A trio of artists [A resonant ensemble from a group and three-piece band]
Have you ever wondered what kinds of artists perform as trios?
In this article, I’ll highlight three-member artists, focusing on those currently active as well as those who have ended their activities.
There are captivating three-piece bands and specialist groups that have influenced later generations.
We won’t be including singers who started as trios at formation or debut but later changed due to lineup shifts, though if we did, the topic would be incredibly deep.
Let’s dive in together!
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A trio of artists [Group & Three-Piece Band’s Heartfelt Ensemble] (11–20)
TokyoNEW!Yukiguni
Snow Country is a three-piece band that has quickly drawn the indie scene’s keen attention.
Formed in Tokyo in 2023, they craft a distinctive sound that weaves in elements of alternative rock and shoegaze.
Their masterpiece Pothos, released in June 2024, made them an instant sensation and earned the Kanto Block Award at the CD Shop Awards 2025.
Rather than simply unleashing loud sounds, their quiet ensembles—making deft use of space—and literary vocals gently seep into the heart.
Portraying urban solitude and natural landscapes, their music is recommended for those who want to step away from the daily bustle and immerse themselves deeply in solitary silence.
Islanders’ TreasureBEGIN
BEGIN is an original-sounding band whose music instantly evokes the breeze of Okinawa.
The members are three musicians from Ishigaki Island: vocalist Eisho Higa, guitarist Masaru Shimabukuro, and pianist Hitoshi Uechi.
In 1990, they performed “Koishikute” on the popular audition show “Miyake Yūji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku,” where the judges unanimously praised the lyrics, bringing nationwide recognition to them as an acoustic band from Okinawa.
Even decades after their debut, their style—featuring Okinawa’s distinctive scales and dialect—remains unchanged, and their one-of-a-kind BEGIN sound continues to captivate fans.
Stay GoldHi-STANDARD
Hi-STANDARD is a rock band formed in 1991.
The members are three: Akihiro Namba on vocals and bass, Ken Yokoyama on guitar, and Akira Tsuneoka on drums.
Hi-STANDARD’s songs are said to have had a major influence on melodic hardcore bands that emphasize melody and lyrics, such as MONGOL800 and WANIMA.
They continued to work actively, hosting dome tours and large outdoor festivals, and in 2018 a documentary film chronicling their activities was released.
Although the band has not performed together since 2019, each member has been active solo, and many fans are eagerly awaiting their return.
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
MONGOL800 is a three-piece band formed in Okinawa in 1998.
Their striking band name was, in fact, a complete spur-of-the-moment idea.
The members are Kiyosaku Uezu on vocals and bass, Satoshi Takazato on drums and vocals, and Kuboty as a support member on guitar.
Despite their simple song structures, their arrangements and high level of musicianship keep listeners engaged, earning high praise not only from fans but also from experts.
Youthful anthems like “Chiisana Koi no Uta” and “Anata ni” continue to be passed down as staple songs for student bands.
March 9Remioromen
Remioromen is a three-piece rock band consisting of vocalist/guitarist Ryota Fujimaki, bassist Keisuke Maeda, and drummer Osamu Jinguji.
They began their activities in 2000 and have been on hiatus as of February 1, 2012.
It seems that the members are now active in separate fields such as music activities, instrument instruction, and running businesses.
Their signature songs include Konayuki, which became a massive hit as an insert song for a TV drama, and March 9, which has now become a staple of the graduation season.
Some of you may even have memories of singing it at the top of your lungs with friends, in tears, at your graduation ceremony.
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is also a three-piece band that represents Japan’s rock scene, right? They formed in 2004 and made their major debut in 2008, then rapidly rose to stardom.
Since then, they’ve landed multiple tie-ins, mainly with anime, and among them, their signature song “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” is probably known even to people who aren’t familiar with anime.
Every track showcases outstanding musicianship from each member, interwoven with vocalist Kosuke Saito’s high-tone voice, making them all incredibly satisfying to listen to!
Three-member artists [Group & three-piece band's heart-stirring ensemble] (21–30)
one thousand percentKICK THE CAN CREW
KICK THE CAN CREW is a three-member hip-hop group.
The group name, meaning “the guys who kick the can,” was chosen because KREVA, MCU, and LITTLE—who had each been pursuing their own musical activities—hit it off when they first collaborated on the track Kankeri and decided to form a group.
They formed in 1996, took a few breaks along the way, and then resumed activities in 2017 to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut.
Their strongly message-driven songs, including Sen Percent, which encourages listeners to “never forget your beginnings and always move forward with everything you’ve got,” have earned support from a wide audience.