Gre4n Boyz (stylized as GRe4N BOYZ),[1] until March 2024 named Greeeen (stylized as GReeeeN),[1] is a Japanese all-male vocal group from Kōriyama in Fukushima Prefecture, comprising the four members: HIDE, navi, 92 (read as "kuni"), and SOH.
They debuted with Universal Music Japan in 2007. Their previous logo depicts a mouthful of teeth, with the four "e" representing both the number of members and their dental background, as all of them graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry.[2] Sound production is overseen by HIDE's older brother JIN, formerly a guitarist of Pay money To my Pain. Their official catchphrase, according to their Universal Music Japan website, is "Rock 'n' Breakbeat with four microphones."[3]
All members of Gre4n Boyz attended the dentistry department at Ohu University in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture. Notably, the group debuted while still students in 2007. By 2010, each member had obtained a dental license and commenced practicing dentistry in Kōriyama. In 2019 they were appointed as 'Frontier Ambassadors' for Kōriyama city, highlighting their significant contributions to the local community.[4]
A defining characteristic of Gre4n Boyz is their steadfast commitment to anonymity. Throughout their career, none of the members have ever revealed their faces in any public appearances, be it in promotional videos, CDs, television performances, or online platforms. This dedication to secrecy was particularly evident during their sole TV performance on TV-U Fukushima's Music Bar Palo Palo, broadcast on January 19, 2007, where the group took measures to censor their faces. Despite their immense popularity, the identities of the members remain shrouded in mystery. Initially, there were indications that they might unveil their faces after all members passed the 2009 dental license exam. However, by late 2009, they firmly stated their intention to maintain anonymity to protect their careers as dentists from potential interference. As a result, Gre4n Boyz's faces have never been made public, fueling speculation and curiosity among fans about the individuals behind the music. This enigmatic aura adds to their allure and mystique, further cementing their status as one of Japan's most intriguing musical acts.
History
2002–2005: Formation and career beginnings
HIDE began his music career as a member of a Japanese hardcore band in his junior high school. HIDE and navi formed duo "GReeeN" (the name was three e's sequence at that time) in 2002. Their music was influenced under Western rock bands such as Sublime and Sugar Ray. However, the group was renamed "Greeeen" in 2004 when 92 and SOH joined the group. SOH was a fan of hip hop and reggae. 92 came from Okinawa Prefecture and had his musical roots in Okinawan music.
2006–2007: Debut and career breakthrough
After the group independently released their self-titled EP, Greeeen on February 14, 2006, Universal Music Japan recruited them in March 2006. They were signed under Nayutawave Records, a subsidiary label of Universal Music Japan. They debuted with the single "Michi" on January 24, 2007.
Their debut album, A, Domo. Hajimemashite, was released on June 28, 2007. It debuted at #2 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart. The album was certified Triple Platinum by RIAJ for shipment of 750,000 copies.[6]
2008–2009: Rise of popularity
"Kiseki" was released as their seventh single on May 28, 2008, and was used as a theme song for the drama, Rookies.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and sold over 500,000 copies. The song was also certified Two Million by the RIAJ for 2,000,000 full-track ringtone digital downloads (Chaku Uta Full).[7]
The song topped the BillboardJapan Hot 100 Year-End 2008 Chart.[8]
The song was certified Four Million by RIAJ for 4,000,000 single track downloads.[9]
Their second album A, Domo. Ohisashiburi Desu. was released on June 25, 2008, and debuted at #1 on Oricon Weekly Albums Chart, beating out Ayaka's second album Sing to the Sky (2008). The album was certified Million by RIAJ for shipment of one million copies.[10]
Greeeen and Back-On formed supergroup Bareeeeeeeeeen, which released single "Ashiato" on October 1, 2008.
On March 11, 2009, A monument "GReeeeN's Door" with a musical motif is installed in the station square of JR East Kōriyama station.
Their follow-up singles "Tobira", "Ayumi", "Setsuna" and "Haruka" were certified Gold by RIAJ for shipments of 100,000 copies each.[10][11][12][13] Their song "Haruka" debuted at the number-one position on the RIAJ Digital Track Chart.[14] The song was certified Million by RIAJ for 1,000,000 full-track ringtone digital downloads (Chaku Uta Full).[15]
Their third album Shio, Koshō was released on June 10, 2009, and debuted at #1 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart with the first-week sales of over 452,000 copies. It became their second album to be certified Million by RIAJ.[16]
On June 29, 2009, the Guinness World Records certified their song "Kiseki" as the "best selling download single in Japan" with the full-track ringtone download sales of 2,301,674 copies of May 24, 2009.[17]
Greeeen released their greatest hits double album Ima Made no A Men, B Men Dest!? on November 25, 2009. On November 5, 2009, an article of Nikkan Sports suggested that GReeeeN would disband after the release of the album.[18] HIDE wrote on his blog that the rumours were false. On November 5, the official statement by Universal Music Japan also said that the report was false and that GReeeeN would still be releasing music after the release of the album Imamade no A Men, B Men Desuto!?.[19]
It was announced that Greeeen would be teaming up with Hudson Soft to create music for 2009 DS game.[20] Hudson x GReeeeN Live!? DeeeeS!? was released on April 1, 2010, as their collaboration effort with Hudson Soft.[21]
2011–2012: Return in music and Green boy project
"Every" was released at Chaku-Uta on April 12, 2011, as their first song since "Haruka" (2009). It was used for Asahi Beer commercials.[22] The song was included as a B-side for their single, "Hana Uta" released on June 22, 2011.
"Green boys" was released on May 6, 2011, and was used as the theme song for the NHK documentary show Athlete no Tamashii.[22] It was part of the "Green boys project" to help the victims of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. In that day, GReeeeN also announced the start of the "Green boys project" by handwriting.[23]
At that time, all members of GReeeeN, who witnessed the damage caused by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in their hometown of Fukushima, started this project with the idea that "At this moment, music may be able to help relax, warm, or encourage someone."
GReeeeN launched the "Green boys project" with two challenges. First, "Green boys" will be distributed free of charge for a limited time (until September 30, 2011), as well as Japanese, English, Spanish, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean. Second, They started to make a music video of "Green boys" with everyone's feeling from solicit photos.
2013–2016: Departure from Kōriyama
In 2013, GReeeeN was announced in the text on the CD that HIDE and navi will travel to Hokkaido. 92 will travel to Okinawa and SOH is still working in Kōriyama.
In 2014, the band released their sixth studio album, "Ima kara Oyayubi ga Kieru Tejina Shimasu." One single released from the album, "Shinobi", was used as the opening theme for the Japanese dub of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. All four members of the band were fans of the cartoon and expressed their excitement when they would be performing the opening theme for it.
In March 2015, whiteeeen debuts as a sister group of GReeeeN with a single, "Aiuta~since 2007~ (愛唄〜since 2007〜)".
In April 2015, GReeeeN was adopted for the departure melody of the Shinkansen and conventional lines at JR East Kōriyama station (Fukushima Prefecture), "Kiseki" will be played on the Shinkansen platform, and "Tobira" will be played on the conventional line platform.
In March 2016, They released first novel "It's Kiseki ~The Story of GReeeeN~ (それってキセキ〜GReeeeNの物語〜)".
In July 2015, "GReeeeN" first official app released on Google Play and App Store.
2017–present: 10th anniversary and new beginning
On January 7, 2017, 10th Anniversary Live "あっ、リーナ、ども。はじめまして。『クリビツテンギョウ!? ル〜デル〜デ♪ 』" held at Saitama Super Arena. On January 24, 2017, GReeeeN released another greatest-hits compilation, ALL SINGLeeeeS ~& New Beginning~. The band became fully inactive until March 19, 2024, when they announced a significant change by altering their name to GRe4N BOYZ upon leaving their previous agency, High Speed Boy.[1]
As of 2024, the identities of Gre4n Boyz's members remain undisclosed, as they have never revealed their faces to the public. Initially, the group suggested they would unveil their identities after all members passed the 2009 dental license exam; however, they later opted to maintain anonymity to prevent any disruption to their careers as dentists. Consequently, no media appearances showcase the members' real faces, and they have not appeared in promotional videos for their releases.
Appearance on TV program
Gre4n Boyz has made several notable appearances on television programs throughout their career:
MUSIC BARパロパロ (2007): On January 19, 2007, the group made a studio guest appearance on TV-U Fukushima's "MUSIC BARパロパロ," where they concealed their faces with drawing paper.
NEWS23 (2016): HIDE, the leader of GReeeeN, made a voice-only appearance on TBS's late-night news program "NEWS23" on March 3, 2016. He discussed his experiences and emotions while participating in the inspection work after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. This marked his first media appearance in this manner, emphasizing the importance of remembering the events of the disaster.
Mezamashi TV (2016): On September 14, 2016, GReeeeN members (excluding SOH) appeared on Fuji TV's morning news program "Mezamashi TV" to promote their album "Ren." They appeared in costumes representing the members' images.
SONGS (2016): On December 8, 2016, GReeeeN appeared in costume on NHK's late-night program "SONGS."
Kiseki -Anohi no Sobito- (2017): Masaki Suda discussed GReeeeN's live performances and background in relation to the movie "Kiseki -Anohi no Sobito-" on January 28, 2017. This marked the first time all members performed together.
On August 8, 2020, GReeeeN appeared in the special music program "Live Ale," which was part of the "NHK with Corona Project." This marked their first appearance in a special music program.[24][25] This appearance followed an interview with Teruyoshi Uchimura on the broadcast "Minna de Yale Kickoff Special" on July 9 of the same year.
71st NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen (2020): GReeeeN made their debut appearance on the "71st NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen" on December 31, 2020, performing in the NHK Hall. This marked their first appearance on the show.[26] It's expected that footage of their appearance on the show may be televised.[27][28]
Peek-a-boo! (2021): On January 31, 2021, HIDE appeared in costume as "HIDE-chan (5 years old) from Dakaland" on NHK Education's "Peek-a-boo!" In addition, on February 15, 2021, HIDE and navi made a remote appearance on ABC TV's "Seki Jam Complete Burn Show," represented by 3D characters with only their voices audible.
Appearance on radio program
Gre4n Boyz has made several notable appearances on radio programs throughout their career:
On May 1, 2007, the group appeared on Nippon Broadcasting System's "Terry Ito Notteke Radio (テリー伊藤のってけラジオ)."
After a seven-year hiatus, Gre4n Boyz appeared on a radio program on August 6, 2014. They participated in the Fukushima FM 20th Anniversary Special, titled "GReeeeN is here !! HAPPY LOVE SMILE Festival !!" Due to broadcast logistics, the appearance took place from a special studio separate from the Fukushima FM headquarters.
On August 19, 2016, Gre4n Boyz made their first national radio broadcast appearance with "GReeeeN's All Night Nippon Gold."
The group made their debut appearance on "SCHOOL OF LOCK!" on February 22, 2017.
On January 4, 2019 (midnight, January 5), Gre4n Boyz collaborated with MISIA for the first time on "MISIA and GReeeeN HIDE's All Night Nippon." This appearance coincided with their collaboration on "Aino Katachi feat. HIDE (GReeeeN)."
Members HIDE and 92 appeared as the first guests on the new program "Rajiru Lab" on NHK Radio 1 on March 30, 2020.
HIDE made guest appearances on "Toshio Suzuki's Studio Ghibli Sweaty" on October 25 and November 1, 2020.
On December 5, 2020, 92 began hosting the regular broadcasting of "92ラジ" (Saturday 17:00-17:30) on RBCi Radio in Okinawa Prefecture.
Musical activities
Composition
Gre4n Boyz, comprising all four members as vocalists, employs computer software (notably GarageBand used by HIDE) to create band sounds and record songs initially in a karaoke-style format. Evidence from HIDE's blog suggests that his brother JIN contributes to composition using a computer. During the early collaboration between HIDE and navi, they recorded vocals with the assistance of JIN's band, producing a mixture rock style heavily influenced by Western acts such as SUBLIME and SUGAR RAY. Although their musical roots initially leaned towards pop, HIDE and navi decided to explore a mixture genre to align with their evolving tastes.
Upon SOH joining in 2004, their musical direction shifted to incorporate the sensibilities of all four members, blending elements from diverse genres including rock, breakbeats, hip hop, reggae, and J-pop. Their debut single "Michi" serves as a quintessential example of Gre4n Boyz's musical fusion, combining breakbeats and band sounds with piano, emotive melodies, and harmonies from all four voices.
While the debut single "Michi" is credited to HIDE for both writing and composition, the coupling track "Kizuna" is written by HIDE and composed by JIN. Other songs are attributed to Gre4n Boyz collectively. However, HIDE's blog suggests ambiguity regarding the specific contributions of each member to writing and composing. Notably, tracks like "DREAM" from "HIGH GK LOW ~ Hajikero ~" and selections from the album "Ā, Domo. Ohisashiburi Desu." such as "SUN SHINE !!!," "Matane," "Sayonara Kara Hajimeyou," and "Tobira" feature navi on lead vocals.
Lyrics
Gre4n Boyz is renowned not only for their musical compositions but also for their poignant and heartfelt lyrics. The hallmark of Gre4n Boyz's lyrical style is its ability to deliver messages that resonate deeply with listeners' hearts, a characteristic referred to as "GReeeeN Music."
Their lyrics are characterized by simplicity, driven by the desire to convey messages directly to the listener in a way that evokes empathy and understanding. According to navi, each individual has their own unique circumstances, but the universal appeal of Gre4n Boyz's lyrics lies in their ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. By using lyrics and melodies as a form of communication, Gre4n Boyz creates moments where listeners can find solace and understanding in their own experiences. This approach makes their songs easy to comprehend, straightforward, and allows listeners to relate their own situations to the music.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that 92, one of the members, contributed to crafting some of the lyrics. This collaborative effort underscores the depth and authenticity of Gre4n Boyz's songwriting process, reflecting the collective experiences and perspectives of the group members.
"Aisubeki Ashita, Isshun to Issho o" (愛すべき明日、一瞬と一生を)
2014
8
10
"Sakamoto"
2015
35
57
En
"Yume" (夢, Dream)
2016
22
19
"Hajimari no Uta" (始まりの唄, Beginning Song)
27
23
"beautiful days"
43
23
"Akatsuki no Kimi ni" (暁の君に)
36
45
ALL SINGLeeeeS 〜& New Beginning〜
"Tetote to Tentoten" (テトテとテントテン) Collaboration with Whiteeeen
2017
25
31
"harou Kagerou" (ハローカゲロウ, Hello Ephemera)
2018
14
5
UreD
"Okuru Kotoba" (贈る言葉)
18
17
"Yakusoku" (約束, Promise) Collaboration with No title
2019
22
42
"Hoshikage no Yell" (星影のエール)
2020
5
RIAJ (digital): Gold
"Yurayura" (ゆらゆら)
Bokutachi No Denkosekka
"Omajinai" (おまじない)
Bokutachi No Denkosekka
"Tsubomi" (蕾)
2021
Bokutachi No Denkosekka
"Omajinai" (おまじない)
Bokutachi No Denkosekka
"Senkou Hayabusa" (閃光ハヤブサ)
2024
Atsu, domo. Aratamemashite.
"Zero-nen-me kara no bainda" (ゼロ年目からのバインダー)
2024
Atsu, domo. Aratamemashite.
"Shounen" (少年)
2024
Atsu, domo. Aratamemashite.
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. "*" denotes a recording that charted on the monthly RIAJ Chaku-uta Reco-kyō Chart.
A Mobiclip powered videogame based on the band called HUDSONxGReeeeN Live!? DeeeeS!? (HUDSON×GReeeeN ライブ!? DeeeeS!?) was developed and released by Hudson Soft on April 1, 2010.[42]
