the pillows disband following 35th anniversary tour closer

Japanese rock band the pillows disband, bringing their 35-year career to a close following their final performance at KT Zepp Yokohama on January 31st. The sudden news was shared via the band’s official website and social media on February 1st, with the members expressing their deepest gratitude to fans for “a truly memorable journey”.

In their statement, the band acknowledged their hesitation in using the word “disbandment”, but ultimately decided on the term to avoid any speculation about a potential reunion.

The band’s full statement reads:

To all fans of the pillows,Thank you for always supporting the pillows.This is a sudden announcement, but the pillows officially disbanded following their show at KT Zepp Yokohama on January 31st.The members sincerely thank all the fans for their constant support over the past 35 years. These years have been a truly memorable journey, and it’s all thanks to the fans.The band hesitated to use the word “disbanded,” as it is a strong term. However, they decided to use it rather than leave room for expectations of a future reunion.The members are deeply grateful to the fans who valued their music and supported them throughout their career. They hope to meet the fans again through their individual activities in the future.Thank you once again for supporting the pillows for 35 years.the pillowsBAD MUSIC GROUP PUBLISHING

*the pillows’ official website and social media accounts will continue under the name “the pillows monument” and will be used to share updates on individual activities.

Formed in 1989, the pillows became a cornerstone of Japan’s alternative rock scene, building a devoted following with a sound often compared to Pixies and Oasis, and a fiercely independent approach to music. After making their major debut in 1991 with ‘Ame ni Utaeba’ (‘Singin’ in the Rain’), they found their footing with 1997’s ‘Please Mr. Lostman’, followed by 1998’s ‘LITTLE BUSTERS’—a defining album in their discography.

In 2000, the band blew-up internationally when their music was featured in the cult anime FLCL, whose soundtrack included a selection of songs from their back catalogue—seven of which would later appear on their 2001 album ‘Fool on the planet’. ‘Ride on Shooting Star’, the anime’s ending theme, became the band’s most widely recognised track, introducing them to a global audience. This exposure led to a U.S. tour in 2005, further expanding their influence beyond Japan.

The band remained prolific, marking major anniversaries with new releases and large-scale performances, including their 20th anniversary concert at Nippon Budokan in 2009 and a 30th anniversary show at Yokohama Arena in 2019. In September 2024, they celebrated their 35th anniversary with the concert “ABOUT A ROCK’N’ROLL BAND”, before embarking on their LOSTMAN GO TO CITY 2024-25 tour—ultimately their last. Less than a day after the tour’s final show at KT Zepp Yokohama on January 31st, 2025, the band announced their disbandment.

the pillows during their final performance on their LOSTMAN GO TO CITY 2024-25 tour. Photo by Rui Hashimoto.

Despite never achieving mainstream chart dominance, the pillows built a dedicated following and left a lasting mark on Japan’s rock scene. Their influence extended beyond borders, shaping the sound of countless bands both at home and abroad. Tribute albums such as ‘Synchronized Rockers’ (2004) and ‘ROCK AND SYMPATHY -tribute to the pillows-‘ (2014) highlighted their impact, with covers from artists including BUMP OF CHICKEN, ELLEGARDEN, UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, and 9mm Parabellum Bullet.

British record label JPU Records, which has handled international releases for the pillows and other Japanese artists, shared a statement on their website in response to the news:

“the pillows are a band that JPU Records grew up with, shaping not only our musical tastes but also the very identity of our company. We’re sad to see you go, but we’re also extremely grateful for the legacy you leave behind. the pillows, thank you.”

The disbandment has left fans in shock, with many reflecting on how deeply the pillows’ music played a part in their lives. Some had long suspected the band was winding down, pointing to their extended 35th anniversary tour and past comments from Sawao Yamanaka about their later releases feeling like a farewell.

Though the pillows have officially closed this chapter, their music remains deeply embedded in the history of Japanese rock. As Sawao Yamanaka, Yoshiyaki Manabe, and Shinichiro Sato move forward with their individual projects, their influence will continue to be felt, and their songs will live on for generations of listeners, both in Japan and beyond.