Manish (band)


Manish were a Japanese power pop band formed in 1992 by vocalist and lyricist Misuzu Takahashi and composer and keyboardist Mari Nishimoto. The band's name, Manish, is derived from the combination of members' names: MA from Mari and NISH from Nishimoto. The group was active until their disbandment in 1998.
WWW being.co.jp/manish

Biography

In early 1992, Misuzu Takahashi and Mari Nishimoto were members of the Japanese idol group DALI which debuted with their only single, "Moonlight Densetsu". The song was used as opening theme for anime television series Sailor Moon. Shortly after the release of the single, the group disbanded.
In December of the same year, Misuzu Takahashi and Mari Nishimoto formed Manish and debuted with single "Koibito to Yobenai Distance". Their second single, "Koe ni Naranaihodo ni Itoshii" was written by Uesugi Show, the vocalist and lyricist of Japanese rock band Wands. Uesugi later recorded a self-cover of the song for the Wands studio album Little Bit. The single became one of the Manish's early hits and was their first release to be certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
Sugao no Mama ni Kiss Shiyou was written by popular singer-songwriter Maki Ohguro, who later contributed to several other songs and also participated in recording process as a backing vocalist.Due to their similar power-pop sound and shared music producer, Masao Akashi, some fans have referred to Manish as the "female version" of the Japanese hard rock band B'z.
In 1995, their single Kirameku Toki ni Torawarete was used as third ending theme for the anime television series Slam Dunk. The single has been awarded by RIAJ with platinum disk.
As one of the rare Being Inc. artist, they've made multiple media appearances on Music Station.
In 1998 after releasing their compilation album Manish Best -Escalation-, they disbanded. In 2002, during the release of "complete at the being studio" compilation album series, the album includes two unreleased songs from their career which were exclusively added in the album. According to the liner notes, the songs were previously recorded during production of their second studio album Individual.
Some of their music videoclips were released in 2012 at 2-disc DVD set Legend of 90's J-Rock Best Live & Clips.
In November 2003 an article by Nikkei Entertainment! reported that the duo was no longer associated with the entertainment industry and are now happy focusing on their own things.

Members

  • Misuzu Takahashi - vocalist, lyricist
  • Mari Nishimoto - keyboardist, composer, backing-vocals

Discography

During their career they have released three studio, one compilation albums and twelve singles.

[Recording [Industry Association of Japan|RIAJ]] Certifications

  • Koe ni Naranaihodo Itoshii: Golden Disk
  • Manish : Golden Disk
  • Mou Daremo Me wo Kinishinai: Golden Disk
  • Individual: Golden Disk
  • Kirameku Toki ni Torawarete: Golden Disk, Platinum Disk

Magazine appearances

From Music Freak Magazine:
  • Vol.03: 1995/February
  • Vol.15: 1996/February
  • Vol.21: 1996/August
  • Vol.28: 1997/March
  • Vol.47: 1998/October