Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE (ミセスグリーンアップル), often stylized as Mrs. GREEN APPLE, is a Japanese rock band that originated in Tokyo. Formed in 2013, the group initially consisted of Motoki Ohmori (vocals, guitar), Hiroto Wakai (guitar), Ayaka Yamanaka (drums), Takumi Matsuo (bass guitar), and Ryoka Fujisawa (keyboards). Over the years, the lineup has evolved, and the band remains known for its distinctive blend of J-pop, alternative rock, indie pop, pop rock, and hard rock.

The band’s journey to prominence began with their self-released demo CD, 1st Demo, in February 2014. This demo, which featured tracks such as “リスキーゲーム (Risky Game)” and “恋と吟 (Koi to Uta),” was distributed at their live concerts. Their first mini-album, Introduction, was released in July 2014 at a sold-out event at Shibuya LUSH, marking their initial foray into the music scene. The departure of their original bassist at this event was a significant moment, but the addition of Ryoka Fujisawa solidified their lineup.

In 2015, Mrs. GREEN APPLE made a significant leap by signing with EMI Records. They released their first nationally distributed CD, Progressive, on February 18, which was followed by the mini-album Variety on July 8. This marked their major debut and introduced them to a broader audience. Their growing popularity was evident as they performed at major music festivals such as Rock in Japan Festival, Rising Sun Rock Festival, and Rush Ball. Their single “Speaking” was featured as the fifth ending theme for the anime Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V, further increasing their visibility. Their first full album, Twelve, was released on January 13, 2016, and reached 10th place on the Japanese Oricon charts, solidifying their status in the Japanese music industry. The band embarked on their first national tour in 2016, showcasing their dynamic live performances.

Following their early success, the band’s trajectory continued to rise with their distinctive sound and engaging performances. However, in 2020, Mrs. GREEN APPLE took a hiatus after the release of their Best Album compilation, 5. This compilation included remastered tracks and new material, but the band announced “the end of Phase 1” and a break from activities to prepare for a new phase. During this period, Motoki Ohmori launched a solo career, debuting with a digital EP titled French in February 2021. The departure of members Ayaka Yamanaka and Kiyokazu Takano in late 2021 marked a significant shift for the band, leaving Ohmori, Wakai, and Fujisawa as the core members.

In 2022, Mrs. GREEN APPLE returned with a refreshed lineup and new music. However, their comeback was marred by controversy in June 2024 with the release of the music video for “Columbus.” The video faced backlash for its portrayal of historical figures and ape-like characters, which many viewers found racially insensitive. The band issued a public apology and removed the video, acknowledging the misinterpretation of their artistic intent. This incident prompted discussions about cultural representation and sensitivity in the arts, leading to further scrutiny and criticism.

Despite these challenges, Mrs. GREEN APPLE continues to be a notable force in the Japanese rock scene. Their music, known for its blend of various rock genres and engaging live performances, has earned them a dedicated fan base and solidified their place in the industry. The band remains active with ongoing projects and a commitment to evolving their sound while navigating the complexities of modern music and cultural discourse.