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Tomiko Van
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Key Information
Tomiko Van (伴 都美子, Ban Tomiko; born January 9, 1979), is a Japanese pop singer and occasional actress. She is as a member of the band Do As Infinity (DAI), along with Ryo Owatari and Dai Nagao, that has resumed activities after their 2005 split.
Career
[edit]Do As Infinity
[edit]Beginnings as solo artist
[edit]Tomiko Van began as a solo artist while she was with Do As Infinity with the song "Again", which appeared on the charity album Song Nation, and later in 2003 with the song "Drive me nuts", which was recorded for trance DJs project Cyber X. Van also appeared in six commercials for the Japanese hair product company Lavenus.[1]
Official solo career
[edit]2005
[edit]After Do As Infinity disbanded on September 29, 2005, Avex Trax, Van's label, announced that Van was going solo.[2]
2006
[edit]In 2006, Van made her debut as a solo artist with her album Farewell. Singles were not released prior to her album, released in March 2006. Her first official single as a solo artist, "Flower", was released in June of the same year, and made the weekly top ten of the Japanese charts. Two other singles followed that year, "Senkō", in September, and "Yumeji", a late November release.
2007
[edit]Van began 2007 with her first cover album, Voice: Cover You With Love. The album was Van's only release that year. Tomiko van also acted in a movie Heat Island.[citation needed]
2008
[edit]In 2008, Van's third album and second cover album, Voice 2: Cover Lovers Rock, was released in March. In this album, she covered songs performed by male artists, such as Spitz and Masaharu Fukuyama. Despite her one-year hiatus from the music scene, the album charted at number 10 on the first day of release. Van's fourth solo single, "Tokyo Biyori", was released on June 18, 2008.[3] Her second original album, Van, was released in December 2008.
On September 29, 2008, Do As Infinity officially reunited as a band, and released a four-track single on June 17, 2009.
Personal life
[edit]Van married a man in September 2012, first publicly announcing her marriage at a Do As Infinity concert at Shibuya AX in Tokyo on September 29.[4] As of 2016, she is the mother of two children.[5][6] She divorced in July 2018.[7]
Discography
[edit]Singles
[edit]| Information | Sales |
|---|---|
"Flower"
|
24,230 copies sold |
"Senkō"
|
13,860 copies sold |
"Yumeji"
|
10,237 copies sold |
"Tokyo Biyori"
|
10,500 copies sold |
Albums
[edit]| Information | Sales |
|---|---|
Farewell
|
45,409 copies sold |
Voice: Cover You With Love
|
14,581 copies sold |
Voice 2: Cover Lovers Rock
|
7,979 copies sold |
Van.
|
8,852 copies sold |
Music videos
[edit]| Year | Song | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | "Flower" | Masaki Ookita |
| "Hold Me..." | Ten Shimoyama | |
| "Farewell" | Naoto Kumasawa | |
| "Senkō" (閃光; Flash of Light) | Hiroshi Usui | |
| "Yumeji" (夢路; Dream Road) | Wataru Takeishi | |
| 2007 | "Yoru ni Kizutsuite" (夜に傷ついて; Hurt in the Night) | Wataru Takeishi |
| 2008 | "Cherry" | Ryuuji Seki |
| "Tokyo Biyori" (東京日和; Tokyo Weather) | Ryuuji Seki |
Featured and collaborative releases
[edit]- "Drive Me Nuts" (Cyber X feat. Tomiko Van)
- "Truth'94 -Meets Tomiko Van-" (cover version of TRF's original song)
- "Again" (various artists album, Song Nation, an Avex project consisting of collaborations between many different Avex artists)
- "Music Flower" (Kohey Tsuchiya & various artists)
- "Velvet" (Kikkawa Kouji)
References
[edit]- ^ "Do As Infinity Stories". TV.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ^ "Tomiko Van's official profile" (in Japanese). Avex Group. Archived from the original on February 9, 2010. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ^ "News section at Tomiko Van's official website" (in Japanese). Avex Group. June 17, 2008. Archived from the original on August 19, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ^ "Do As Infinity's Van Tomiko announces her marriage". Tokyohive. Theory Media, LLC. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
- ^ "Do As Infinity's Tomiko Van Gives Birth To 2nd Child". JpopAsia. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
- ^ "Do As Infinity's Van Tomiko announces her pregnancy". Tokyohive. Theory Media, LLC. December 7, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
- ^ "Do As Infinity・伴都美子、昨年7月に離婚 故郷・熊本で暮らす現在「生き返った感じ」". Oricon. August 4, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Japanese)
- Tomiko Van at IMDb
| International | |
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| National | |
| Artists | |
Tomiko Van
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Biography
Early life
Tomiko Van was born Tomiko Ban (伴 都美子) on January 9, 1979, in what was then Yabe Town, Kamimashiki District (now Yamato Town), Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.[5] During her childhood in Kumamoto, Ban developed an early passion for music, beginning with traditional Japanese enka and kayōkyoku genres in her early school years.[6] By middle school, she was particularly drawn to the vocal styles of artists like Miki Imai and ZARD, often practicing their songs and dreaming of a singing career.[6] This self-taught interest in melody and performance laid the foundation for her future pursuits, though she initially lacked formal training or professional encouragement. At age 18, following her high school graduation in 1997, Ban moved to Tokyo to attend a vocational school, seeking opportunities in the capital's vibrant creative scene.[7] Shortly after arriving, she was scouted on the street as a potential model, leading to minor work in that field and eventual exposure to music industry figures.[7] This path culminated in her participation in an Avex Records audition for band vocalists in 1999, marking her entry into professional music. For her stage name, she adopted "Tomiko Van," altering "Ban" to "Van" to avoid the English connotation of prohibition and instead evoke "vanguard," symbolizing leadership in her artistic endeavors.[8]Personal life
In September 2012, Tomiko Van married a non-celebrity man four years her junior, announcing the union during the encore of a Do As Infinity concert at Shibuya AX in Tokyo on September 29.[9] She described her husband as "a kind and faithful person who supports me with a broad mind" and expressed her intent to build a life together while seeking warm support from fans.[9] Van gave birth to her first child, a son, in June 2014, stating that both she and the baby were healthy and that she felt "full of happiness" in holding their long-awaited child.[10] Her second son was born in December 2015, after which she affirmed her commitment to balancing child care and professional work, asking for continued fan support.[11] Motherhood prompted adjustments to Do As Infinity's tour schedules during this period to accommodate family needs.[12] Van filed for and finalized her divorce in July 2018, later sharing in a 2019 interview that the split allowed her to reconnect as friends with her ex-husband.[13] She emphasized co-parenting, noting, "It doesn't change the fact that he is our children's father, so we are still keeping contact."[13] Following the divorce, Van relocated from Tokyo to her hometown of Kumamoto for family support in raising her children, describing the move as a rebirth that brought her relief and growth.[13]Career
Do As Infinity
Do As Infinity was formed in 1999 as a project under the Avex Trax label, with Tomiko Van selected as the lead vocalist through auditions organized by composer Dai Nagao. Nagao, already established as a songwriter for Avex artists, sought to create a band and recruited guitarist Ryo Owatari alongside Van, who brought her distinctive vocal style influenced by her multicultural background. The trio debuted with an unconventional promotional strategy, performing over 100 street lives primarily around Shibuya's Hachiko statue to build grassroots buzz before their official release.[14][15] The band's breakthrough came with their debut single "Tangerine Dream," released on September 29, 1999, which introduced their pop-rock sound characterized by Van's emotive delivery and Nagao's melodic compositions. Building momentum, they achieved widespread success in 2001 with the single "Fukai Mori," the second ending theme for the anime Inuyasha, which propelled the band to national prominence through its association with the popular series. This track, along with their debut album New World and follow-up Deep Forest (2001), the latter selling over 609,000 copies—solidified their early 2000s peak, blending accessible pop-rock with Van's soaring vocals and Owatari's guitar work.[14][16] During this period, Do As Infinity evolved stylistically, transitioning from straightforward pop-rock toward more experimental elements, as seen in albums like Gates of Heaven (2003), incorporating layered arrangements and introspective themes while maintaining commercial appeal. They undertook extensive tours, including the 2001 Deep Forest live tour and the 2002 Greatest Year '02: All Standing nationwide run, culminating in high-profile performances that showcased Van's stage presence. The band received accolades such as the 2003 Japan Gold Disc Award for Rock & Pop Album of the Year for their greatest hits compilation Do the Best, recognizing their chart-topping impact.[14][17] In 2005, amid growing individual creative interests—particularly Van's desire to explore solo endeavors—the band announced their disbandment on September 13, effective September 29, coinciding with their sixth anniversary. They concluded their original run with a final concert at Nippon Budokan on November 25, 2005, titled Do As Infinity: Final, where Van reflected on the group's journey in front of thousands of fans, marking the end of an era defined by her central role as the charismatic frontwoman.[14][3]Solo career
Following the disbandment of Do As Infinity on September 29, 2005, Avex Trax announced that Tomiko Van would pursue a solo career under the label.[18] Her official solo debut came with the studio album Farewell, released on March 29, 2006, which peaked at number 7 on the Oricon weekly albums chart and sold over 45,000 copies.[19][20] The album marked her transition from band vocalist to independent artist, featuring introspective tracks that reflected on personal growth and change. Van's first solo single, "Flower," was released on June 7, 2006, and reached number 10 on the Oricon weekly singles chart, selling approximately 18,800 copies.[21] This upbeat pop-rock track served as the theme song for the drama series Oishii Proposal. Later that year, she issued "Senkō" on September 27, 2006, which peaked at number 14 on Oricon and was later included on her second studio album. "Yumeji" followed on November 29, 2006, achieving number 14 on the chart and incorporating acoustic elements in its ballad style.[22] In 2007, Van explored covers with her first compilation album, VoiceActing career
Tomiko Van made her live-action acting debut in the 2007 Japanese film Heat Island (Hîto airando), directed by Osamu Katayama, where she portrayed the supporting role of Minami in a comedic thriller centered on Tokyo street gangs entangled in a kidnapping case involving stolen yakuza money.[30][31] The film, based on a novel by Ryosuke Kakine, follows a group of underground fighters who unwittingly become targets after discovering the cash, blending elements of crime and humor.[30] In the same year, Van expanded her acting pursuits by appearing in a role in the Japanese production of the Broadway musical BKLYN the Musical, a story of a young French woman searching for her unknown father in New York, which highlighted her performance skills alongside her musical talents.[32] This stage appearance marked her entry into theater, though she did not take on further major acting roles after 2008, shifting focus back to her music career.[33]Later band activities
Do As Infinity announced their reunion on September 29, 2008, coinciding with the third anniversary of their disbandment concert and the ninth anniversary of their formation.[34] The band, now consisting of vocalist Tomiko Van and guitarist Ryo Owatari without original member Dai Nagao, resumed activities with a surprise appearance at the a-nation festival earlier that year. This revival led to the release of their seventh studio album, Eternal Flame, on September 30, 2009, which debuted at No. 9 on the Oricon weekly charts and marked a return to charting success after their hiatus.[35] The album's performance helped rekindle fan interest, with subsequent singles like "∞1" also entering the top 10.[36] In the 2010s, Do As Infinity evolved by incorporating more mature pop-rock elements while maintaining ties to anime and media projects. Albums such as Brand New Days (2015), Alive (2018), and Do As Infinity (2019) featured a blend of original tracks and collaborations, with Van often contributing lyrics that emphasized themes of perseverance and emotion.[37] Notable singles included "Kimi ga Inai Mirai," the ending theme for InuYasha: The Final Act in 2010, and later tracks like "Mysterious Magic" for Saint Seiya Omega in 2013, reinforcing their enduring appeal in anime soundtracks.[38] Van's lyrical input, drawing from personal introspection, added depth to the band's sound, as seen in songs like "Enrai" from Brand New Days.[3] Van's personal life influenced the band's schedule during the mid-2010s. She married in September 2012 and welcomed children, leading to a focus on family that limited extensive touring from 2012 to 2018.[39] Activities resumed more fully after her divorce in July 2018, allowing for increased performances and releases.[13] Marking their 25th anniversary in 2024, Do As Infinity held special events, including the sold-out 25th Anniversary LIVE in TOKYO at Showa Women's University Humanitae Hall on October 6, which drew around 2,000 fans from Japan and abroad, and a free live concert in Kumamoto on September 29.[40][41] This momentum carried into 2025 with the Billboard Live Tour 2025, featuring performances at Billboard Live Yokohama (November 21), Tokyo (November 29 and December 1), Osaka (December 3 and 4), The Club Nagasaki (December 6, two shows), and Billboard Live Taipei (December 21). They also performed at LaLaLa Festival in Jakarta on August 23, 2025, and made their return to South America at Anime Friends in São Paulo on July 5, 2025. Upcoming performances include the Shikaoi Bunon Festival on November 16, 2025.[42][43][44][45] As of November 2025, Do As Infinity remains an active touring act, with Van showcasing a more nuanced vocal delivery honed over decades, emphasizing emotional resonance in live settings without pursuing new solo endeavors.[46]Discography
Studio albums
Tomiko Van released her debut solo studio album, Farewell, on March 29, 2006.[47] Featuring 12 tracks centered on introspective themes, the album marked her transition to a solo artist with a blend of pop, jazz, and rock elements.[48] It peaked at #7 on the Oricon weekly albums chart and sold 45,409 copies overall.[20] Her second original studio album, Van, followed on December 10, 2008.[28] Comprising 11 tracks that explore a more mature pop-rock style, it includes the title track as the lead single and highlights Van's evolving songwriting.[28] The album reached #28 on the Oricon weekly albums chart, with total sales of 8,852 copies.[49] Production for both albums involved collaborations with Avex Trax producers, including executive producer Max Matsuura, and featured Van's personal involvement in writing lyrics for key songs like "Van" and "Help."[48][28] Tracks from the Farewell era, such as the single "Flower," underscored her introspective style.Cover albums
Tomiko Van's cover albums, released during her early solo career, showcased her interpretive vocal style through reimaginings of established songs, allowing her to explore diverse genres while highlighting her emotive delivery. These projects marked a departure from original compositions, focusing instead on paying homage to influential tracks from J-pop and international catalogs. Her debut cover album, VoiceSingles
Tomiko Van has released six solo singles from 2006 to 2022, all under the Avex Trax label. These releases marked her transition from band vocalist to solo artist, featuring a mix of original pop ballads and rock-influenced tracks that showcased her vocal range and emotional delivery. Each single was accompanied by B-sides and often limited-edition formats with DVDs containing music videos or live footage.| Title | Release Date | Oricon Weekly Peak | Sales (copies) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Flower" | June 7, 2006 | #10 | 24,230 | Debut single and summer-themed ballad used as the theme song for the TBS drama Oishii Propose; included on her debut album Farewell as the title track. B-side: "Brave".[21][52] |
| "Senkō" (閃光) | September 27, 2006 | #14 | 13,860 | Upbeat pop-rock track emphasizing light and fleeting moments; B-sides: "Inside of Mind" and "Prayer". Later included on the album Van..[53] |
| "Yumeji" (夢路) | November 29, 2006 | #14 | 10,237 | Dream-inspired ballad with introspective lyrics; charted for three weeks. B-side: "Ever After". Featured on the album Van..[22] |
| "Tokyo Biyori" (東京日和) | June 18, 2008 | #25 | 10,500 | Urban lifestyle-themed song reflecting daily life in Tokyo; B-sides include "Hum a Tune" (a cover) and "Byakuya no Hanabira". Served as a lead-in to her second original album Van..[27] |
| "again" | October 3, 2018 | — | — | Digital single composed by Tetsuya Komuro with lyrics by Van.[54] |
| "遠路" (Enro) | April 1, 2022 | — | — | Digital single; also known as "Long Road".[55] |