos, it peaked at number 30 on the Oricon weekly albums chart, offering a definitive overview of their catalog from debut to contemporary works.[92][48] A fan-voted variant, Do The Complete "Great Supporters Selection", followed digitally in 2021, compiling 30 tracks chosen by supporters via online poll, such as "Yesterday & Today" and "We Are," to reflect audience favorites without new content.[93] In the 2020s, Do As Infinity issued digital-only retrospectives to engage streaming audiences during the COVID-19 era. Tears Selection, released on March 4, 2020, curates 17 emotional tracks like "Hand in Hand" and "深い森," themed around poignant ballads and selected by the members for introspective listening.[94] Similarly, Powers Selection, launched on June 24, 2020, features 20 uplifting songs including "Summer Days" and "冒険者たち," focused on empowering anthems to provide motivation amid global challenges.[95] These concise digital compilations prioritize thematic cohesion over exhaustive discographies, extending the band's reach on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.Singles
Do As Infinity has released more than 30 singles since their 1999 debut, many of which topped the Oricon charts and gained prominence through anime theme songs during their early career. Their singles blend pop-rock elements with emotional lyrics, often written or composed by guitarist Ryo Owatari, and have sold millions collectively, with several earning gold or platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). Key releases highlight their commercial peaks and media tie-ins, transitioning from physical CDs in the 2000s to digital formats in recent years. The following table summarizes select major singles, focusing on chart performance and notable associations:| Title | Release Date | Oricon Peak | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangerine Dream | September 29, 1999 | #7 | Debut single; introduced the band's melodic rock style.[96] |
| Oasis | May 17, 2000 | #5 | Early hit that boosted their visibility on radio and TV.[22] |
| Fukai Mori | June 27, 2001 | #5 | Theme for anime Inuyasha; best-selling single with over 1 million copies sold and RIAJ million certification.[15][8] |
| Hi no Ataru Sakamichi | March 20, 2002 | #4 | Theme song for drama Hatsutaiken; featured dynamic guitar riffs characteristic of their early work. |
| Koi no Mama ni | June 1, 2005 | #5 | Final original single before hiatus; emphasized vocal harmonies and romantic themes.[22] |
| ∞1 | December 17, 2008 | #20 | Reunion single post-2005 disbandment; marked a return to upbeat pop-rock.[96] |
| Desire | October 6, 2010 | #25 | Post-reunion release with introspective lyrics; part of their renewed activity under Avex.[16] |
| Alive / Iron Hornet | June 28, 2017 | #40 | Double A-side; "Alive" highlighted energetic live potential, while "Iron Hornet" explored heavier riffs.[22] |
| To Know You | September 27, 2017 | #45 | Follow-up single focusing on emotional ballads; reflected maturing songwriting.[16] |
| Tsumugi (紡ぎ) | 2023 | N/A (digital) | Digital single with NHK program tie-in; showcased acoustic influences in their later output.[97] |
| Till We End The Day | September 29, 2024 | N/A (digital) | Digital release as theme for RPG game Langrisser 6th anniversary; emphasized themes of perseverance.[22] |
| Me and You, Always | Announced June 10, 2025 | N/A (digital/upcoming) | Theme for 5th anniversary of mobile game Ikemen Prince: The Beast and the Beauty's Final Love; set for inclusion on forthcoming album.[98] |