Manish (マニッシュ, Manisshu) 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 is derived from Nishimoto's name. The group was active until their disbandment in 1998.
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 the 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 (RIAJ).
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 few Being Inc. artists, 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 the compilation album Complete "Manish" at the Being Studio, two unreleased songs from their career which were added. According to the liner notes, the songs were previously recorded during production of their second studio album Individual.Complete Manish at the being studio (2002). Manish (CD Album; Liner Notes). Manish. Japan: B-Gram Records. JBCJ-5004.
Some of their music videoclips were released in 2012 at 2-disc DVD set Legend of 90s 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. (https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/MANISH)
Members Misuzu Takahashi (高橋美鈴) (BOD: February 19th, 1974) - vocalist, lyricist Mari Nishimoto (西本麻里) (BOD: February 9th 1973) - keyboardist, composer, backing-vocals
Discography During their career they have released three studio albums, one compilation albums and twelve singles.
Albums Studio albums Title Album details Peak chart positions JPNOriconManish Released: 14 April 1993 Label: Zain Formats: CD, digital download3Individual Released: 24 October 1994 Label: Zain Formats: CD, digital download5Cheer! Released: 8 May 1996 Label: Zain Formats: CD, digital download7
Compilation albums Title Album details Peak chart positions JPNOriconManish Best: Escalation Released: 28 October 1998 Label: Zain Formats: CD7Complete "Manish" at the Being Studio Released: 25 October 2002 Label: Zain Formats: CD, digital download91Best of Best 1000 Manish Released: 12 October 2007 Label: Zain Formats: CD190
Singles YearAlbumChart positions(JP)Label1992—Zain199328341419941817519181995612199623
RIAJ Certifications Koe ni Naranaihodo Itoshii: Golden Disk Manish (album): 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
References
External links Official Site Old Official Website (WebArchived) Musicbrainz Discogs