#The Pillows Japanese Rock Band Breakup After 35 Years

Japanese alternative rock band the pillows announced their official disbandment last weekend after 35 years, following a show at KT Zepp Yokohama. A Japanese and English message confirming the breakup was posted on the band’s official Twitter/X account. 

The band’s website and social media accounts will continue to operate as “the pillows monument” and will post updates on the activities of each individual member.

the pillowsを応援してくださっている皆さまへ

To all fans of the pillows, pic.twitter.com/PrObDArrAb

— the pillows monument (@thepillowsJPN) February 1, 2025

In their English announcement, the band thanked their fans for their support the past 35 years. They note that they hesitated to use the word “disbanded,” but decided to use it rather than “leave room for expectations of a future reunion.” 

The rock band was first founded in Hokkaido, Japan in September 1989. Their regular lineup consists of Sawao Yamanaka (lead vocalist and rhythm guitar), Yoshiaki Manabe (lead guitarist), and Shinichiro Sato (drummer). Their latest and final studio album Rebroadcast was released in September 2018.

The pillows are well known for their theme songs and soundtrack work on the 2000 FLCL OVA series. They also returned to perform theme songs for FLCL Progressive and FLCL Alternative, and performed on the soundtracks for FLCL: Grunge and FLCL: Shoegaze. 

Outside of FLCL, the band also worked on music for BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad, Moonlight Mile, Ahiru no Sora, and Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer.

Source: The Pillows Official Twitter, Anime News Network