Judy and Mary (often stylised as JUDY AND MARY) was a Japanese rock band formed in 1991 in Japan by bassist Yoshihito Onda and vocalist Yuki, with drummer Kohta Igarashi and guitarist Taiji Fujimoto completing the lineup in 1992. Guitarist Takuya replaced Taiji the following year. The band is known for their innovative punk, rock, and pop meldings of noisy but melodic music in the 1990s.
In 1992, Judy and Mary released an album and accompanying video, Be Ambitious, on the independent Chainsaw Records label. The band was soon signed by Epic/Sony Records and released their first major label single, “Power of Love”, in 1993. Yuki’s charisma as a vocalist, songs born from the outstanding melodic sense of Takuya and Onda, and their live performances attracted the attention of the media and audiences. They released a series of singles “Over Drive”, “Drilling”, “freckles”, “classic”, “kujira 12th”, “walking path”.
The band’s major label debut album, J.A.M, was released in 1994. Judy and Mary quickly became one of the most popular bands in Japan. Their song “Sobakasu” was used as the first opening theme for the anime television series Rurouni Kenshin, and sold over a million copies. Their 4th album “The Power Source” released in 1997 was ranked first as a Japanese rock band and sold 2.8 million copies.
Judy and Mary released seven original albums, three compilation albums (through 2006) and twenty-two singles. The band dissolved in March 2001. Yuki is now enjoying a successful solo career as YUKI. Takuya is also currently a solo artist. Onda joined the band Hot Rod Crue, but since 2008 has been a member, along with Igarashi, of the band Zamza. A tribute album was released in 2009, with artists such as Tamio Okuda and Halcali covering Judy and Mary’s major hits.
