Spitz (band)

Spitz (スピッツ, Supittsu) is a Japanese rock band. The group was originally formed in 1987 by four art school students in Tokyo; it consists of Masamune Kusano (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Tetsuya Miwa (lead guitar), Akihiro Tamura (bass guitar), and Tatsuo Sakiyama (drums).

In March 1991, Spitz released their first single "Hibari no Kokoro" and the self-titled debut album simultaneously on Polydor Records. Although their early efforts failed to attract public attention, the band eventually came into prominence with the single "Robinson" released in April 1995 which sold more than 1.6 million copies in Japan. It was followed by their 6th studio album Hachimitsu, which was released the same year and achieved mainstream success, immediately topping the Japanese Oricon charts and selling approximately 1.7 million copies. It won the Best Album award in the 37th Japan Record Awards by the Japanese Composers Association on New Year's Eve 1995, and received a quadruple platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of Japan in 1997.

After their breakthrough in the mid 1990s, Spitz has sustained commercial success in Japanese market for nearly 20 years. They have been listed in the top 30 of the best-selling music acts in history of the Japanese record charts, having sold over 20.8 million copies albums and singles domestically as of December 2013.

Throughout their recording career, the band have released over 20 studio albums and over 40 physical singles. Most of their music has a jangly pop-rock sound, featuring arpeggiated guitar work. They are noted for their melodic compositions, imaginative lyrics, and clear high-pitched vocals by the group's singer-songwriter Kusano.

Spitz's musical style is influenced by Donovan, using electric guitar played with arpeggio, and a steady rhythm. Their simple melodies are influenced by popular songs and use Kusano's soft voice.

The band's name was proposed by Kusano and means "sharp and pointed" in German. Kusano liked the "sp" sound (as in "special" or "crispy"). He had wanted to use this name since he was a high school student. Their fan club, Spitzbergen, is named after the Norwegian island Spitsbergen.

In 1995, the album Hachimitsu sold more than one million copies and became very popular. After that, the singles "Sora mo Toberuhazu" (空も飛べるはず) and "Cherry" (チェリー) also became million sellers.

Spitz have repeatedly stated that they deeply value their connection with their audience. Their policy is not to give a performance at a stage bigger than an ordinary concert hall. After becoming a famous band, Kusano said "We are not thinking of giving a performance at Nippon Budokan." However, he also said "I didn’t say we won’t do it forever."