I WiSH

Japanese pop duo I WiSH, comprises vocalist Ai Kawashima and keyboardist Naohiro Sugawara. After a difficult start to life, Kawashima started playing the piano at 3 years old, and performed at Carnegie Hall in New York at the age of 10. After her early career as an Enka singer didn't gain much traction, Kawashima began busking on the streets of Shibuya where she was discovered by Naohiro Sugawara, a keyboardist and producer who had won the esteemed Yamaha Grand Prix. They formed a duo and sent demos to various record companies, eventually signing with Sony Music. In October 2002, their debut single "Asu e no Tobira" became the theme song for Fuji TV's Love Bus, remaining on the Oricon charts for over a year. Other tracks like "Futatsubochi" and "Mukai Mukai Mirai" also gained significant popularity. Their debut studio album, Tsutaetai Kotoba ~Namida no Ochiru Basho, was released in October 2003, followed by WiSH in 2005, featuring hit singles like "Yakusoku no Hi," "Kimi to Boku," and "Precious Days." The duo disbanded shortly after to pursue individual activities, and on February 8, 2006, the compilation Best Wishes was released. They briefly reunited on February 21, 2008, at Kawashima’s birthday concert, releasing the single “LOVE SONGS 4 YOU” followed by the compilation album The Complete Collection of I WiSH. In 2023, for their 20th anniversary, they reunited again, releasing new tracks "Snow Dome - Winter" and "Snow Dome – Spring," and performing together at an anniversary concert in Tokyo on February 18, 2023. In 2024, their popular 2004 track "Kimi to Boku" re-entered the Oricon charts, reaching number 97.

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