SPEED


 * SPEED**



In Japan, music is very popular and there are many music groups. One popular Japanese music group is SPEED which is made up of four women. Even though they broke up in 2001, they came back 7 years later. Most Japanese know this group and all ages of people like their music. The four members in the music group SPEED include Hiroko Shimabukuro, Eriko Imai, Takako Uehara, and Hitoe Arakaki. All members are multi-talented as singers, dances, actresses and models. Born in Naha City, **__ Okinawa __****__, __** Hiroko is the youngest, and, in many peoples’ opinions, the best singer in SPEED. She is working on many projects. One project is //hiro//, which was her name before SPEED got back together. Another project, //Coco d’Or//, is the name for her English-jazz band, and was named after Coco, her nickname when she was a child. Although she has many stage names, her real name is //Shimabukuro Hiroko//.
 * By Karen Hori **
 * __ Introduction __**
 * __ Members of SPEED __**

Born in Naha City, Okinawa, Eriko is the lead vocalist of SPEED and the second youngest member. Her stage name is //Elly// and her nickname is Mikan Seijin (Tangerine Alien) //. // She has a deaf son named Raimu. Born in Tomigusuku City, Okinawa. Takako is the backup singer and dancer in SPEED. In addition, she is model for name brands such as Shiseido and Fuji Film among others. Also known in Japan as an acress, Takako has been in several television shows and movies.

Hitoe is the leader of SPEED. She was born in Shimajiri District, Gushikami villedge, Okinawa. Similar to Takako, she is a backup singer and dancer too. Along with her role in SPEED, she is also an instructor of Yoga, and an illustrator. The origin of their group name, SPEED is given by audience. (Subscribed) They start working since 1995, when they were only middle school or elementary school students. Before they start work, they were “** [|Okinawa Actor’s school] **” students. This school is popular at entertainer’s school. Their ** [|debut] ** single is //Body & Soul//, 1996, one of member, Hiroko, was only 6th grader. In October 1997, they released " ** [|White] ** Love ". Their style took a change from __**[|dance]**__ music by the single. The Winter themed single became the smash hit single of that year's holiday period. They sometimes shoot their Promotion video at overseas. After //White Love//, they released //my graduation//, the song about graduate from us. And they continued success, then go to own solo project. Each of one had released CDs by themselves.
 * History: **

In October 1999, SPEED told the world that they would ** [|disband] **. The news shocked many fans and artists alike as they appeared to be breaking up at the peak of their music career. The reason offered was that they have grown up and would like to pursue their own solo paths and interests. The producer said SPEED is the group that made for develop their ability, so they think about disband since when they debut. The date announced for the disbandment was the following year - March 31, 2000. This date was chosen because it was the time when the Sakura would bloom in Japan, thus signaling new life. They sometimes reunited for charity events, also they released CD, but it’s indeterminate.

They came back by SPEED, in 2008, one year ago, and they continue work on with group. They released 2 singles already, the latest one was completely different from their past works, and indicated the reunited group's future direction. Usually, they sing and dance. Hiroko and Eriko are lead vocal singers. When they debuted, Hiroko was 12 years old. They made their debut single “Body & Soul” in 1996. They have many songs which sold ** [|million records] **. They sometimes act and appear in TV commercials, dramas, or movies.
 * What do they do? **

Here’s their single CDs list: After disbandment: After return to SPEED Total: 16 CDs
 * // Body & soul // (1996)
 * // STEADY // (1996)
 * // Go! Go! Heaven // (1997)
 * // Wake Me Up! // (1997)
 * // White Love // (1997)
 * // my graduation // (1998)
 * // ALIVE // (1998)
 * // ALL MY TRUE LOVE // (1998)
 * // Precious Time // (1999)
 * // Breakin’ out to the morning // (1999)
 * // Long Way Home // (1999)
 * // One More Dream // (2001)
 * // Be My Love // (2003)
 * // Walking in the rain/Stars to shine again // (2003)
 * //あしたの空// {tomorrow’s sky}(2008)
 * // S.P.D // (2009)

Albums: Total: 7 albums Following their disbandment, the group reunited several times for charity. They also donated to children together.
 * // Starting Over // (1997)
 * // RISE // (1998)
 * // MOMENT // (1998)
 * // Carry On my way // (1999)
 * // SPEED THE MEMORIAL BEST 1335days Dear * // Friends 1 //(2000)//
 * // SPEED THE MEMORIAL BEST 1335days Dear * // Friends 2 //(2000)//
 * // BRIDGE // (2003)

Although SPEED broke up in 1997-2000, to the delight of many Japanese fans, they came back in 2008.
 * Conclusion: **

media type="googlemap" key="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Okinawa+Prefecture&sll=27.586198,127.573242&sspn=13.859541,19.753418&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Okinawa+Prefecture,+Japan&ll=26.212401,127.680932&spn=0.0549,0.077162&t=h&z=14&output=embed" width="425" height="350" media type="googlemap" key="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Okinawa+Prefecture&sll=27.586198,127.573242&sspn=13.859541,19.753418&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Okinawa+Prefecture,+Japan&ll=26.212401,127.680932&spn=0.054925,0.059652&t=h&z=14&output=embed" width="425" height="350"  Shimajiri District, Gushikami Villedge (Yaese Town), Okinawa, Japan media type="googlemap" key="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=%E5%B3%B6%E5%B0%BB%E9%83%A1%E5%85%AB%E9%87%8D%E7%80%AC%E7%94%BA&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.223579,79.013672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Yaese+Town,+Shimajiri+District,+Okinawa+Prefecture,+Japan&ll=26.148377,127.726363&spn=0.10987,0.154324&t=h&z=13&output=embed" width="425" height="350" Okinawa Prefecture, Japan media type="googlemap" key="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Okinawa+Prefecture&sll=27.586198,127.573242&sspn=13.859541,19.753418&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Okinawa+Prefecture,+Japan&ll=26.212401,127.680932&spn=7.012631,9.876709&t=h&z=7&output=embed" width="425" height="350"
 * Maps: **
 * Naha, Okinawa, Japan **
 *  Tomigusuku, Okinawa, Japan  **(drag it down)

Bibliography:

Wikipedia: [] Official web site: [] [] []

The Promotion Video of their 1st single. They were only 12-15 yrs old! media type="youtube" key="_b-EojGtkiY" height="344" width="425"