Mikeru On Japanese Music Today

Sophia comes to Los Angeles to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their impressive career. Formed in 1994, the Japanese rock band consists of vocalist Mitsuru Matsuoka, guitarist Kazutaka Toyota, bassist Yoshio Kuroyanagi, drummer Yoshitomo Akamatsu and keyboardist Keiichi Miyako. Sophia has enjoyed much success through the years with the release of more than 15 albums and 35 hit singles. The band has embarked on over 40 tours, rocking out with fans all over the globe. Sophia has also shown great interest in promoting anime through their music. The band’s single, Boku wa Kokoni iru, was used as an ending theme for the anime Kaleido Star.

“We feel that under the new and experienced leadership of SPJA President and CEO Michael Lattanzio the Expo serves as a great ambassador and platform for bringing Japanese culture to America. We are excited to support the efforts of Anime Expo by performing at this year’s event,” said Sophia lead vocalist Mitsuru Matsuoka.

The band will feature several songs off of their latest album, 15, along with other hit singles during their July 3rd performance in the Nokia Theater.

Lead vocalist, Mitsuru Matsuoka, lends great star power to the fame of Sophia. He has been featured in several Japanese J-dramas like Koi wa Tatakai (Love & Fight!) and Yamada Taro Monogatari (The Story of Yamada). He also had starring roles in the critically-acclaimed musicals Nine and Titanic. Matsuoka-san writes much of his own music as it is important to embed meaningful messages within his lyrics.