Melon Kinenbi

Melon Kinenbiメロン記念日
Melon Kinenbi pour la promo de "Melon Juice"
Informations
Origine	Tokyo, Japon
Genre	Japanese Pop
Couleur du groupe	Green
Années d'activité	1999–2010, 2011, 2013
Labels	zetima
Agence	UP-FRONT AGENCY
Groupes associés	ROMANS, Tanpopo, 10nin Matsuri, 11WATER, 7AIR, 7nin Matsuri, Elegies, Happy♡7, H.P. All Stars, Odoru♡11, Sexy 8, Hello! Project Akagumi, Elder Club, Muratani Shimai
Membres	Saito Hitomi (L) Murata Megumi (S-L) Otani Masae Shibata Ayumi

Melon Kinenbi (メロン記念日; Melon Anniversary) était un groupe de J-pop faisant partie du Hello! Project. Durant son existence, Melon Kinenbi était l'un des groupes les plus stable du Hello! Project, avec une lineup qui est resté inchangée pendant leurs 10 ans de carrière.

Les Melon Kinenbi se sont essayées à différents styles musicaux, allant de la "pop bubblegum" au rock. Les membres du groupe ont occasionnellement officié en tant que danseuses pour d'autres artistes du Hello! Project (par exemple pour le clip vidéo de "Yaruki! IT'S EASY" par Goto Maki).

Le groupe a été officiellement diplômé du Hello! Project le 31 mars 2009, en même temps que tout le Elder Club.

En février 2010, les Melon Kinenbi annoncèrent qu'elle avaient décidées de se séparer.

Membres du groupe

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斉藤瞳 31 octobre 1981 (43) Niigata Purple Style sexy Leader	村田めぐみ 3 mars 1981 (44) Miyagi Light Blue Style conte de fée Ancienne Leader	大谷雅恵 25 février 1982 (43) Hokkaido Green Style garçonne	柴田あゆみ 22 février 1984 (41) Kanagawa Red Style naturel

Histoire

Melon Kinenbi, Octobre 2018

Melon Kinenbi, Février 2010

Melon Kinenbi, Juin 2008

1999

En mai 1999, les détails pour l'inscription à la future 2nd Morning Musume & Heike Michiyo Protegee Audition étaient inclus avec le 5em single des Morning Musume, "Manatsu no Kousen".

3,687 personnes avaient envoyés leurs dossiers et les entretiens eurent lieu en juin. En août, 4 gagnantes furent annoncées: Saito Hitomi, Murata Megumi, Otani Masae, et Shibata Ayumi.

En décembre, le nom du groupe, "Melon Kinenbi", fut annoncé.

Les membres du groupe participèrent à leur premier concert, Hello! Project Happy New Year 2000, en tant que danseuses for la représentation de Love, Yes I Do par Miyoshi Chinatsu.

2000

Le 19 février, les Melon Kinebi firent leurs début avec "Amai Anata no Aji," un single produit par Tsunku. Au moment de la sortie du single, le groupe était peu populaire. Les critiques qui revenaient le plus étaient que les membres du groupe manquaient de personnalité et que le groupe n'avait pas de style bien défini. Les ventes n'étaient pas bonnes, ce qui donna lieu à des rumeurs de séparation.

Par la suite, un concept sera attribué à chaque membre du groupe. Saito avait l'étiquette de la fille sexy, Murata celle de la fille mignonne, Otani plutôt garçon manqué, et Shibata la beauté naturelle. La particularité du groupe était que chaque membre avait une personnalité vraiment différente des autres, comme le souligne cette phrase répétée par toutes les membres: “si ce n'était pour ce groupe, nous ne nous serions jamais parlés (car nous sommes très différentes)”. Cette combinaison de personnalités différentes créa une dynamique rendant le groupe plus intéressant.

En juin, elles sortirent leurs second single, Kokuhaku Kinenbi, dont la musique et les paroles sont signés par Tsunku. Il dit qu'il voulait que les Melon Kinenbi aient une image similaire aux Morning Musume [pour ce single]. J'ai créé cette chanson à l'image des vacances d'été. Ca parle d'une fille qui rencontre un garçon à son travail à mi-temps et tombe innocemment amoureuse de lui.

Tsunku révéla dans une interview en 2013: "à leur début, les Melon Kinenbi ont probablement été le groupe avec le pire sens du rythme dans toute l'histoire du Hello! Project. Certaines des membres ne pouvaient même pas faire un pas de côté en rythme. En ce sens, Shibata était le center idéal pour le groupe — bien qu'elle apprit à mieux chanter par la suite, au début c'était vraiment pas terrible. Pas qu'elle ait été une mauvaise chanteuse en soi…mais elle n'arrivait à exprimer aucune émotion. Mais c'était une partie de leur charme à l'époque. Elles étaient un peu les "idols sans talents" que tout le monde aime, et c'est ce qui a rendu le groupe génial. Nous utilisions déja Pro Tools à l'époque, nous pouvions régler les problèmes de pitch si nous le voulions, mais avec leur première chanson, “Amai Anata no Aji” j'ai choisi sciemment de ne pas trop éditer la partie vocale de Shibata. Je voulais que ca sonne un peu “Tsukasa Ito.”"

— Vous avez fait exprès de le bacler.

Tsunku♂: C'était trop adorable pour ne pas le faire. Ootani était une bonne chanteuse, donc je l'ai utilisée en soutien et j'ai laissé tel quel les parties où Shibata n'atteignait pas tout à fait les bonnes notes.

Le 29 août, les Melon Kinenbi participèrent au Yunotsu LOVE² Oosawagi Hello! Project 2000.

2001

En mars, les Melon Kinenbi sortirent leur 3em single, Denwa Matteimasu.

En octobre, le groupe sortit son 4em single, "This is Unmei". Le succès du single mis fin aux rumeurs de séparation, et le groupe retrouva son énergie. Le nombre de fan augmenta, mais n'était pas encore suffisant pour des concerts solo, donc le groupe continua les apparition en tant qu'invité pour d'autres artistes du Hello! Project. Quand Matsuura Aya passa au "Kohaku Uta Gassen" de la NHK, les Melon Kinenbi firent office de danseuses pour elle.

2002

On Valentine's Day they released their fifth single, Saa! Koibito ni Narou, followed by their sixth single, Natsu no Yoru wa Danger!, in June, and their seventh single, Kousui, in October.

When the group was formed, Murata was appointed leader since she was the oldest among the members. But after some discussions among the members, Saito took over as leader in October 2002 with the release of "Kousui." This change was officially announced during the single’s release events.

In December 2002, Melon Kinenbi held their first concert, Melon Kinenbi First Concert ~Korega Kinenbi~.

2003

In January, Melon Kinenbi released their eight single, Akai Freesia. This was their first single to rank within the top 10 on the Oricon charts. It is also their best selling single! They followed up the release with their debut album 1st Anniversary, followed by the singles Chance of LOVE in May, MI DA RA Matenrou in September, and Kawaii Kare in December.

2004

In June they released their Twelvth single, Namida no Taiyou. A cover of Emy Jackson song of the same name, released in 1965. Later this year, they released Champagne no Koi followed by their second album.

Aside from their singing career, one of the other projects by the group was the comedy drama "Cyborg Shibata," which gained enough popularity to run for three seasons. The members participated in some musicals as well, both as the main and guest performers. They also held unique regular events called "MELON LOUNGE" at small venues, where each member would take turns becoming a DJ by selecting their own music and playing for the crowd. Some of the guest musicians who appeared on "MELON LOUNGE" included famous rock bands such as Dohatsuten and Beat Crusaders.

2005

On February 9, the group released their last song produced by Tsunku, "Nikutai wa Shoujiki na EROS." Afterwards, different artists such as Sharam Q, Something ELse, and Shindo Atsushi participated in producing the songs for the unit.

2006

In the summer of 2006, Melon Kinenbi released their next single, Onegai Miwaku no Target / Crazy Happy!, which was counted as an indies single, only available at the Hello! Project Official Shops and the Melon Kinenbi Concert 2006 "MEL-ON TARGET".

2007

In March, they released their 15th single, Unforgettable. It was the first of Melon Kinenbi's singles to be produced by Sharam Q member Taisei.

From May 15-20, Melon Kinenbi participated in the stage play "Watashi wo Dosei ni Tsuretette! 〜RPG Fly Me To The Saturn〜".

In September, they released their 16th single, Onegai Miwaku no Target ~Mango-Pudding Mix~. It is a newer version of their indies release "Onegai Miwaku no Target", released the previous year.

2008

In March, they released the single Charisma・Kirei. This was the final single Melon Kinenbi released as part of Hello! Project, before their official graduation at the end of March 2009 along with the rest of the Elder Club.

From April 30 to May 6, Melon Kinenbi appeared in the stage play "Kaba".

From August 8-10, they appeared in the sequel to their spring play "Kaba", titled "Kaba 2". This play also featured Miyoshi Erika.

From November 19-23, Saito Hitomi, Murata Megumi, and Otani Masae all appeared in the stage play "Family of the Dead".

In 2008, the unit started having a monthly live show called "MELON GREETING."

2009

From March 14-22, they appeared in the third installment of the Kaba series of plays, titled "Kaba 3", featuring Miyoshi Erika for the second time as well as a newcomer, Okai Asuna.

On March 31, the entire group officially graduated from Hello! Project along with the rest of the Elder Club. Starting the following day, the fan club also no longer belonged to Hello! Project and became independently operated by changing its name to "Melon Kinenbu" (Club for Melon Kinenbi).

After their graduation, they collaborated with other Japanese punk-rock groups for several limited-release indie singles. These singles were available at Tower Records.

From July 1-5, they starred in the stage play "UNO:R".

2010

On February 19, two days after the release of MELON'S NOT DEAD, the group announced during their 10-year anniversary live "Seitan 3654 Nichi Kanshasai" that they would disband after the conclusion of their tour in May.

The announcement on the disbandment of Melon Kinenbi

:As always, thank you for supporting Melon Kinenbi. Today, during the stage of Melon Kinenbi’s 10th ANNIVERSARY LIVE ’3654 days since birth’ which was held at SHIBUYA-AX’, the members announced that Melon Kinenbi is going to disband. Keeping their idol status for 10 years, the members gave their united statement, “We would like to end Melon Kinenbi’s activity at this 10-year milestone”, and after numerous discussions and assistance from the staff, it was decided we would be announcing it publicly today. This March’s stage performance, “Melon Kinenbi Story” (12 performances at the Ikebukuro Theater Green, all tickets SOLD OUT) and the final tour in April~May are the group’s final activities until official disbanding. Furthermore, February 21st (Sunday) the Osaka performances which were planned (Nanba HATCH noon performance 15:00 START/night performance 19:00 START) will be held without any changes. Please keep supporting them until the end. ~Up Front Agency Comment from members Thank you, as always, for your warm support! On February 19th, 2010, we’ve reached Melon Kinenbi’s 10-year anniversary of existence!! The Melon road had both mountains and valleys to cross, but together with our wotamodachi [wotamodachi = wota (fan)+tomodachi (friend)], the staff, and our families who have supported us during good times and bad, we were able to build up a 10-year history. And all that without a member change!! Before we reached the 10-year point, the four of us talked thoroughly about the future. The result was, “10 years is a good turning point, where we should get new challenges in our real life”, so we firmly decided to disband the group. We think that there will people who will be shocked, thinking, “Oh no, so it’s really happened now…” , but we promise we will keep running in Melon-style until the very end. Everyone! Please keep running with us with all your energy!! February 19th, 2010 ~Melon Members

From March 17-22, Melon Kinenbi appeared in a special stage play documenting their ten years together, "Melon Kinenbi Monogatari ~Decade of MELON KINEN-BI~".

In April, they released a best-of album, URA MELON, with all of their singles' B-sides, as well as a DVD of their 10th anniversary live held in February. This was the group's last music release before ceasing activities at their last performance at Nakano Sun Plaza on May 3rd.

After June 30, their fan club ceased operation.

Shibata made her major solo debut under Universal Music in 2011. After that,she was without a contract from June to November 2013, but signed to another label and continued her acitvities from 2014 until her hiatus in 2016 due to her pregnancy. Otani is active as a live-centered singer. Saito retired from the entertainment industry, and is a local radio personalityin Niigata. Murata stayed with Up-Front Agency and changed her stage name, but after the earthquake she withdrew from the entertainment industry due to the destruction of her hometown.

2011

On April 17, the four members of Melon Kinenbi reunited for the first time since breaking up in order to raise funds to donate to victims of the 2011 Touhoku earthquake and tsunami.

2013

On December 31, Melon Kinenbi reunited to perform at the Hello! Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2013 ~GOOD BYE & HELLO!~ concert.

2018

On October 21, Melon Kinenbi reunited to perform at the Hello! Project 20th Anniversary!! Hello! Project Hallo! Fes 2018 concert.

Discographie

• Albums
• Singles
• Compilations / autres
• DVDs

Albums studio

• [2003.03.12] 1st Anniversary
• [2004.12.01] THE Nimaime
• [2010.02.17] MELON'S NOT DEAD

Mini Albums

• [2007.12.12] Melon Juice

Best Albums

• [2006.12.06] FRUITY KILLER TUNE
• [2008.12.10] MEGA MELON
• [2010.04.21] URA MELON

Singles en major

• [2000.02.19] Amai Anata no Aji
• [2000.06.28] Kokuhaku Kinenbi
• [2001.03.07] Denwa Matteimasu
• [2001.10.11] This is Unmei
• [2002.02.14] Saa! Koibito ni Narou
• [2002.06.19] Natsu no Yoru wa Danger!
• [2002.10.23] Kousui
• [2003.01.29] Akai Freesia
• [2003.05.08] Chance of LOVE
• [2003.09.10] MI DA RA Matenrou
• [2003.12.03] Kawaii Kare
• [2004.06.09] Namida no Taiyou
• [2004.10.27] Champagne no Koi
• [2005.02.09] Nikutai wa Shoujiki na EROS
• [2007.03.28] Unforgettable
• [2007.09.05] Onegai Miwaku no Target ~Mango-Pudding Mix~
• [2008.03.19] Charisma・Kirei

Singles indies

• [2006.06.10] Onegai Miwaku no Target / Crazy Happy!
• [2009.06.24] DON'T SAY GOOD-BYE
• [2009.07.22] Pinchi wa Chance - Baka ni Narou ze!
• [2009.08.12] sweet suicide summer story
• [2009.10.21] Seishun-on-the-Road
• [2009.12.30] Melon Tea

Autres singles

• [2000.04.19] Garage Opening Theme Song Shuu Vol. 4
• [2002.09.01] A.R.I.G.A.T.O.U

Autres Albums

• [2000.02.19] Majutsushi Orphen Revenge OST Part 2
• [2002.05.22] Folk Songs 2
• [2002.09.04] The Douyou Pops 4 Aki no Uta Shuu
• [2002.12.04] Shinsaku Douyou Pops 1
• [2003.05.21] FS4 FOLK SONGS 4

Compilations

• [2001.12.19] Petit Best 2 ~3・7・10~ (#9 This is Unmei)
• [2002.12.18] Petit Best 3 (#12 Kousui)
• [2003.12.17] Petit Best 4 (#10 Chance of Love)
• [2004.12.15] Petit Best 5 (#6 Namida no Taiyou)
• [2005.12.21] Petit Best 6 (#9 Nikutai Shoujiki na EROS)
• [2006.12.20] Petit Best 7 (#7 Onegai Miwaku no Target)
• [2007.12.12] Petit Best 8 (#7 Onegai Miwaku no Target ~Mango-Pudding Mix~)
• [2008.12.10] Petit Best 9 (#7 Charisma, Kirei)
• [2014.01.01] Hello! Project no Zenkyoku kara Atsumechaimashita! Vol. 1 (#15 Kokuhaku Kinenbi)
• [2014.01.01] Hello! Project no Zenkyoku kara Atsumechaimashita! Vol. 2 (#16 GIVE ME UP)
• [2014.07.09] Hello! Project no Zenkyoku kara Atsumechaimashita! Vol. 3 (#8 Fuwafuwafuu)

Music Video Collections

• [2002.11.27] Melon Kinenbi Single M Clips ①
• [2003.12.03] Melon Kinenbi Single V Clips ②
• [2007.05.09] Melon Kinenbi Single V Clips ③

DVDs de concert

• [2003.05.08] Melon Kinenbi Live Tour 2003 Haru ~1st Anniversary~
• [2004.02.11] Melon Kinenbi ~03' Christmas Special Chou Shibu Melon~
• [2004.11.26] Melon Kinenbi Live Tour 2004 Natsu ~Gokujou Melon~
• [2005.xx.xx] Natsumi Abe '05 Revue & Concert "How Are You, Miss Murata?" in Nippon Seinen-kan (Abe Natsumi)
• [2005.06.02] Melon Kinenbi Nippon Seinenkan Kouen '2005 Revue & Concert "Murata-sa~n, Gokii?"(Fanclub release)
• [2006.03.15] Melon Kinenbi Concert Tour 2005 Fuyu "Kyou mo Melon Ashita mo Melon, Christmas wa Musk Melon de!"
• [2007.01.01] Melon Kinenbi Live House Tour 2006 ~Shakunetsu Tengoku IN YOKOHAMA BLITZ~(Fanclub release)
• [2007.03.28] Melon Kinenbi Concert Tour 2006 Fuyu "FRUITY KILLER TUNE"
• [2007.04.25] Hello☆Pro On Stage! 2007 ｢Rock desu yo!｣
• [2007.09.04] Melon Kinenbi Live House Tour 2007 ~LOCK ON!~(Fanclub release)
• [2007.12.29] Melon Kinenbi Concert Tour 2007 Fuyu "100% Melon Juice"(Fanclub release)
• [2008.09.06] Melon Kinenbi Live House Tour 2008 Yojigen Jack!!(Fanclub release)
• [2009.08.16] Melon Kinenbi Live Tour 2009 "Gaisen"(Fanclub release)
• [2010.07.14] Melon Kinenbi FINAL STAGE "MELON'S NOT DEAD"

Autres

• [2002.12.04] Cyborg Shibata (Idol wo Sagase Vol. 1)
• [2002.12.04] Cyborg Shibata (Idol wo Sagase Vol. 2)
• [2003.12.06] Event V 2 Shot de Koibito Kibun! (Fanclub release)
• [2004.09.29] Shin Cyborg Shibata!!
• [2005.09.28] Tatakae!! Cyborg Shibata San
• [2010.06.30] Melon Kinenbi Monogatari ~Decade of MELON KINEN-BI~ (Fanclub release)

Concerts

To see the entire list of concerts, please visit Melon Kinenbi Concerts

Works

Television

• [2000] Morning Musume no Heso
• [2000-2001] TOP 50 Karaoke & Clip (CS Dai-ichi Kosho Star Karaoke) (TOP50カラオケ&クリップ、CS第一興商スターカラオケ）
• [2000-2007] Hello! Morning
• [2000-2002] Idol wo Sagase
• [2005] Majokko Rikachan no Magical Biyuuden (魔女っ娘。梨華ちゃんのマジカル美勇伝)
• [2005] Tensai Terebikun Max (天才てれびくんMax)
• [2005] Musume Dokyu (娘Dokyu)

• [2007] Neru (音流) (TV Tokyo) Shibata, Saito, Murata
• [2008] Neru (音流) (TV Tokyo)
• [2009] Atashi-tachi no Momoiro Kinenbi (あたしたちの桃色日記) (BS11 Digital) (Episode #1 Shibata & Saito, Episode #5 Otani, Murata

CM

• Netway "Takuhai Jouhou Service Tottoco" (ネットウェイ「宅配情報サービス Tottoco」)

Radio

• [2002-2004] Hyper Night Melon Kinenbi no "Meronpa" (ハイパーナイト・メロン記念日の「めろんぱ」) (CBC Radio)
• [2002-2005] Colorful Pleasure (FM-FUJI)
• [2004-2005] Mijouku! Soujouku!! Seijoku!!! Kanjouku!!!! (未熟! 早熟!! 成熟!!! 完熟!!!!) (NRN)
• [2004-2005] Hello Pro Yanen (ABC Radio)
• [2004-2006] Young Town Douyoubi (MBS Radio)
• [2005-2006] Melon (LOL) (メロン（笑）) (NRN)
• [2005-2008] TOKYO→NIIGATA MUSIC CONVOY (FM Port)
• [2007] DJ Tomoaki's Radio Show!(Shimokita FM)
• [2008-2009] song 4 anniversary (Music Bird)
• [2008-2009] Melon Kinenbi Gyu!! tto Night (メロン記念日のぎゅっ!!とナイト) (FM Port)
• [2009-2010] Melon Kinenbi Gyu!! tto Night 2 (メロン記念日のぎゅっ!!とナイト2) (FM Port

Internet

• [2005-2006] The Moving Radio Korette Yappari Melon Kibun (The moving Radio これってやっぱりメロン気分, Hello! Project on FLETS)
• [2009] Melon Kinenbi Interview (Motteco Bookstore)

Comédies musicales

• [2001] LOVE Century ~Yume wa Minakerya Hajimaranai~
• [2003] Sougen no Hito
• [2004] Okaeri (おかえり)
• [2006] Girl's Knight

Théâtre

• [2006] Edo Kara Chakushin!? ~Timeslip to Kengai!~ - (without Shibata Ayumi)
• [2007] Watashi wo Dosei ni Tsuretette! 〜RPG Fly Me To The Saturn〜 (私を土星に連れてって！)
• [2007] Gekidan Tonocho Tonocho' vol. 5 〜Uchuu ni Touch〜 (Guest performance)
• [2008] Kaba (かば)
• [2008] Kaba 2 (かば2)
• [2009] Kaba 3 (かば3)
• [2009] UNO:R
• [2010] Melon Kinenbi Monogatari ~Decade of MELON KINEN-BI~ (メロン記念日物語〜Decade of MELON KINEN-BI〜)

Evénements

Voir aussi: MELON GREETING

• [2005] July Hello! Project Fan Club Gentei Event

Vidéos clips

• [2002] Goto Maki - Yaruki! IT'S EASY

Publications

Photobooks

• [2003.09.30] Melon Kinenbi in Hello! Project 2003 Natsu (メロン記念日 in Hello! Project 2003夏)
• [2004.03.13] Melon Kinenbi in Hello! Project 2004 Winter (メロン記念日 in Hello! Project 2004 Winter)
• [2004.06.09] Taiyou to Kajitsu (太陽と果実)
• [2004.09.29] Melon Kinenbi in Hello! Project 2004 Summer (メロン記念日 in Hello! Project 2004 summer)

Compilation

• [2005.10.??] Goto Maki + Melon Kinenbi Hello! Project 2005 Natsu no Kayou Show '05 Selection! Collection! (後藤真希+メロン記念日Hello!Project2005夏の歌謡ショー―05’セレクション!コレクション!) (With Goto Maki)

Ventes totales

Année	Ventes annuelles	Ventes totales
2000	17,180	17,180
2001	19,650	36,830
2002	68,679	105,509
2003	140,042	245,551
2004	52,612	298,163
2005	13,643	311,806
2006	9,556	321,362
2007	27,017	348,379
2008	3,657	352,036
2009	5,083	357,119
2010	5,941	363,060

Trivia

• Because of Melon Kinenbi’s long history, including the survival of an unpopular phase, the fans tend to be older and more dedicated to the group. The members are aware of this fact, and nowadays those fans are sometimes fondly referred to as “(w)otomodachi” (in katakana) on their blog posts.
• As for positioning on stage, around the beginning, Shibata Ayumi and Otani Masae stood at the front. Particularly in "Kousui" and some other songs, Shibata took the center stage and sang the main part, while the rest of the members sang the chorus part. Towards the end of their career, the distribution of singing parts became more well-balanced.
• As for the common question of "Which day is Melon Kinenbi (Melon Anniversary)?", the members usually answer, "February 19" (the date for the release of their debut single). There were occasions where the answer used to be, "Everyday is Melon Kinenbi."
• After the break-up, Murata Megumi initially remained under UP-FRONT, but left the industry on March 31, 2011, due to the effects of the 2011 Touhoku earthquake and tsunami on her hometown. Shibata Ayumi changed agencies and became a solo artist. Otani Masae also continued working as a singer, and is now an indie solo artist. Saito Hitomi left the industry immediately after the breakup and got married in 2010, then divorced in 2011, and is now working as a talento and radio host. She re-married in 2015.
• Melon Kinenbi was the first idol group ever to have the kinds of live shows where everyone was always that fired-up. It was due to Melon Kinenbi that moshing and crowd-surfing was banned at Hello! Project concerts.

Liens externes

• Official UP-FRONT AGENCY Profile (archived)
• Official Blog (archived)

Modèle:Melon Kinenbi