sumika

Sumika (スミカ) is a Japanese rock band formed in May 2013 in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. The group was initially comprised of Kenta Kataoka (vocals and guitar), Tomoyuki Arai (drums), Takayuki Ogawa (keyboard and backing vocals), and Junnosuke Kuroda, who served as the guitarist and backing vocalist until his tragic passing in February 2023. Despite the loss, Sumika continues to be recognized for its distinctive musical style and impactful presence in both the music and anime industries.

The band began its journey as an indie rock group, releasing their debut mini-album Shinsekai Orichalcum in October 2013. They gained momentum with the release of their 2014 mini-album I Co Y, which charted at number 59 on the Oricon weekly charts. Their first full-length album, Familia, came out in July 2017 and hit number five on the charts, staying on the Oricon charts for an impressive 41 weeks.

In 2018, Sumika signed with Sony Music Entertainment Japan, which marked a significant turning point in their career. They released the mini-album Fiction, which included the popular title track serving as the opening theme for the anime series Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii. The band also contributed to anime soundtracks, including for Kimi no Suizou o Tabetai and My Hero Academia: HEROES:RISING.

Sumika’s journey, marked by heartfelt music and their deep connection with fans, continues to thrive despite the challenges they’ve faced, and they remain a significant part of Japan’s music scene.