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Mrs. Green Apple

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Mrs. Green Apple
OriginTokyo, Japan
Genres
Years active2013–2020, 2022–present
LabelsEMI
MembersMotoki Ohmori
Hiroto Wakai
Ryoka Fujisawa
Past membersTakumi Matsuo
Ayaka Yamanaka
Kiyokazu Takano
Websitemrsgreenapple.com

Mrs. Green Apple (stylized as Mrs. GREEN APPLE; Japanese: ミセスグリーンアップル, romanized: Misesu Gurīn Appuru) is a Japanese rock band from Tokyo that made its major debut in 2015 with EMI Records.[1] They are known for performing the fourth ending theme to the anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V as well as their first full album, Twelve, which placed 10th on the Japanese national Oricon charts.[2] Their song "Inferno" is used as the opening theme for the first season of the anime Fire Force.[3]

History

[edit]

2013–2016: Formation and first albums

[edit]

Singer Ohmori started creating music when he was in 6th grade, but did not form a band till 2013. Mrs. Green Apple was formed in the spring of 2013 with 4 members: Ohmori, Wakai, Yamanaka, and a former member who was a bassist. Later, Ohmori invited Fujisawa, and Mrs. Green Apple became a 5-member band.[4]

On February 4, 2014, the band released their demo CD, 1st Demo, at concert venues where they played.[5] The demo included two songs, "リスキーゲーム (Risky Game)" and "恋と吟(うた) (Koi to Uta)." Just a few months later, their first mini album, Introduction, was released at the band's first self-planned event. The gig, held on July 5 at Shibuya LUSH, sold out and was also the place where the former bassist announced that he would leave the band.

2015 marked a huge change for Mrs. Green Apple. On February 18, the band released their first nationally distributed CD, Progressive. A month later, on March 26, they announced that they would debut from a major label at their third self-planned event, which also sold out.[6] The group's mini album Variety, was released by EMI Records on July 8, 2015. That summer, the group went on to perform at some of the most popular music festivals in Japan, such as Rock in Japan Festival, Rising Sun Rock Festival, and Rush Ball. In December, the group released their first single, "Speaking." The song was chosen as the fifth ending theme song for the anime Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V.[5][6] Mrs. Green Apple released their first full album, Twelve, on January 13, 2016, and made many appearances on television. The group went on their first national one-band tour from March 1 to April 10 of the same year.[6]

2017–2019

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2020–2022: Hiatus

[edit]

Following the success of their first ever arena tour, the band announced that they will be releasing a Best Album compilation called "5". The album consisted of remastered tracks from their previous albums, as well as three new songs. It was released worldwide on July 8, 2020, together with the music video for the song "Theater."[7]

Shortly after the release of "5", the band announced the "End of Phase 1",[8] as well as the deactivation of the individual Twitter accounts of each member.[9] The band also published a blog post regarding their end of activities:

Today, as of July 8, 2020, Mrs. Green Apple announces "the end of Phase 1", and also that the band takes a break for the time being. That does not mean a negative hiatus but we begin preparations for our new step to the next Phase. At the same time, Mrs. Green Apple is now independent from the ex-management company. [10]

The End of Phase 1 also marked the announcement and start of "Project-MGA", in which the band will be hiring creators and project crew members to join them for their Phase 2.[11] On February 18, 2021, the band announced that vocalist Motoki Ohmori was making his debut as a solo artist.[12][13][14] His debut digital EP, "French", was released on February 24 (JST).[15][16][17] Later, on December 29, 2021, it was announced that two members of Phase 1 of Mrs. Green Apple, founding member and drummer Ayaka Yamanaka and bassist Kiyokazu Takano would be leaving the group; Fujisawa, Wakai, and Ohmori would remain in the group for Phase 2, set to begin in 2022. A day later, on December 30, it was specified via YouTube video that MGA would officially return Spring 2022.

2024

[edit]

Ohmori announced on the official website on January 20, 2024 that he had been diagnosed with sudden hearing loss in his left ear, after having problems to listen with it the day before. He added that the group would continue with concerts already announced, while paying attention to any changes, and continuing with any treatment given by doctors.[18]

"Columbus" music video controversy

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In June 2024, Mrs. Green Apple faced significant backlash following the release of the music video for their song "Columbus".[19] The video, which premiered on June 12, depicted the band members dressed as various historical figures, including Christopher Columbus, Napoleon, and Ludwig van Beethoven,[20] interacting with ape-like figures that appeared to be under their control. The depiction quickly drew widespread criticism for being racially insensitive and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

The controversy ignited on social media, where fans and critics alike condemned the video's imagery. Some interpreted the imagery as offensive, citing the historical context of Christopher Columbus and his association with the colonization and exploitation of indigenous peoples. The use of ape-like characters was particularly controversial, as it evoked racist imagery and stereotypes.

In response to the escalating backlash, Mrs. Green Apple issued a public apology and removed the video from their official YouTube channel the following day.[21][22] The band explained that their intention was to create a whimsical "fun house party" featuring historical figures and expressed deep regret for any offense caused. They acknowledged that their artistic vision had been misinterpreted and vowed to be more mindful in the future.

Despite the apology, the incident continued to generate discussion and debate. The media, including major platforms such as the BBC,[23] covered the controversy, highlighting broader issues of cultural representation and sensitivity in the arts. Critics emphasized the responsibility of artists to consider the impact of their work on diverse audiences.

Universal Music Japan also apologized, saying in a statement that the video contained "expressions that lack an understanding of history and cultural context."[24] The Japanese division of Coca-Cola announced that it would withdraw all advertisements featuring the song.[24]

Band members

[edit]
Current members
  • Motoki Ohmori (大森元貴, Ōmori Motoki) – vocals, guitar (2013–present)
  • Hiloto Wakai (若井滉斗, Wakai Hiroto) – guitar (2013–present)
  • Ryoka Fujisawa (藤澤涼架, Fujisawa Ryōka) – keyboards (2013–present)
Former members
  • Takumi Matsuo (松尾拓海, Matsuo Takumi) – bass guitar (2013–2014)
  • Ayaka Yamanaka (山中綾華, Yamanaka Ayaka) – drums (2013–2021)
  • Kiyokazu Takano (髙野清宗, Takano Kiyokazu) – bass guitar (2014–2021)

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions, sales, and certifications
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales Certifications
JPN
[25] 		JPN
Cmb.
[A][26] 		JPN
Hot
[27]
Twelve 10 — 10
  • JPN: 13,445 (phy.)[28]
Mrs. Green Apple
  • Released: January 11, 2017
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 9 — 7
  • JPN: 16,812 (phy.)[29]
Ensemble
  • Released: April 18, 2018
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 3 — 3
  • JPN: 19,776 (phy.)[30]
Attitude
  • Released: October 2, 2019
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 4 3 1
  • JPN: 37,648 (phy.)[31]
Antenna
  • Released: July 4, 2023
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 2 1 2
  • JPN: 207,434 (phy.)[33]
  • RIAJ: Platinum (phy.)[32]
"—" denotes a recording that that did not chart.

Compilation albums

[edit]
List of compilation albums, with selected chart positions, sales, and certifications
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales Certifications
JPN
[25] 		JPN
Cmb.
[26] 		JPN
Hot
[34]
5
  • Released: July 8, 2020
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 2 1 1
  • JPN: 65,138 (phy.)[35]
  • RIAJ: Gold (phy.)[32]
Inferno & More Hits
  • Released: December 1, 2023
  • Label: UME
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
 — — —
"—" denotes a recording that that did not chart.

Soundtrack albums

[edit]
List of soundtrack albums, with selected chart positions, sales, and certifications
Title Details Peak chart positions
JPN
Cmb.
[A][26] 		JPN
Hot
[27]
The White Lounge in Cinema: Original Soundtrack
  • Released: September 23, 2024
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
 9 9

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays, with selected chart positions, sales, and certifications
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales
JPN
[25] 		JPN
Cmb.
[A][26] 		JPN
Hot
[27]
Introduction
  • Released: July 5, 2014
  • Label: Indepedent
  • Format: CD
 — — —
Progressive
  • Released: February 18, 2015
  • Label: Probably
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 125 — —
Variety
  • Released: July 8, 2015
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 38 — 32
Unity
  • Released: July 8, 2022
  • Label: EMI
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 3 2 2
  • JPN: 35,152 (phy.)[36]
"—" denotes a recording that that did not chart.

Singles

[edit]
List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released, certification and album name
Title Year Peak positions Sales Certifications Album
JPN
[37] 		JPN
Cmb.
[B][38] 		JPN
Hot
[39] 		WW
[40]
"Speaking" 2015 22 — 20 —
  • RIAJ: Gold (st.)[41]
 Twelve
"Samama Festival!" (サママ・フェスティバル!) 2016 9 — 23 — Mrs. Green Apple
"In the Morning" 24 — 35 —
  • RIAJ: Gold (st.)[41]
"Dokoka de Hi wa Noboru" (どこかで日は昇る) 2017 13 — 37 — Ensemble
"Wanted! Wanted!" 13 — 7 —
  • RIAJ:
"Love Me, Love You" 2018 19 — 18 —
  • RIAJ: Platinum (st.)[41]
"Ao to Natsu" (青と夏) 14 3 7 —
  • RIAJ:
Attitude
"Boku no Koto" (僕のこと) 2019 4 4 7 —
  • RIAJ:
"Romanticism" (ロマンチシズム) 9 7 11 —
  • RIAJ: 2× Platinum (st.)[41]
"Soranji" 2022 6 5 10 —
  • RIAJ: 3× Platinum (st.)[41]
 Antenna
"Nachtmusik" (ナハトムジーク) 2024 — 8 3 —
  • JPN: 28,434 (dig.)[43]
  • RIAJ: Gold (st.)[41]
 Non-album singles
"Lilac" (ライラック) — 2 1 119
  • JPN: 59,252 (dig.)[44]
  • RIAJ:
"Dear" — 12 8 —
  • JPN: 26,364 (dig.)[45]
  • RIAJ: Gold (st.)[41]
"Columbus" (コロンブス) — 7 4 —
  • JPN: 21,411 (dig.)[46]
  • RIAJ: Gold (st.)[41]
"Apollodorus" (アポロドロス) — 20 16 —
"Familie" — 8 3 —
  • RIAJ: Gold (st.)[41]
"Bitter Vacances" (ビターバカンス) — 6 1 184
"—" denotes a recording that that did not chart.

Other charted songs

[edit]
List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions, showing year released, certification and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
JPN
Cmb.
[B][38] 		JPN
Hot
[39]
"Start" 2015 — 86
  • RIAJ: Platinum (st.)[41]
 Variety
"Shunshū" (春愁) 2018 — 89
  • RIAJ: Platinum (st.)[41]
 "Love Me, Love You"
"Tenbyō no Uta" (点描の唄)
(featuring Sonoko Inoue) 		— 13 "Ao to Natsu"
"Attitude" 2019 — 66
  • RIAJ: Gold (st.)[41]
 Attitude
"Inferno" (インフェルノ) 17 17
  • RIAJ:
    • Platinum (dig.)[42]
    • 3× Platinum (st.)[41]
"Cheers" — 26
  • RIAJ: Platinum (st.)[41]
"Lovin'" — 93
  • RIAJ: Gold (st.)[41]
"Present" (English version) 2020 45 47 5
"New My Normal" (ニュー・マイ・ノーマル) 2022 38 23
  • RIAJ: Platinum (st.)[41]
 Unity
"Dance Hall" (ダンスホール) 6 8
  • RIAJ:
"Blue Ambience" (ブルーアンビエンス)
(featuring Asmi) 		— 43
  • RIAJ: 2× Platinum (st.)[41]
"I'm Invincible" (私は最強) — 16
  • RIAJ: Platinum (st.)[41]
 Antenna
"Que Sera Sera" (ケセラセラ) 2023 5 4
  • RIAJ: 2× Platinum (st.)[41]
"Magic" 9 3
  • RIAJ: 2× Platinum (st.)[41]
"Antenna" 31 15
  • RIAJ: Gold (st.)[41]
"—" denotes a recording that that did not chart.

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c Oricon Combined Albums Chart was established on December 24, 2018.
  2. ^ a b Oricon Combined Singles Chart was established on December 24, 2018.

Awards and nominations

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Name of the award ceremony, year presented, award category, nominee(s) of the award and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Award category Work(s)/nominee(s) Result Ref.
GQ Japan Men of the Year Awards 2023 Best Artist Mrs. Green Apple Won [47]
Japan Record Awards 2022 Grand Prix "Dance Hall" Nominated [48]
Excellent Work Award (Songs of the Year) Won [49]
2023 Grand Prix "Que Sera Sera" Won [50]
Excellent Work Award (Songs of the Year) Won [51]
MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2023 Video of the Year Won [52]
Best Visual Effects Won
Best Alternative Video "Magic" Won
Artist of the Year Mrs. Green Apple Won

References

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  1. ^ "Mrs. GREEN APPLE / Biography" (in Japanese). EMI Records Japan. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  2. ^ "Mrs.GREEN APPLEのランキング" [Mrs.GREEN APPLE's Rankings]. Oricon Style (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  3. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (June 12, 2019). "Mrs. Green Apple performs 'Fire Force' anime's opening song". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  4. ^ "Power Push! Interview 2015.07 Mrs. GREEN APPLE". spaceshowertv (in Japanese). Space Shower TV. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  5. ^ a b "Mrs.GREEN APPLE 自主企画ライヴ大成功！彼らを見逃すな！！" [Mrs.GREEN APPLE First Self-Planned Gig was a Great Success! Look out for them!!]. RO69 (in Japanese). RO69. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  6. ^ a b c "Mrs. GREEN APPLE、盟友とファンとデビュー祝った新代田の夜" [Mrs. GREEN APPLE, A night of celebration in Shindaita with sworn friends and fans]. Natalie (in Japanese). Natalie. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  7. ^ "Mrs. GREEN APPLE on Twitter | "Theater" music video premiere".
  8. ^ "Mrs. GREEN APPLE on Twitter | Phase-1 fin".
  9. ^ "Notice about Mrs. GREEN APPLE members' official Twitter accounts".
  10. ^ "Announcement from Project MGA". Mrs. GREEN APPLE official site. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  11. ^ "Announcement from Project-MGA".
  12. ^ "Mrs. GREEN APPLE on Twitter | Motoki Ohmori's Solo Debut".
  13. ^ "Motoki Ohmori Official Twitter".
  14. ^ "Motoki Ohmori Official Website".
  15. ^ "Motoki Omori Official Twitter | "French", debut single announcement".
  16. ^ "Motoki Ohmori Official Twitter | "French" MV announcement".
  17. ^ "Motoki Ohmori Official Twitter | French EP release".
  18. ^ "ミセス大森元貴が左耳突発性難聴 今後は「症状と向き合い、本人の意思を尊重しながら」活動継続". Mainichi (in Japanese). January 20, 2024. Archived from the original on January 21, 2024. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  19. ^ St. Michel, Patrick (June 13, 2024). "J-pop act Mrs. Green Apple spikes 'Columbus' video after viewer backlash". The Japan Times. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  20. ^ Mayama, Tomoyuki (June 13, 2024). "ミセスのMV炎上｢コロンブス｣が犯した恐ろしい罪 YouTubeは公開後に批判のコメントが相次いだ". Toyo Keizai (in Japanese). Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  21. ^ "【Mrs. GREEN APPLE】 大森元貴さんが謝罪 新曲「コロンブス」MVについて 「決して差別的な内容にしたい、悲惨な歴史を肯定するものにしたいという意図はありませんでした」". TBS Holdings (in Japanese). Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  22. ^ "ミセス新曲MVが公開停止 歴史理解に欠ける表現". Nikkei Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  23. ^ "Japanese band pulls music video with ape-like natives". BBC. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  24. ^ a b "Japan pop band's "Columbus" video withdrawn amid controversy". Kyodo News. June 14, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  25. ^ a b c "Mrs.GREEN APPLEのアルバム" [Mrs.GREEN APPLE albums] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  26. ^ a b c d "Mrs.GREEN APPLEの合算アルバム" [Mrs.GREEN APPLE combined albums] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  27. ^ a b c Billboard Japan Hot Album peaks:
  28. ^ "月間 CDアルバムランキング 2016年01月度" [Oricon Monthly CD Chart: January, 2016]. Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  29. ^ "月間 CDアルバムランキング 2017年01月度" [Oricon Monthly CD Chart: January, 2017]. Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 12, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  30. ^ "月間 アルバムランキング 2018年04月度" [Oricon Monthly Albums Chart: April, 2018]. Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 30, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  31. ^ "月間 アルバムランキング 2019年10月度" [Oricon Monthly Albums Chart: October, 2019]. Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 13, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  32. ^ a b c "Certifications search results: Mrs. Green Apple (physical format)" (Enter "Mrs. Green Apple" into the "アーティスト" (Artist) field) (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  33. ^ Cumulative sales of Antenna:
  34. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot 100 Albums".
  35. ^ Cumulative sales of 5:
  36. ^ "月間 アルバムランキング 2022年07月度" [Oricon Monthly Albums Chart: July, 2022]. Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  37. ^ "Mrs.GREEN APPLEのシングル" [Mrs.GREEN APPLE singles] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  38. ^ a b "Mrs.GREEN APPLEの合算シングル" [Mrs.GREEN APPLE combined singles] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  39. ^ a b "Mrs. Green Apple Billboard Japan Hot 100 Chart History". Billboard Japan. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  40. ^ Peaks on the Billboard Global 200:
  41. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa "Certifications search results: Mrs. Green Apple (streaming)" (Enter "Yoasobi" into the "アーティスト" (Artist) field) (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
  42. ^ a b c d e f g "Certifications search results: Yoasobi (digital format)" (Enter "Mrs. Green Apple" into the "アーティスト" (Artist) field) (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  43. ^ Cumulative sales of "Nachtmusik":
  44. ^ Cumulative sales of "Lilac":
  45. ^ Cumulative sales of "Dear":
  46. ^ Cumulative sales of "Columbus":
  47. ^ 山田裕貴、Mrs. GREEN APPLE、新しい学校のリーダーズら「GQ MEN OF THE YEAR」受賞 [Yuki Yamada, Mrs. Green Apple, Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders, and others win "GQ Men of the Year"]. MyNavi News (in Japanese). November 27, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  48. ^ 「レコード大賞」にセカオワ、BE:FIRST、マカえん、ミセス、Da-iCE、Ado、NiziUらノミネート [Sekaowa, BE:FIRST, Makaen, Mrs., Da-iCE, Ado, NiziU and others nominated for Record Award]. Music Natalie (in Japanese). November 16, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  49. ^ 『輝く！日本レコード大賞』 ["Shine! Japan Record Award"]. TBS (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 9, 2022.
  50. ^ レコード大賞はMrs.　GREEN　APPLE「ケセラセラ」万感10周年3人が目潤ます　安住アナも涙. Sports Nippon (in Japanese). December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  51. ^ 『輝く！日本レコード大賞』 ["Shine! Japan Record Award"]. TBS. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  52. ^ Mrs. GREEN APPLEがVMAJ史上初の4冠を達成！ [Mrs. Green Apple becomes the first artist in VMAJ history to win four titles!]. MTV Video Music Awards Japan. December 1, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
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