JUDY AND MARY was formed in 1991 in Hakodate (Hokkaido) and consisted of bassist Yoshihito Onda and vocalist Yuki Isoya, both already experienced musicians, guitarist Takuya Asanuma, who was previously a part of the band ROBOTS, and drummer Kohta Igarashi, an old acquaintance of Yoshihito's. The quartet was now complete. Little did they know that they would become one of the most successful bands from Japan.
In 1992, they released their first album titled BE AMBITIOUS on an indie label. Shortly after, Sony offered them a contract, and in 1993 they released their first major single, Power of Love. Their first major album, J.A.M, followed about four months later in January of 1994. Gradually, the band became one of the most popular Japanese pop acts. Their big break followed in 1996 after their third album, MIRACLE DIVING, and with the release of the single Sobakasu, which was used as the opening theme of the popular anime "Rurouni Kenshin." With that, JUDY AND MARY became even more successful.
With the release of THE POWER SOURCE in 1997, JUDY AND MARY claimed the rank of first place on the Oricon charts on March 26, and remained in the top 100 for 49 weeks. The band continued on, until later that year, when it was announced that YUKI had to undergo throat surgery, causing the group to take time off for her recovery. Her return in the spring of 1998 brought the group back to the music scene, and they released their fifth album, POP LIFE. The album sold even more than its predecessor and launched the band into a tour that sold-out at the famed Tokyo Dome.
Sadly, August of 2001 saw the end of JUDY AND MARY. After twenty-two singles and nine albums, the group disbanded after their last concert at the Tokyo Dome.
The members have moved on, however, with individual endeavors. YUKI started a successful solo career, and TAKUYA returned to his band ROBOTS. Yoshihito played with Hot Rod Crue and later with Asian Black. Kohta joined the band naja after the disbandment. The only work to be released after disbandment was a compilation album titled COMPLETE BEST ALBUM FRESH, which covered three disks. However, the trademark sound that was JUDY AND MARY lives on in the music they left behind.
