The legendary Japanese alternative rock band the pillows announced they will officially disband following their final performance on January 31, 2025, bringing an end to their remarkable 35-year journey. The band shared the news through their official X (formerly Twitter) account, expressing gratitude to their devoted fanbase while noting that members will continue pursuing individual musical endeavors.
Formed in Hokkaido in 1989, the pillows originally consisted of Sawao Yamanaka (vocals/guitar), Kenji Ueda (bass), Shinichiro Sato (drums), and Yoshiaki Manabe (guitar). Following Ueda's departure in 1992, the remaining trio continued creating music that would influence both Japanese and international rock scenes.
The band achieved widespread global recognition when their music was featured in the 2000 anime series FLCL (Fooly Cooly). Songs like "Ride on Shooting Star," "Little Busters," and "Hybrid Rainbow" introduced their distinctive sound to audiences worldwide. Their connection to anime continued with contributions to series like Sket Dance in 2011 and Ahiru no Sora in 2019.
Throughout their career, the pillows maintained a unique musical identity that bridged Japanese and Western rock influences. Their disbandment marks the end of an era in Japanese alternative rock, leaving behind a rich legacy of musical innovation and cross-cultural impact.
The news has sparked an outpouring of support from fans worldwide, reflecting the band's lasting influence on multiple generations of music enthusiasts and their significant contribution to Japan's rock scene.