(the) Field of View (フィールド・オブ・ビュー Fīrudo obu Byū) are a Japanese pop rock band formed in 1994 by vocalist U-ya Asaoka, guitarist Takashi Oda, keyboardist Jun Abe and drummer Takuto Kohashi, with Jun Abe leaving and Kenji Niitsu joining the following year. The group originally broke up in 2002, but reunited in 2012.One of their hit singles, "Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku" (DAN DAN 心魅かれてく), was used as the opening theme for the anime series Dragon Ball GT. Another single, "Kawaita Sakebi" (渇いた叫び), was used as the opening for the original Yu-Gi-Oh! series from Toei in 1998.
History
Formation and early years
Field of View was formed on February 9, 1994, by vocalist U-ya Asaoka, guitarist Takashi Oda, keyboardist Jun Abe, and drummer Takuto Kohashi, initially operating under the name "view" and signing with Zain Records, a subsidiary of Being Inc..[2][3] The group debuted with their first single, "Ano Toki no Naka de Bokura wa," released on the same day, marking their entry into the Japanese music scene with a focus on pop rock arrangements..[4] This was followed by additional early singles, including "Mayowanaide" in August 1994 and "Kimi ga Ita Kara" in May 1995, which helped establish their presence through radio airplay on stations like FM Tokyo..[2][5]In late 1995, keyboardist Jun Abe departed the band following the release of the single "Last Good-bye" in September, prompting the recruitment of bassist Kenji Niitsu to round out the lineup and solidify their instrumental foundation for future recordings..[2][5] This change occurred amid growing activity, as the band built a dedicated fanbase through minor live tours across Japan, including performances at small venues in Tokyo and Osaka that showcased their energetic stage presence and evolving pop rock sound..[6]The group's debut album, Field of View I, was released on October 10, 1995, under Zain Records, featuring a mix of original tracks and marking their transition to the official band name..[4] The album peaked at number 1 on the Oricon weekly albums chart and sold over 400,000 copies in Japan, achieving significant commercial success for a newcomer act..[7][5]
No.
Title
Lyrics
Music
Length
1
"Sepia" (セピア)
U-ya Asaoka
U-ya Asaoka
4:51
2
"Totsuzen" (突然)
Izumi Sakai
Tetsurō Oda
4:28
3
"Koi ga Ai ni Kawatteyuku Made ni" (恋が愛に変わってゆくまでに)
U-ya Asaoka
U-ya Asaoka
4:35
4
"Kitto Hanarete Ite mo" (きっと離れていても)
U-ya Asaoka
U-ya Asaoka
4:24
5
"Think of Myself"
U-ya Asaoka
U-ya Asaoka
4:15
6
"Kimi ga Ita Kara" (君がいたから)
U-ya Asaoka
U-ya Asaoka
4:29
7
"Hajimari wa Tadaima" (始まりはただいま)
U-ya Asaoka
U-ya Asaoka
4:42
8
"Summer Time is Gone"
U-ya Asaoka
U-ya Asaoka
4:20
9
"Last Good-bye"
U-ya Asaoka
U-ya Asaoka
4:11
10
"What is Love?"
U-ya Asaoka
U-ya Asaoka
5:02
The album's tracks, many written and composed by Asaoka, emphasized emotional ballads and upbeat rock elements, contributing to their early momentum in the mid-1990s J-pop landscape..[4]
Breakthrough and success
Field of View achieved their commercial breakthrough in 1996 with the release of the single "Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku" on March 11, serving as the opening theme for the anime series Dragon Ball GT. The track peaked at number 4 on the Oricon weekly singles chart and sold 528,150 copies, earning platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments exceeding 200,000 units and establishing the band as a prominent act in the J-rock scene.[8][9]This success was followed by additional hits, including the earlier single "Kimi ga Ita kara" (released May 15, 1995), which reached number 3 on the Oricon chart, and "Kawaita Sakebi" (released May 20, 1998), the opening theme for Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, peaking at number 4. These anime ties amplified their exposure, with "Kawaita Sakebi" contributing to the band's sustained popularity in the late 1990s. The core lineup remained stable during this period, providing consistency in their pop rock sound.[10][11]The band's albums further solidified their peak, with Field of View II (released October 2, 1996) debuting at number 4 on the Oricon albums chart and selling 167,230 copies in its first week; key tracks included "Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku" and "Doki," earning gold certification from the RIAJ. Their self-titled debut Field of View I (1995) had previously topped the Oricon chart with over 628,000 total sales, while follow-up efforts like Booster (1997, peaking at number 2) featured highlights such as "Kimi wo Terasu Taiyou ni," receiving platinum status. From 1996 to 1998, Field of View notched 10 consecutive top-10 singles on the Oricon charts, driving total record sales beyond 10 million units by 2000.[7][5]
Disbandment
Following the peak popularity of the late 1990s, Field of View experienced signs of decline in the early 2000s, as their singles began charting lower on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart amid evolving trends in J-pop toward more diverse and youth-oriented sounds. For instance, the 2000 single "Akikaze no Monokuroomu" peaked at #32, while 2001 releases like "Truth of Love" reached only #48, reflecting reduced commercial momentum compared to their earlier top-10 hits.[12]The band's final studio album, Capsule Monster, was released on March 29, 2000, marking a shift to Nippon Columbia after their previous work on Zain Records; it debuted at #43 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart, the lowest position for any of their original albums.[13][14][15]In July 2002, the band announced their disbandment, citing creative differences in musical direction as a key factor, with vocalist U-ya Asaoka expressing interest in pursuing a solo career to explore new artistic paths. This came after a period of internal changes and waning sales, leading to the release of their final single, "Melody," on July 10, 2002, under the name the FIELD OF VIEW, which peaked at #23 on the Oricon chart.[12][16]The disbandment culminated in a farewell concert titled the FIELD OF VIEW FINAL LIVE "Live Horizon-SUPERIOR 2002 Gift of Memories", held on November 28, 2002, at Shibuya Public Hall in Tokyo, serving as the emotional close to their original eight-year run.[17]In the immediate aftermath, a posthumous compilation album, Memorial Best: Gift of Melodies, was issued on October 9, 2002, via Zain Records, featuring 22 tracks including major hits and newer material; it achieved a peak of #19 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart, outperforming their most recent original releases.[18]
Reunion and later activities
In 2012, Field of View temporarily reunited to participate in the Being Inc.-organized "BEING LEGEND LIVE TOUR 2012," performing alongside fellow label acts including T-BOLAN, B.B.QUEENS, and DEEN.[5] The lineup consisted of vocalist U-ya Asaoka, drummer Takuto Kohashi, and bassist Kenji Niitsu, with keyboard support from Jun Abe, though original guitarist Takashi Oda did not participate.[19]The band remained dormant until 2020, when they marked their 25th anniversary with the release of the compilation albumFIELD OF VIEW 25th Anniversary Extra Rare Best 2020 on May 13. This two-disc set included five previously unreleased new tracks, alternate versions of hits, rare sound sources, and a DVD featuring approximately 40 minutes of live and on-air footage, much of it newly available in video format. To commemorate the milestone, they held limited live performances, such as the special show on October 15 at Shinjuku ReNY in Tokyo.[20]Post-2020 activities have been sporadic, centered on anniversary events and releases led by core members Asaoka, Oda, and Kohashi. In 2022, the band issued their first new single in two decades, "Kitto," on September 28.[1] Vocalist U-ya Asaoka has sustained a parallel solo career since 2003, frequently incorporating references to the band's classic era in his compositions and live sets.As of 2025, Field of View maintains an inactive status as a full ensemble but shows potential for future engagements through ongoing preparations by the core trio for their 30th anniversary, including the single "Kimi ga Suki da", released on May 15, 2025.[1]
Band members
Current members
Since their reunions starting in 2012, Field of View's activities have been led by vocalist U-ya Asaoka and drummer Takuto Kohashi as the core duo, accompanied by various support musicians, including releases like the single "Kitto" in 2022, a performance at Animelo Summer Live 2024, and preparations for 30th anniversary live shows and the single "Kimi ga Suki da" on May 15, 2025.[21][22][1]U-ya Asaoka (born January 25, 1969) is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter, whose compositions have defined the band's signature melodic pop-rock style. After the band's 2002 disbandment, he transitioned to a successful solo career under labels like Meldac, releasing albums such as Uta no Chikara in 2003, which showcased his vocal range and lyrical focus on emotional themes. Asaoka's role has been central to reunion efforts, revitalizing the group's sound with his enduring songwriting influence.[23]Takuto Kohashi (born December 5, 1965) is the drummer, delivering a solid rhythmic foundation that underpins the band's cohesive live and studio performances. As a key architect of the group's formation in 1994, he has also taken on production roles for later reunion releases, ensuring continuity in their energetic sound. Kohashi's drumming style emphasizes precise, driving beats that complement the vocal leads.[24][25]Note that original guitarist Takashi Oda (born June 16, 1972), who served as lead guitarist and backing vocalist during the band's active years until 2002, contributing essential rock arrangements, has not participated in the post-2010s reunion activities. Post-2002, Oda engaged in session musicianship, including guitar contributions to U-ya Asaoka's solo recordings and other projects within the Being Inc. network.[5]
Former members
Jun Abe served as the original keyboardist for Field of View from the band's formation in 1994 until 1995. As a founding member, he contributed arrangements to the group's early singles, including their debut under the name "view" and the first three releases as Field of View, before departing after the third single, "Last Goodbye." Following his exit, Abe pursued a career in music production, composition, and arrangement, including joining jazz fusion group Casiopea as keyboardist in 2025.Kenji Niitsu joined Field of View as bassist in 1995, shortly after Abe's departure, and remained with the band through its active period until the disbandment in 2002. Niitsu played a key role in shaping the band's pop rock sound during its commercial peak, providing bass lines and contributing to compositions and arrangements on albums like Boulevard of Dreams (1998) and The Field of View (1999). He participated in the 2012 reunion tour as part of the Being Legend Live event, which did not include Oda. Post-band and after 2012, Niitsu has worked as a recording director and performer in various projects.[26]
Musical style and influences
Genre and sound evolution
Field of View's primary genre is Japanese pop rock, deeply intertwined with J-pop conventions, characterized by upbeat melodies, emotive power ballads, and guitar-driven choruses that emphasize catchy hooks and dynamic builds.[27] The band's sound draws from British pop and rock influences, such as the Beatles' melodic flair and Britpop's energetic rhythms, creating a refreshing, uplifting style that blends rock textures with accessible pop structures.[27] This fusion allowed them to produce anthemic tracks suitable for both radio play and anime tie-ins, prioritizing emotional resonance over experimental complexity.[28]In their early years from 1994 to 1996, Field of View's debut album Field of View I (1995) featured a keyboard-heavy pop rock sound, incorporating jazz, funk, and bossa nova elements from the members' backgrounds.[28] This evolved toward a more guitar-focused approach by their second album Field of View II (1996), shifting emphasis to arena-ready rock with reverb-laden guitar solos and distorted backing in choruses, as evident in singles like "突然," which amplified dramatic, power-pop energy.[27] The change reflected a maturation from introspective pop to bolder, live-oriented rock, setting the stage for their breakthrough hits.[28]During the mid-period from 1998 to 2002, the band incorporated subtle electronic elements and softer ballads, particularly in anime themes, to broaden their appeal; vocalist U-ya Asaoka's interest in techno influences appeared in layered productions, though the core remained rock-based.[28] Tracks like "DAN DAN 心魅かれてく" (1996, but emblematic of this shift in later works) exemplified softer, heartfelt ballads with tight rhythms and emotional depth, blending power pop energy with introspective lyrics for a more mature, adult-oriented image under their rebranded "the FIELD OF VIEW" moniker in 2001.[27] This era marked a move toward member-driven songwriting, reducing external pop polish in favor of nuanced textures.[27]Following their reunion in 2012 and through the 2020s, Field of View returned to their classic pop rock roots with a nostalgic bent, incorporating modern production tweaks such as updated mixes and digital adaptations in live sets to avoid dated effects like gated reverb.[28] New releases like "きっと" (2022) and "キミガスキダ" (2025) retain the band's signature A/B/D melodic structures and 1990s vibe, evoking hits such as "突然" while aligning with contemporary streaming standards for a refreshed yet faithful sound.[28][29][1] The 2025 single "キミガスキダ," released on May 15 as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations, was accompanied by live performances on May 10 and 15, 2025, highlighting their continued evolution. Drummer Takuto Kohashi emphasized this evolution as essential to preserving their original intent amid changing music landscapes.[28]
Influences and collaborations
Field of View's music was shaped by collaborations within the Being Inc. ecosystem, particularly through shared producers and songwriters associated with ZARD. For instance, the band's hit single "Kimi ga Ita Kara" (1995) featured lyrics by ZARD's Izumi Sakai and music by composerTetsurō Oda, who frequently contributed to both acts, infusing melodic hooks reminiscent of ZARD's pop sensibilities into Field of View's rock framework.[30][31]The band forged significant ties with Toei Animation, contributing theme songs to major anime series that boosted their visibility. Their track "DAN DAN Kokoro Hikareteku" served as the opening theme for Dragon Ball GT in 1996, capturing the series' adventurous spirit with its uplifting rock melody.[32] Similarly, "Kawaita Sakebi" (1998) opened the original Toei-produced Yu-Gi-Oh! anime, marking another high-profile commission that aligned the band's energetic sound with the show's dramatic narrative.[11]Label partnerships played a key role in the band's promotion and exposure. From their formation in 1994 through 1999, Field of View released early material under Zain Records, a Being Inc. imprint that supported their debut albums and singles, fostering growth within the J-rock scene.[2] In 1998, they transitioned to Beat Rec, an affiliate of Nippon Columbia Records (2000–2002), which facilitated wider media tie-ins and distribution, culminating in their final releases before disbandment.[5]
Discography
Studio albums
Field of View released five original studio albums during their active years, each contributing to their reputation in the Japanese pop rock scene. These albums showcased the band's evolution from energetic pop rock foundations to more experimental sounds, with several achieving commercial success on the Oricon charts. The debut established their style, while subsequent releases incorporated hit singles and live-inspired elements, culminating in a final album marked by creative exploration.The band's debut album, Field of View I, was released on October 10, 1995, featuring 11 tracks and peaking at #1 on the Oricon albums chart. It included tracks like "Kimi ga Ita kara," which helped solidify their pop rock base and introduced their melodic, upbeat sound to audiences.[25]Following their initial success, Field of View II arrived on October 2, 1996, comprising 11 tracks and reaching #4 on the Oricon chart, earning platinum certification from the RIAJ for over 250,000 shipments.[33] The album notably featured the single "Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku," a Dragon Ball GT opening theme that boosted the band's visibility and highlighted their ability to blend rock with anime tie-ins.[34]The third album, Field of View III Now Here No Where, was released on September 30, 1998, with 11 tracks, attaining a #13 peak on the Oricon chart. It included the single "Kawaita Sakebi" and emphasized the band's live energy through dynamic arrangements and guitar-driven tracks, reflecting their growing stage presence.The fourth album, Lovely Jubbly, came out on August 25, 1999, with 11 tracks, peaking at #24 on the Oricon chart.The final original studio album, Capsule Monster, was released on March 29, 2000, with 12 tracks, peaking at #43 on the Oricon chart.[2] This work introduced experimental elements, such as varied instrumentation and thematic depth, marking a creative shift before the band's hiatus and underscoring their versatility.
Compilation albums
Field of View released several compilation albums that curated their most popular singles and album tracks, serving as retrospectives of their career and sustaining commercial interest after their initial peak popularity in the mid-1990s. These releases, often timed around key milestones or post-disbandment periods, highlighted the band's hit-driven sound and contributed to renewed sales through remastered or expanded collections, particularly in the Japanese market where Oricon chart performance reflected ongoing fan engagement.The band's debut compilation, Singles Collection +4, was issued on October 8, 1997, by Zain Records and compiled 15 tracks primarily from their early singles, capturing the essence of their breakthrough era with songs like "Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku" and "Last Good-bye." It achieved a peak position of number 3 on the Oricon weekly albums chart and remained on the chart for 10 weeks, underscoring its role in consolidating their hit catalog amid active touring and promotions.[35][36]In 2000, Field of View Best: Fifteen Colours followed on October 11 via Nippon Columbia, featuring another 15 tracks that spanned their discography up to that point, including select B-sides and remixed versions of fan favorites to offer a fresh take on their pop-rock anthems. This release peaked at number 23 on the Oricon chart with a 2-week run, reflecting a transitional phase as the band approached their final studio efforts.[37][38]Post-disbandment, Memorial Best: Gift of Melodies arrived on October 9, 2002, as a double-disc set with 16 tracks encompassing all major singles plus a new introductory track "Gift," designed as a farewell collection to honor their legacy. Released by Zain Records, it reached number 19 on the Oricon chart for 2 weeks, providing closure for fans and boosting sales through nostalgic appeal.[18][39]During their 2012 reunion for the Being Legend Live Tour, a reissued edition of Complete of Field of View at the Being Studio (originally from 2003) was made available as a limited special-price disc on September 26, compiling 17 core tracks from their catalog alongside three unreleased songs and bonus live recordings, totaling an expanded 18-track experience in some editions. This Being Group release emphasized their studio-recorded highs and tour-era energy, targeting collectors without notable new chart entry but enhancing digital and physical availability.[40][41]Marking their 25th anniversary, Field of View 25th Anniversary Extra Rare Best 2020 was released on May 13, 2020, by Zain Records as a two-disc set with over 30 tracks, including rare unreleased material, newly recorded versions, and streaming-optimized remasters to appeal to modern digital platforms. This final major compilation focused on comprehensive career highlights and debuted amid renewed interest from anime tie-ins, solidifying their enduring catalog in the streaming era.[42]
Singles
Field of View released 22 singles between 1994 and 2002, with ten of them reaching the top 10 on the Oricon weekly charts and collective sales exceeding 5 million units across their catalog. Many of these tracks served as theme songs for popular anime series, contributing to the band's cultural impact in Japan during the 1990s J-pop boom. The singles often featured the band's signature pop rock sound, blending melodic hooks with emotional lyrics penned by collaborators like Zard lyricist Izumi Sakai.The band's early singles established their presence in the music scene. Their first single as "view," "Ano Toki no Naka de Bokura wa," was released on February 9, 1994, peaking at #97 on the Oricon chart. "Principle," released on October 25, 1995, peaked at #28 on the Oricon chart, marking their continued foray into the market under the Zain Records label.[25] This was followed by "Totsuzen" in July 1995, which climbed to #8, showcasing U-ya Asaoka's soaring vocals and the group's evolving pop rock style.[25]During their peak era in the mid-1990s, Field of View achieved their greatest commercial success. "Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku," released on March 4, 1996, as the opening theme for Dragon Ball GT, peaked at #4 on the Oricon chart and sold approximately 528,000 copies, becoming one of the decade's defining anime tie-in hits and cementing the band's mainstream appeal.[9] "Kimi ga Ita kara," released May 15, 1995, reached #3, while "Kono Machi de Kimi to Kurashitai" in 1997 hit #5, both benefiting from strong radio play and music video promotion that highlighted the band's energetic live performances.In the later years of their initial run, the singles maintained solid chart performance amid shifting J-pop trends. "Kawaita Sakebi," the 1998 opening for Yu-Gi-Oh!, peaked at #5 on Oricon, resonating with a new generation through its anime association. "I Wish for You" in 2001 reached #20, and "Sekai no Hate made" in 2002 charted at #18, reflecting a more mature sound as the band approached disbandment. These tracks, like many in their discography, were later included on compilation albums but stood out as standalone releases driving fan engagement.[25]Following a decade-long hiatus, the band reunited in 2012 and issued limited-edition singles that evoked nostalgia among fans. "Namida no Furusato" charted at #45 on Oricon in a restricted physical release format, emphasizing themes of hometown and reflection. In 2019, the digital-only "Anniversary" marked their 25th milestone, available exclusively through online platforms and celebrating their enduring legacy without entering traditional charts. These reunion efforts underscored the band's lasting influence, particularly through anime connections, while prioritizing fan accessibility over commercial peaks. As of November 2025, no further singles have been released post-2019.