Sambomaster

Sambomaster, also known as サンボマスター, is a Japanese rock band best known for Top 20 hits like "Ring the Tambourine Every Night and Every Morning" and "Sekai wa Sore o Ai to Yobundaze." The group was formed in February 2000 in Tokyo, Japan, by vocalist/guitarist Takashi Yamaguchi, drummer Yasufumi Kiuchi, and bassist Yoichi Kondo. After playing local shows in Tokyo's Kōenji district, Sambomaster released the debut single "Kick no Oni" in April 2001, introducing the band's blend of alternative rock, pop, and punky aggression. Sony Music signed the band shortly thereafter, and Sambomaster made its major-label debut with the full-length album Atarashiki Nihongo Rock no Michi to Hikari in 2003. The album reached number 86 in Japan. Its follow-up, Sambomaster wa kimi ni katarikakeru, fared much better commercially, peaking at number 5 in 2005. The band also released a number of hit singles in 2005, including "Sekai wa Sore o Ai to Yobundaze" — which reached number 7 in Japan, thanks in part to its inclusion in the TV drama Train Man and the anime Hataraki Man — and "Seishun Kyōsōkyoku," which reached number 11. Albums like 2006's Boku to Kimi no Subete o Rock 'n Roll to Yobe, 2008's Ongaku no Kodomo wa Mina Utau, 2010's Kimi no Tame ni Tsuyoku Naritai, and 2011's Sambomaster Kyukyou Besuto followed, with each album enjoying Top 40 success in Japan. In 2023, more than 20 years after the band's formation, Sambomaster maintained its streak of Top 40 releases with ラブ＆ピース！マスターピース！, which charted at number 34.