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| past_members = ]<br /> Ayano Tachibana<br /> Hiromi Nishiuchi<br /> Megumi Fukushita<br />Noria Shiraishi<br /> Risa Sotohana<br /> Shiyuna Maehara<br /> ]<br /> Miharu Arisawa<br /> ] | past_members = ]<br /> Ayano Tachibana<br /> Hiromi Nishiuchi<br /> Megumi Fukushita<br />Noria Shiraishi<br /> Risa Sotohana<br /> Shiyuna Maehara<br /> ]<br /> Miharu Arisawa<br /> ]
}} }}
'''BeForU''' were a ] group that performed music primarily for the Bemani series of rhythm games. BeForU debuted in 2000 with their song "Dive", which was notable as being the first Japanese pop song in the '']'' series. BeForU was produced by Naoki Maeda, one of the lead Konami musical producers. In 2006, the group made their major label debut under ].{{Citation needed|date=November 2019}} '''BeForU''' were a ] group that performed music primarily for the Bemani series of rhythm games. Their 2000 debut song "Dive" was particularly notable as being the first Japanese-language pop song in the '']'' series. BeForU was produced by Naoki Maeda, one of the lead Konami musical producers. In 2006, the group made their major label debut under ].{{Citation needed|date=November 2019}}

==Members==
{| class="wikitable"
!Past members
|]Ayano Tachibana
Hiromi Nishiuchi
Megumi Fukushita
Noria Shiraishi
Risa Sotohana
Shiyuna Maehara
]Miharu Arisawa
]
|}


==Biography== ==Biography==


===The first generation=== ===The first generation===
BeForU began as a competition for a new ] group singing for ] and their ] series of video games, namely ]. The four winners were chosen for their talent, ability and emphasis. They were Riyu Kosaka at age 15, Noria Shiraishi at age 19, Yoma Komatsu at age 26, and Shiyuna Maehara at 21. Their first single "Dive" was promoted widely throughout the J-Pop community and was featured in the film '']''. "Dive" made its first appearance on '']'', and its official debut on ''DDR 5th Mix''. BeForU formed via a competition held on November 20, 2000 for a new ] group singing for ] and their ] series of video games, namely ]. The four winners chosen for their talent, ability and emphasis were Riyu Kosaka (then aged 15; born January 17, 1985), Noria Shiraishi (then aged 19; born September 12, 1981), Yoma Komatsu (then aged 26; born December 30, 1974) and Shiyuna Maehara (then aged 21; born November 30, 1979). Their first single "Dive", promoted widely throughout the J-Pop community, appeared in the 2001 French film '']'', made its first appearance on '']'', and its official debut on ''DDR 5th Mix''.


"BeForU" is a play on words and was the winning result of a contest to name the group. The group name is both a reference to the Dance Dance Revolution song "B4U" from 4th Mix and a play on the words "before you." In another play on words, when BeForU originally formed, they had four members. In ''DDR -Max- 6th Mix'', BeForU released another song entitled "Firefly". Riyu also performed two solos which were then released on her first solo single, "true...". By ''DDR -Max 2- 7th Mix'', Shiyuna was the only member of the group that had not received a solo in any Bemani game. As a group, they released another song entitled "Break Down!", that was later re-arranged for Guitar Freaks and DrumMania. Yoma debuted as a soloist with her song ''ever snow'', her only solo song at her time she was in the group. Their eponymous first album ''BeForU'' was released on November 28, 2003. In 2004, Shiyuna left BeForU group to pursue other venues. She was the only BeForU member without any solos. The group name "BeForU", the winning result of a contest to name the group, is both a reference to the song "B4U" from '']'' (composed and produced by Naoki Maeda) and a play on the words "before you." In another play on words, when BeForU originally formed, they had four members. In '']'', BeForU released another song entitled "Firefly". Riyu also performed two solos which were then released on her first solo single, "true...". By ''DDR -Max 2- 7th Mix'', Shiyuna was the only member of the group that had not received a solo in any Bemani game. As a group, they released another song entitled "Break Down!", that was later re-arranged for Guitar Freaks and DrumMania. Yoma debuted as a soloist with her song ''ever snow'', her only solo song at her time she was in the group. Their eponymous first album ''BeForU'' was released on November 28, 2003. In 2004, Shiyuna, the only BeForU member without any solos, left the group to pursue other venues.


===New members and Avex label=== ===New members and Avex label===
After Shiyuna's departure in 2004, BeForU had another contest for two new members. Somewhere along the line, there was a tie for either first or second place, so the grand total became six instead of five. The additions were Miharu Arisawa, Sayaka Minami, and Risa Sotohana. These girls would form the second generation of BeForU known as ''BeForU NEXT''. This new generation of BeForU debuted with their single "KI・SE・KI", released on November 18, 2004. This song was released as a CD-single and was featured in ], both released on the same day. BeForU released a new album, ''BeForU II'', on February 14, 2006. They also performed live for the first time, which was released later that year, on DVD as BeForU FIRST LIVE at ZeppTokyo 2006. After Shiyuna's departure, BeForU had another contest for two new members. Somewhere along the line, there was a tie for either first or second place, so the grand total became six instead of five. The additions were Miharu Arisawa (born October 12, 1989), Sayaka Minami (born December 24, 1983), and Risa Sotohana (born January 28, 1988). These girls would form the second generation of BeForU known as ''BeForU NEXT''. This new generation of BeForU debuted with their single "KI・SE・KI", released on November 18, 2004. This song was released as a CD-single and was featured in ], both released on the same day. BeForU released a new album, ''BeForU II'', on February 14, 2006. They also performed live for the first time, which was released later that year, on DVD as BeForU FIRST LIVE at ZeppTokyo 2006.


From that point, there were no releases on CD until a Bemani secret live event in which Riyu Kosaka and Noria revealed that they had signed onto the ] label and would subsequently release a single each. In the following month, BeForU soon followed and released the single "Red Rocket Rising" on November 1, 2006. On December 22, 2006, BeForU released ''Get set Go!! BeForU Astronauts Set'', which contained the song ''Get set GO!!''. Their single "Strike Party!!!" followed, and was released on January 17, 2007. "Strike Party!!!" is featured during the ending credits of the 3rd season of the ] ]. They also released an ] called '']'' on March 3 that was under their Be+Wings Records label. Each of the 6 songs is a solo by each member. This CD was only available at live events and on their website and as of February 29, 2008, is no longer available.<ref></ref> From that point, there were no releases on CD until a Bemani secret live event in which Riyu Kosaka and Noria revealed that they had signed onto the ] label and would subsequently release a single each. In the following month, BeForU soon followed and released the single "Red Rocket Rising" on November 1, 2006. On December 22, 2006, BeForU released ''Get set Go!! BeForU Astronauts Set'', which contained the song ''Get set GO!!''. Their single "Strike Party!!!" followed, and was released on January 17, 2007. "Strike Party!!!" is featured during the ending credits of the 3rd season of the ] ]. They also released an ] called '']'' on March 3 that was under their Be+Wings Records label. Each of the 6 songs is a solo by each member. This CD was only available at live events and on their website and as of February 29, 2008, is no longer available.<ref></ref>
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===Third generation and Indefinite hiatus=== ===Third generation and Indefinite hiatus===
On February 15, 2008, the Be+Wings site was reopened and it was announced that three new members would be joining the group. The new members are Ayano Tachibana, Hiromi Nishiuchi and Megumi Fukushita. A new song entitled "Kimi to Sora to Zutto" was announced at Riyu's Carnival and the 3rd Generation performed it, without Sayaka due to illness. Sayaka later announced that her recuperating was not going well, and that she had left the group. On February 15, 2008, the Be+Wings site was reopened and it was announced that three new members would be joining the group: Ayano Tachibana (born March 8, 1988), Hiromi Nishiuchi (born March 8, 1989) and Megumi Fukushita (born April 24, 1984). A new song entitled "Kimi to Sora to Zutto" was announced at Riyu's Carnival and the 3rd Generation performed it, without Sayaka due to illness. Sayaka later announced that her recuperating was not going well, and that she had left the group.


The debut of the third generation, as well as Riyu's solo concert was filmed and released on DVD as ''BeForU/Four Piece Riyu Kosaka/Live 2008''. The first official single from the group followed on September 10, 2008, but not on the Avex label. Instead, it released on their new label, Gambit (Sheeps Eyes). This single, "Shangri-La" was a cover of a ] song of the same name. Their next album, also titled ''Shangri-La '' but written in ] (シャングリラ) this time, followed on October 8, 2008. There have been no recent news or updates about the group since 2009 and their website no longer exists. There has also been no mention of BeForU on members' blogs. It is assumed that BeForU was disbanded shortly after the release of シャングリラ. The debut of the third generation, as well as Riyu's solo concert was filmed and released on DVD as ''BeForU/Four Piece Riyu Kosaka/Live 2008''. The first official single from the group followed on September 10, 2008, but not on the Avex label. Instead, it released on their new label, Gambit (Sheeps Eyes). This single, "Shangri-La" was a cover of a ] song of the same name. Their next album, also titled ''Shangri-La '' but written in ] (シャングリラ) this time, followed on October 8, 2008. There have been no recent news or updates about the group since 2009 and their website no longer exists. There has also been no mention of BeForU on members' blogs. It is assumed that BeForU was disbanded shortly after the release of シャングリラ.

Revision as of 10:43, 18 July 2022

Japanese pop group
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BeForU
OriginJapan
GenresPop, rock, trance
Years active2000–2009
LabelsKonami (2000–2006)
Avex Trax (2006–2007)
Gambit (2008–2009)
Past membersRiyu Kosaka
Ayano Tachibana
Hiromi Nishiuchi
Megumi Fukushita
Noria Shiraishi
Risa Sotohana
Shiyuna Maehara
Yoma Komatsu
Miharu Arisawa
Sayaka Minami
WebsiteBeForU.cc

BeForU were a Japanese pop group that performed music primarily for the Bemani series of rhythm games. Their 2000 debut song "Dive" was particularly notable as being the first Japanese-language pop song in the Dance Dance Revolution series. BeForU was produced by Naoki Maeda, one of the lead Konami musical producers. In 2006, the group made their major label debut under Avex Trax.

Biography

The first generation

BeForU formed via a competition held on November 20, 2000 for a new J-pop group singing for Konami and their bemani series of video games, namely Dance Dance Revolution. The four winners chosen for their talent, ability and emphasis were Riyu Kosaka (then aged 15; born January 17, 1985), Noria Shiraishi (then aged 19; born September 12, 1981), Yoma Komatsu (then aged 26; born December 30, 1974) and Shiyuna Maehara (then aged 21; born November 30, 1979). Their first single "Dive", promoted widely throughout the J-Pop community, appeared in the 2001 French film Wasabi, made its first appearance on DDR Extra Mix, and its official debut on DDR 5th Mix.

The group name "BeForU", the winning result of a contest to name the group, is both a reference to the song "B4U" from DDR 4th Mix (composed and produced by Naoki Maeda) and a play on the words "before you." In another play on words, when BeForU originally formed, they had four members. In DDRMAX 6th Mix, BeForU released another song entitled "Firefly". Riyu also performed two solos which were then released on her first solo single, "true...". By DDR -Max 2- 7th Mix, Shiyuna was the only member of the group that had not received a solo in any Bemani game. As a group, they released another song entitled "Break Down!", that was later re-arranged for Guitar Freaks and DrumMania. Yoma debuted as a soloist with her song ever snow, her only solo song at her time she was in the group. Their eponymous first album BeForU was released on November 28, 2003. In 2004, Shiyuna, the only BeForU member without any solos, left the group to pursue other venues.

New members and Avex label

After Shiyuna's departure, BeForU had another contest for two new members. Somewhere along the line, there was a tie for either first or second place, so the grand total became six instead of five. The additions were Miharu Arisawa (born October 12, 1989), Sayaka Minami (born December 24, 1983), and Risa Sotohana (born January 28, 1988). These girls would form the second generation of BeForU known as BeForU NEXT. This new generation of BeForU debuted with their single "KI・SE・KI", released on November 18, 2004. This song was released as a CD-single and was featured in DDR Festival, both released on the same day. BeForU released a new album, BeForU II, on February 14, 2006. They also performed live for the first time, which was released later that year, on DVD as BeForU FIRST LIVE at ZeppTokyo 2006.

From that point, there were no releases on CD until a Bemani secret live event in which Riyu Kosaka and Noria revealed that they had signed onto the Avex label and would subsequently release a single each. In the following month, BeForU soon followed and released the single "Red Rocket Rising" on November 1, 2006. On December 22, 2006, BeForU released Get set Go!! BeForU Astronauts Set, which contained the song Get set GO!!. Their single "Strike Party!!!" followed, and was released on January 17, 2007. "Strike Party!!!" is featured during the ending credits of the 3rd season of the anime MAJOR. They also released an EP called 6Notes on March 3 that was under their Be+Wings Records label. Each of the 6 songs is a solo by each member. This CD was only available at live events and on their website and as of February 29, 2008, is no longer available.

BeForU's third album, BeForU III: Breaking Into the Probability Changes was released on March 14, 2007 under the Avex label. Following this, BeForU returned to Zepp Tokyo and performed live for BeForU LIVE 2007 at Zepp Tokyo and a DVD was released later. The next single released by the group was "Yoru Hanabi", released on July 11, 2007. Following its release, the group was quiet for the rest of that year, though Riyu continued to release solo singles.

On December 12, 2007 Riyu announced on her blog that due to illness, Miharu Arisawa would retire from the group. Similarly, Yoma Komatsu had chosen to depart for personal reasons. Their departures were effective immediately, and as such, these two members would be unable to perform at a scheduled concert on December 30, where a "graduation" took place for Noria and Risa Sotohana. These two members planned to move on to solo careers.

Third generation and Indefinite hiatus

On February 15, 2008, the Be+Wings site was reopened and it was announced that three new members would be joining the group: Ayano Tachibana (born March 8, 1988), Hiromi Nishiuchi (born March 8, 1989) and Megumi Fukushita (born April 24, 1984). A new song entitled "Kimi to Sora to Zutto" was announced at Riyu's Carnival and the 3rd Generation performed it, without Sayaka due to illness. Sayaka later announced that her recuperating was not going well, and that she had left the group.

The debut of the third generation, as well as Riyu's solo concert was filmed and released on DVD as BeForU/Four Piece Riyu Kosaka/Live 2008. The first official single from the group followed on September 10, 2008, but not on the Avex label. Instead, it released on their new label, Gambit (Sheeps Eyes). This single, "Shangri-La" was a cover of a Denki Groove song of the same name. Their next album, also titled Shangri-La but written in katakana (シャングリラ) this time, followed on October 8, 2008. There have been no recent news or updates about the group since 2009 and their website no longer exists. There has also been no mention of BeForU on members' blogs. It is assumed that BeForU was disbanded shortly after the release of シャングリラ.

With the release of Dance Dance Revolution X on December 24, 2008 in Japan, and worldwide in June 2009, "Chikara" is the only song from BeForU available in this game. In contrast, both SuperNova games featured 10 BeForU songs. With the release of Dance Dance Revolution X2 on July 7, 2010 in Japan, five of these songs returned: "Chikara" is available by default, while four other songs must be unlocked with the Enjoy Level system in Asia. All five songs are available by default in North America and Europe, while they were fully unlocked on February 23, 2011 in Asia. In all subsequent games, they are available by default.

Discography

  • BeForU
  • BeForU II
  • BeForU III
  • Shangri-La (シャングリラ)

Video games

BeForU has a total of 10 songs and one remix in the Dance Dance Revolution series.

Song Arcade game
5th MAX MAX2 Ex DSF SN SN2 X X2 X3 2013 2014 A A20
"Dive" Yes Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Yes Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear
"Dive (more deep & deeper style)" Does not appear Yes Yes Yes Does not appear Yes Yes Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear
"Firefly" Does not appear Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear
"Break Down" Does not appear Does not appear Yes Yes Does not appear Yes Yes Does not appear Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
"Graduation" Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Yes Does not appear Yes Yes Does not appear Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
"Chikara" Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
"Freedom" Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Yes Yes Does not appear Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
"Ki-Se-Ki" Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Yes Yes Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear
"Morning Glory" Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Yes Yes Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear
"Peace" Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Yes Yes Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear
"Under the Sky" Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Does not appear Yes Yes Does not appear Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

References

  1. Beforu -Official Website

External links

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