Da Pump
Japanese boy band that broke through outside Johnny's Entertainment.
Da Pump (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese boy band formed in 1996 by students of the Okinawa Actors School. They debuted on June 11, 1997, under the Avex Trax subsidiary avex tune, produced by Akio Togashi, and became one of the few male bands unassociated with Johnny's Entertainment to gain major popularity, reaching their peak in 2001 with the release of 'Da Best of Da Pump.' The band underwent multiple member changes and hiatuses, eventually relaunching in 2008 with a new concept as a multimedia entertainment group, and made a notable comeback in 2018 with the hit single 'U.S.A.'
- formed
- 1996
- origin
- Okinawa Actors School, Japan
- genre
- J-pop, dance, rap
- label
- Avex tune (Avex Trax subsidiary)
- peak_year
- 2001
- notable_singles
- Feelin' Good - It's Paradise, Rhapsody in Blue, U.S.A.
- current_members
- Issa Hentona, Kenzo, Tomo, Kimi, Yori, U-Yeah
Lore & Background
Da Pump formed in 1996 at the Okinawa Actors School and debuted on June 11, 1997, with 'Feelin' Good - It's Paradise.' They gained early fame with 'Rhapsody in Blue,' which they performed on the 'red' team during the 1998 Kōhaku Uta Gassen. The band's songs typically feature quick tempos and rap elements, and they have appeared in TV shows, movies, and magazines throughout Japan. Their peak came in 2001 with the compilation 'Da Best of Da Pump.'
In 2005, member Shinobu Miyara was arrested for drunk driving, leading to a temporary hiatus and his official departure on April 7, 2006. The remaining three members continued until an unofficial hiatus at the end of 2006. On December 18, 2008, Yukinari Tamaki left the band, and within hours, management announced a new seven-member lineup. Ken Okumoto left in 2009 to pursue a solo career, leaving Issa as the only original member. The current lineup includes Issa, Kenzo, Tomo, Kimi, Yori, and U-Yeah.
Da Pump returned in 2014 with 'New Position,' their first single in three years, and made a major comeback in May 2018 with 'U.S.A.,' a song originally written by Italian singer Joe Yellow. In 2021, member Daichi announced his departure due to a chronic hernia, and the band collaborated with Kansai University of Social Welfare on the song 'Believe in your dream.'
Reader's Guide
Da Pump holds a unique place in Japanese pop history as one of the few male acts outside the dominant Johnny's Entertainment agency to achieve mainstream success. Their longevity, marked by multiple lineup changes and a 2008 relaunch as a multimedia group, demonstrates adaptability in a competitive industry. The band's 2018 comeback with 'U.S.A.' introduced them to a new generation, while Issa's solo contributions to the Kamen Rider franchise—including opening themes for Kamen Rider 555, Kamen Rider: The Next, and Kamen Rider Zi-O—cemented his presence in tokusatsu fandom. Despite internal turmoil, including a DUI incident and member departures, Da Pump's ability to reinvent themselves and maintain relevance over decades underscores their significance in J-pop. Their legacy includes being pioneers for non-Johnny's male groups and a testament to the enduring appeal of dance-oriented pop music in Japan.
Did You Know?
- Da Pump debuted on June 11, 1997, with the single 'Feelin' Good - It's Paradise.'
- Member Shinobu Miyara left the band in 2006 following a drunk driving arrest in 2005.
- Issa Hentona performed the opening theme 'Justiφ's' for Kamen Rider 555 and later collaborated with Shuta Sueyoshi on 'Over Quartzer' for Kamen Rider Zi-O.
- The band's 2018 hit 'U.S.A.' was originally written by Italian singer Joe Yellow.
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