the shes gone

Overview

the shes gone (pronounced "Shi-zu-gon", nicknamed "Shizugo") is a Japanese rock band working in J-pop and Japanese indie. Under the theme "May our songs stay close to your everyday life," the band pairs lyrics that evoke the streets and daily scenery of its listeners with vocalist Kanemaru's singing and the members' playing. Their total streaming plays have passed 400 million, and their song "Maboroshi" (まぼろし) drew wide attention as the ending theme of the TV Tokyo drama "40 made ni Shitai 10 no Koto," starring Shunsuke Kazama.

Members

• Kanemaru (vocals, guitar): original member and sole lyricist and composer of all songs. He also directed the music videos for "Love Story" and "Omoiai."
• Masaki Nishio (guitar): original member; changed his name from Masaki to Masaki Nishio in March 2025.
• Naoto Matsuda (bass): joined in March 2025 and also performs as SEQUOiA/BMSJ. Born in Nara Prefecture.
• Ryoya Kumagai (drums): joined in October 2022. Nicknamed "Kuma-san"; from Nagano Prefecture.

Career

Formation and indie years (2016–2018)

The band formed in May 2016 in Kichijoji, Tokyo, and began producing its first demo CD that autumn. In September 2017 they self-released "town," and in December won "RO JACK for COUNTDOWN JAPAN 17/18," earning a slot at COUNTDOWN JAPAN 17/18. Their first single "Omoiai / young" came out in March 2018; after it repeatedly sold out at shops and online stores, it was released at all TOWER RECORDS locations in September, and in October the band announced its debut through UK.PROJECT.

Nationwide distribution and growth (2019–2021)

In January 2019 they released their first nationally distributed work, the mini-album "DAYS," selected as a Tower Records "Tower Recomen" pick. The "DAYS TOUR 2019" in March sold out every date, and their first headline show, "Shizugo no Hi," at Kichijoji WARP in April also sold out. The second mini-album "MORE" followed in November. In 2020, some tour dates were cancelled due to COVID-19, but the band released the mail-order single "Haru no Naka ni" (May), held its first streaming live (July), and issued the mini-album "FACE" (October). In 2021 they played Nakano Sunplaza Hall in April, released "Lavender / Girlfriend" in May, and put out their first full album "SINCE" in October, followed by the "Make your day TOUR 2021." The fan club "-apostrophes-" opened in December.

Growing stages (2022–2023)

In 2022 they held "Shizugo no Hi" at Toyosu PIT (April) and released the digital singles "Shiori wo Hazushite" (May), "Hidamari" (August) and "Musk no Kaori" (October). They performed "the summer's gone Come on! YAON!" at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall (July 31) and Osaka-jo Open-Air Concert Hall (August 11), and drummer Ryoya Kumagai joined in October. The mini-album "HEART" arrived in February 2023, followed by the "PART OF YOUR HEART TOUR 2023" and a Tokyo International Forum Hall C show in April. "Kirameku Kimochi" was released in September alongside the nationwide "Omoi Ai TOUR 2023."

Recent activity (2024 onward)

In 2024 they released "Aid" (March), "Time Traveler to Koibito" (July) and "LONG WEEKEND" (November), played Zepp Shinjuku (April), and toured with "Aims In Dawn TOUR 2024" and "You Found Me TOUR 2024." In 2025 came "Sentimental Me" (January) and the mini-album "AGAIN" (March), a show at Ebisu Garden Hall (April) and the "AGAIN TOUR 2025." "Maboroshi," released July 11, became the ending theme of TV Tokyo's Drama 24 "40 made ni Shitai 10 no Koto." The band held a "revenge match" edition of "the summer's gone" at Kawasaki CLUB CITTA' in August and "Christmas is Not Happy" at EX THEATER ROPPONGI on December 12. "Winterboy" followed in December 2025 and "Darlingless" in January 2026. The band also made TV appearances in 2025, including performances of "Maboroshi" on TV Tokyo.

Musical style

A rock band rooted in J-pop and Japanese indie, the shes gone has all of its songs written and composed by Kanemaru. Their hallmark is lyrics that call to mind listeners' town scenery and daily lives, delivered through Kanemaru's vocals and the band's ensemble playing.