The Real Life of SUPER BEAVER and the Winding Road They Follow [Part 2 of 2]

SUPER BEAVER

(From left to right in the photo) Kenta Uesugi (Bass), Ryota Yanagisawa (Guitar), Ryuta Shibuya (Vocal), Hiroaki Fujiwara (Drums). Formed in 2005 by high school seniors and juniors Shibuya, Uesugi and Yanagisawa, plus Yanagisawa’s childhood friend Fujiwara. They made their major debut in 2009 with the single "Shinkokyu," but in 2011, they left their label and agency to go indie. In June 2020, they re-signed to a major label with the single "Highlight / Hitoride Ikiteitanaraba [If I were living alone]." They have been actively performing, attracting attention ever since.

“The memorable first day at the venue in the city where I was born and raised”

(Continued from Part 1)
Another remarkable achievement was the grand opening show held at Zepp Shinjuku (TOKYO) on April 17. Located in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho, the neighborhood where Ryuta Shibuya was born and raised, the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower opened this spring. Within this building, a new live music venue, Zepp Shinjuku (TOKYO), hosted a grand opening concert series for four consecutive days. SUPER BEAVER took the stage for the prestigious first day.

From the April 17, 2023 grand opening show “SUPER BEAVER Tokai No Rakuda Kokera Otoshi Special - Shinjuku Umare No Rakuda -” at Zepp Shinjuku (TOKYO).

Moreover, during the encore, a live broadcast of the "CDTV Live! Live!" two-hour special was aired nationwide, delivering "Namae wo Yobuyo" and "Gradation" from the freshly opened venue to living rooms across the country. Reflecting on this, the band recalls the challenging schedule of being in the midst of their “SUPER BEAVER Tokai No Rakuda HALL TOUR 2023 - Rakuda Kikou Roman Hikou,” combined with the pressure of hosting the grand opening concert as well as the live broadcast, both being first-time experiences.

Nevertheless, the live performance that unfolded, with the enthusiastic fans who gathered to witness their milestone stage, became an unforgettable night for both SUPER BEAVER and the venue, etching itself into history.

Ryuta Shibuya looked back and declared: "It was truly a profound experience. Standing on stage for the memorable first day in the city where I was born and raised - it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where everything kind of came full circle. When we first received the offer, I was somewhat vague about which day of the concert series we would perform. However, because of the personal significance it held for me, I insisted it had to be the opening day.

As a result, we were entrusted with the first day, thanks to the many people who have supported us as well as the collective determination of the four of us. For us, this is a proud statement, and we’re truly taking it all in."

Kenta Uesugi responded: “To be honest, there were some difficult moments before we got to concert day. I even wondered for a moment if it was worth pushing that hard for. But Shibuya was determined to do it, so I thought, 'If we’re going to do it, then let’s do it!'

From that moment on, various forces came together, and ultimately, it became a tremendously impactful event. When the live broadcast performance ended, I glanced backstage and saw all the staff who had been touring with us, and they were all going nuts celebrating (laughs). At that moment, I thought, 'What a wonderful day,' and realized that this incredible excitement was being felt not just by the four of us but by every member of the team and every person who came to the venue. It was truly a special day.”

Hiroaki Fujiwara added: "Everyone there was at their best that day. To be honest, the live broadcast was quite nerve-wracking (laughs). But because everyone in the team was united, we nailed it."

Ryota Yanagisawa continued: "We've been together as a band for over 18 years, but I realized that there are still things you can’t predict. Combining the grand opening with a live broadcast, and doing it at that location, was an experience no one had ever had. It was incredibly challenging, but I realized that before you experience something meaningful, you have to go through tough times.

As you gain experience, you tend to avoid things that seem troublesome or likely to cause conflict. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but when you feel like 'There might be something ahead,' you should jump headfirst into it. That's when you increase the chances of encountering enjoyable and thrilling experiences. If you eliminate risks early on, sure, you won't experience any ‘negative excitement’ so to speak, but you also won't get that extra 120%. This experience made me realize that once again."

Motivated by the people around us

Whether it's the major re-signing in 2020 or the livestream concert at the empty Yokohama Arena during the pandemic, SUPER BEAVER has taken on numerous challenging yet exhilarating endeavors alongside the people who support them, such as the fans and staff. These experiences, according to Yanagisawa, unequivocally become one of the reasons why the band continues its journey.

However, for a band to continue long-term, it requires every member to have the will to persist. What then, has been the driving force behind SUPER BEAVER's work that has enabled them to keep going this far without stopping?

Hiroaki Fujiwara suggested: "There have been many unforgettable days, like the grand opening night of Zepp Shinjuku (TOKYO), and on those days, I always feel more grateful than usual. I've always had this feeling of immense gratitude throughout our activities.

In return, whether it's through our live performances or music, we want to give back. That's the driving force behind our work. It's been a constant feeling of receiving, so I want to give back even if it’s just a little. That's what fuels me towards my work with the band."

Ryuta Shibuya agreed: "I feel almost the same. The people around us serve as motivation. Whether they are band members, the team, supporters, or most importantly, those who listen to our music. It’s the people that keep us going.

Moreover, while we've received a lot so far, I feel like we can give back even more from now on. Therefore, I want to return more than we've received. Of course, giving back isn't everything, but it's definitely motivation."

Kenta Uesugi expressed his feeling: "I've been thinking about it a lot, and it boils down to the fact that being in a band is just so appealing. It isn't something you absolutely have to do, and it's not something you absolutely have to continue doing, I'm sure.

But we want to do it. And why? ... For example, if the things we diligently create are 'give,' then there's a lot of 'take.' The cycle is delicately balanced, like, 'If we put in effort, we received this much, what should we do?' (laughs). I feel like we've been doing that endlessly.

And by continuing that, ultimately, like, isn't that what life is all about? ... It's a bit philosophical, though (laughs). It's about naturally being ourselves, having the band, performing live every day, creating music, and all of that being linked together. In theory, I always think I can quit anytime, but it's not something I necessarily want to quit. So, every day, I do what I can do, feeling like it's become a part of my life. Rather than approaching it as something I do for a living, it's become life itself (laughs). But I think that's amazing. In the end, it's just because it's something I'm truly passionate about and that I find stimulating, that's all it comes down to."

Ryota Yanagisawa summed up: "I always think that forming a band is the most difficult part. You don't really know if you're in sync with or have the same level of enthusiasm as the other members the moment you form it, so the fact that a band can continue is a miracle in and of itself. This band just happened to have an atmosphere of 'let's do this,' and that was really fortunate. Also, sharing our experiences together plays a significant role.

For example, when we almost collapsed during our major debut, what we strongly shared was the value of 'it would be uncool to end it like this, right?' Even before wanting the band to be a certain way or having certain aspirations, we shared the value of 'if we don't hold out here, something might not be right with us.' So, after that, we gradually began to think about things like 'what does it mean to be cool?' or 'isn't that the opposite of this funk we’re in?' From there, these feelings began to emerge from us to generate excitement like, 'We want to experience these sights and scenes again' or 'If I’m having fun, then you’re having fun too, right?'"

Now is a period of significant change for the band

It has been almost three years since they re-signed with the major label - are they satisfied with their current work? When asked, the four members suddenly brightened up. "Oh yeah, we've been doing this longer than our first major debut," they joked, indicating their current sense of fulfillment.

Ryuta Shibuya explained: "I feel like we've received a lot of support. It's different from the first major debut. From the moment we decided to team up with a major label again, I wanted it to be more of a partnership. I didn't think it was healthy to rely solely on one side, so I wanted a relationship where both sides firmly fought together. I feel like our feelings were properly understood, and that's why our determination is so strong. I feel like we've been given a very healthy environment."

When they decided to re-sign their contract, could they have imagined this current landscape, by the way?

Ryuta Shibuya reminded us: "I thought, if it didn't turn out like this, there would be no point and it would just create problems (laughs). So, with that determination in mind, we approached the re-signing, and I think the label also understood that determination. There was definitely this atmosphere of 'we have to do this properly, or else we’ll be in quite the bind' (laughs). If we couldn't be that kind of band for Sony Music, then there wouldn't be any point in being together. It would be good if we could maintain this back-and-forth relationship where we constantly push each other."

In two years, in 2025, SUPER BEAVER will celebrate its 20th anniversary, a significant milestone. When asked about their vision and goals at this stage, Ryuta Shibuya shared:

"We've talked about what we want to do for the 20th anniversary, but for now, we want to focus on the upcoming live shows and the next tour. In the meantime, we want to plan things that excite us and that people around us can enjoy for the 20th anniversary. I believe we should make it fun, so I think it would be great to celebrate our 20th anniversary in that way."

Hiroaki Fujiwara continued: "I think now is a period of significant change for the band, in many ways. So, looking ahead two years from now, I want to think, 'Wow, we're still a good band,' and I hope others think so too. I want us to have a sense of discernment, distinguishing between what should change and what shouldn't, and to share how the band should exist among the four of us, so that we can welcome the next two years. It's a very simple thing, but I want to continue to work at it diligently."

Kenta Uesugi added: "I'd like to be able to say in two years, 'well, we still can't take breaks, thank goodness for that.' Personally, I'd like to be able to take a break anytime, any day (laughs), but as a band, I want us to be as fulfilled as possible. I hope we can continue in a healthy manner like this, successfully complete this year's tour, lead into next year, and be able to talk like this again."

Ryota Uesugi concluded: "Thinking about 20 years, it reminds me of when we debuted on a major label, around the time of our coming-of-age ceremony. That's the first event where you really become aware of 20 years as a person. So, when I think that another 20 years have passed since then, it's quite something. I still want to be able to make a living through music, because living solely on music is no easy feat, and there's no guarantee it will continue until you die. It would be best if it could continue until then, but I know it's very difficult.

In the past, we used to talk about how music and money had to be separate, but now I don't think they are, which is why we re-signed with a major label. I genuinely and truly hope we can continue this. Not just for the 20th anniversary, but for the 25th, 30th, and beyond. To celebrate anniversaries like that in a grand way, you need to have been active to some extent. To be able to do that properly, there's no greater happiness. Without settling for the status quo... Well, I'm not saying I want us to be even busier (laughs), but I always have that feeling. If I can still feel the same way two years from now, there's no greater happiness."

Text by Yuko Honma
Photos by Hidemi Otsuka
Translated by Yumi Hasegawa