Flow, stylized in all capital letters, is a Japanese rock band that has carved a niche in both the domestic and international music scenes since its formation in 1998. Known for their eclectic sound, which seamlessly blends rock, pop, and rap, the five-piece band has released 40 singles and 12 studio albums as of November 2023. Flow’s music has also been widely featured in anime and Japanese drama series, cementing their reputation as one of the most recognizable names in contemporary Japanese rock.

Origins and Early Years
Flow's journey began in 1993 when brothers Kōshi and Take Asakawa started making music together. Kōshi, the elder brother, took on vocals and rhythm guitar, while Take played lead guitar. Five years later, in 1998, they officially formed Flow and soon after, in 2000, expanded the group by recruiting Keigo Hayashi on vocals, Gotō Kohtaro as bassist, and Hiroshi Iwasaki as the drummer. With their lineup set, Flow quickly began developing their sound and making a name for themselves in the indie scene.

In 2001, the band released their first maxi single, Flow #0, which laid the groundwork for their future success. The following year, Flow built momentum by releasing two mini-albums, and in January 2003, they released their first cover single, Okuru Kotoba. This release proved pivotal as it stayed on the Oricon indie chart for seven consecutive weeks and peaked at No. 6 on the overall singles chart. That same year, Flow’s debut full-length album, Splash!!!, debuted at No. 2 on the Oricon album chart, marking the band’s arrival on Japan’s major music scene.

Rise to Mainstream Success
Flow’s transition to mainstream success came in 2003 when they signed with Ki/oon Records, a major label. In July of that year, they released the single Blaster, followed by the breakthrough hit GO!!! in 2004. GO!!! not only landed in the Oricon Top 10 for three weeks but also became synonymous with the globally popular anime series Naruto, as one of its iconic opening themes. This marked the first of many collaborations between Flow and anime producers, a relationship that would become a cornerstone of the band’s career.

Their first major-label album, Game, was released in 2004 and was followed by a series of successful singles and albums. In 2005, the band released their third album, Golden Coast, further solidifying their status as one of Japan’s leading rock acts. Flow’s ability to craft memorable tracks for anime continued with songs like Days, the opening theme for Eureka Seven, and Realize, which featured in the PlayStation 2 games based on the same series.

International Expansion
Flow's influence was not limited to Japan. In 2006, they performed in the United States for the first time, headlining AnimeFest in Dallas, Texas. Their international appeal was bolstered by another hit single, Colors, which was used as the opening theme for the anime Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. The combination of their high-energy performances and ties to popular anime allowed Flow to connect with a global audience, particularly in North America, where anime culture was rapidly gaining traction.

Over the years, Flow’s international presence continued to grow. They returned to the U.S. to perform at major anime conventions such as Anime Central and FanimeCon, and in 2012, they made their debut in Europe at Japan Expo in France. By 2014, Flow had expanded their live performances to South America, performing in Brazil at Anime Friends in São Paulo and SuperCon in Recife.

Notable Collaborations and Anime Contributions
Flow's connection to anime remained strong throughout their career. They contributed multiple theme songs for Naruto and its sequel series, Naruto Shippuden, including tracks like Re
, Sign, and Niji no Sora. Their music has been featured in several other prominent anime series, including Beelzebub (Hey!!!), Durarara!!x2 (Steppin' out), and Tales of Zestiria the X (Kaze no Uta and Innosense).

In addition to anime, Flow also made contributions to the world of live-action drama and video games. Their song Answer was used as the first opening theme for the live-action drama Detective School Q, and their 2013 cover of Cha-La Head-Cha-La served as the main theme for the Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods film. This track became a fan favorite and was later featured in various Dragon Ball video games.

Flow's collaborative spirit extended beyond anime soundtracks. They teamed up with the band Home Made Kazoku for the single Night Parade and collaborated with Granrodeo for the song 7 -seven-, which was featured as the ending theme for The Seven Deadly Sins anime.

Recent Projects and World Tours
Flow has remained a dynamic force in the music industry, continuing to release new material and tour internationally. In 2015, the band embarked on their first world tour, Flow World Tour 2015 Kiwami, which saw them performing in multiple countries across Asia, North America, and South America. They released the album Tribalythm in 2019 and followed it up with their Flow Live Tour 2019: Tribalythm.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many artists to adapt, and Flow was no exception. In 2020, the band held a special online concert series titled Flow Special Online Live Comprehensive Album Series: Flame of 12 Months, which spanned nearly a year and featured performances of all 11 of their albums.

In 2021, Flow returned to the stage with their first in-person concert since the pandemic, Flow The Carnival 2021 Shinsekai. They also released the single United Sparrows, which was used as the ending theme for the anime Back Arrow, and collaborated with Orange Range for the track Daydream Believer.

Legacy and Continued Influence
Flow's impact on Japanese rock and pop culture extends far beyond their chart successes. Their ability to blend genres and collaborate with other artists has made them a versatile and influential force in the music world. The band’s consistent contributions to anime have introduced their music to a global audience, helping to bridge the gap between Japanese pop culture and international fans.

As they continue to release new music and perform for audiences worldwide, Flow remains a testament to the enduring power of passion, creativity, and collaboration. Their legacy is not only defined by the numerous albums and singles they’ve released but also by their ability to evolve with the times while staying true to their musical roots. As they move into the future, Flow continues to inspire a new generation of musicians and fans alike, ensuring that their music will remain a vital part of the Japanese rock scene for years to come.