Mi-Ke were an award-winning J-pop idol group in the early 1990s. Formed as the chorus group for B.B.Queens under Being Inc. recording agency, they had several singles which made the music charts, and released a number of albums.
Their music and onstage image were reminiscent of the 1960s. They also did a number of cover versions of older songs (some in English, some as Japanese translations) from the Beach Boys and from British Invasion groups.
The name Mi-Ke is a Japanese phrase meaning "three colors," commonly used for multicolored cats. Costumes used in performances usually featured different colors or styles.
Members Keiko Utoku Mami Watanabe Haruka Murakami
Biography In the 1990s, the group debuted as back-up chorus singers in the B.B.Queens band. On 14 February 1991, they debuted with the single Omoide no Kujuukurihama. The group later went onto to win the Rookie of the Year award at various award ceremonies, including the Golden Discs Award and Nihon Record Taishou. As the first Being Inc. artists, they made their first appearance on the NHK's end of the year program Kouhaku Uta Gassen. From 1992 April until 1993 March, they were regular members of the NHK program NHK Hit Stage with total 31 broadcasts.
In August 1993 Keiko debuted as a soloist with single Anata no Yume no Naka Sotto Shinobikomitai. After the release of album Eien no Liverpool Sound ~ Please Please Me, Love, the group disappeared from the music scene, though Keiko continued to develop her solo career. There was never any announcement of the group disbanding or any kind of hiatus.
Post Disbandment In 2011, during the 20th anniversary of their original debut, the third compilation album Mi-Ke Golden Hits: 20th Anniversary included two previously unreleased songs. In 2012, Keiko appeared with B.B.Queens during the live special Being Legends, where, along with solo songs, she performed Mi-ke's biggest hits as well. Keiko has been active as a solo singer as of late 2021. Haruka currently runs her blog about plants and Mami works as an independent singer under the alias, JanMei.
Discography Albums Studio albums Title Album details Peak chart positions JPNOriconアルバム売上TOP6作品. Oricon News. Released: 13 April 1991 Label: BMG Victor Formats: CD, cassette19 Released: 16 December 1991 Label: BMG Victor Formats: CD, cassette15 Released: 8 April 1992 Label: BMG Victor Formats: CD, cassette8 Released: 22 July 1992 Label: BMG Victor Formats: CD, cassette10 Released: 14 October 1992 Label: BMG Victor Formats: CD, cassette9 Released: 2 June 1993 Label: BMG Victor Formats: CD, cassette27 Released: 18 December 1993 Label: BMG Victor Formats: CD65
Compilation albums Title Album details Peak chart positions JPNOriconComplete of Mi-Ke at the Being Studio Released: 13 April 2002 Label: B-Gram Records Formats: CD, digital download110Best of Best 1000 Mi-Ke Released: 13 April 2007 Label: B-Gram Formats: CD201Mi-ke Best Hits Released: 2010 Label: B-Gram Formats: CD -Mi-Ke Golden Hits: 20th Anniversary Released: 20 July 2011 Label: B-Gram Formats: CD121
Singles YearSingleChart positions(JPNOricon)シングル売上TOP11作品. Oricon News.Chart positions (JPN Music Labo)Label199155"Japan" in "Hits of the World". Billboard. 2 March 1991, p 73. 9 March 1991, p 77. (Music Labo charts for 25 February and 4 March)BMG Victor913501919921015"Pink Christmas"22191993"Please Please Me, Love"15
Awards Japan Gold Disc Award 1992: Grand Prix New Artist, Best 5 New Artist 33rd Japan Record Awards: Best New Artist Award, New Artist Award (Nomination for the Best New Artist Award) 24th Japan Cable Awards: Best Newcomer Award
In-media usage Omoide no Kujuukurihama was used as a theme song for TBS television series Nurse Station. Sukisa Sukisa Sukisa was used as an opening theme for NTV program N!Sanma. Blue Light Yokosuka was used as an ending theme for NTV Television quiz program Quiz Sekai Show by Jo-Bai!!. Mu~n na Kimochi wa Osenchi was used as an ending theme for Anime television series Obocchama kun!. Shiroi Shiroi Sangoshou was used as an ending theme for TV Asahi program Disney Time. Kanashiki Teddy Boy was used as an ending theme for NTV Television quiz program Quiz Sekai Show by Jo-Bai!!. Surfing Japan was used as a Snow Brand Milk Products commercial song of Tottemo Jelly. Asa Made Odorou was used as an insert song for TBS television series Tenshi no you ni Ikitemitai. Pink Christmas was used as an ending theme for NTV Television quiz program Quiz Sekai Show by Jo-Bai!!. Namida no Vacation was used as a theme song for NHK Program NHK Hit Stage. Please Please Me, Love was used as a theme song for Fuji TV television series Aijou Monogatari.
Television appearances Music Station Suki sa Suki sa Suki sa Blue Light Yokosuka Shiroi Shiroi Sangoshou Kanashiki Teddy Boy Surfing Japan Asa Made Odorou Pink Christmas (twice) Namida no Vacation Please, Please me Love
Kōhaku Uta Gassen 42nd: Omoide no Kujuu Kurihama 43rd: Namida no Vacation
References
Further reading Mi-Ke. CDJournal. "Face & Voice Mi-Ke". Oricon Weekly. Volume 13. 22 July 1991. BMGビクター 東京でMi-keライブ シングル・アルバム計100万枚突破記念. Dempa Shimbun (電波新聞). 18 September 1991. p 15. Mi-Ke、デビュー20周年記念ベストアルバム発売決定. Oricon Music. 22 June 2011. B.B.クィーンズ20年ぶりアルバム＆Mi-Keベスト同時発売. Natalie. 23 June 2011. 1991年(平成3年)2月14日、Mi-Keのデビュー曲「想い出の九十九里浜」がリリース～"カタログ・ソング"と言われる所以とは？. News Online. Nippon Broadcasting System. 14 February 2018.
External links Official Site BeingGiza profile (WebArchived)