BRATS: The Japanese Sisters Who Rocked from Childhood to Chart Success
In the summer of 2011, two young sisters from Tokyo embarked on a musical journey that would captivate Japan's rock scene for over a decade. BRATS, formed by 10-year-old Rei Kuromiya and her 12-year-old sister Aya, began as an ambitious project that would evolve from childhood curiosity into professional artistry.
The band's name, chosen by Rei herself, reflected her self-described "brat"-like personality—a fitting moniker for a group that would challenge conventions throughout their career. Their debut performance at Shibuya Club Quattro in August 2012, coinciding with the release of their first demo CD Gangan Do it!, marked the beginning of their ascent in Japan's competitive music landscape.
Early recognition came swiftly when BRATS received a special award at the 634 Band Contest at Azumabashi Fest in 2012. However, their path wasn't without detours. The release of 14-sai-byou in 2015, produced by Urbangarde's Temma Matsunaga, represented a techno-rock experiment that Rei later acknowledged didn't align with their true vision. This creative tension led to a temporary hiatus in March 2015, during which Rei joined the group Ladybaby until November 2017.
The band's renaissance came with their December 2016 return, unveiling a harder rock sound through Ainikoiyo, which served as the opening theme for the anime To Be Hero. This transformation reflected their maturation as artists, with Rei explaining that their older selves could now express stronger opinions about their musical direction. The shift proved successful when their 2017 double-A-side single Ainikoiyo/Nounai Shoukyo Game broke into the Oricon Top 100 at number 92 and reached number 8 on the Indies chart.
Their 2018 self-titled debut album BRATS represented a milestone in their artistic development, featuring Rei's first attempts at lyric writing and reaching number 111 on the Oricon chart. The album showcased their evolution from teenage performers to serious musicians, incorporating themes that resonated with their growing fanbase both domestically and internationally.
BRATS expanded their reach beyond Japan with performances in South Korea and the United States, including appearances at Anime Los Angeles and various Korean venues. Their international presence grew through online concerts during the pandemic, connecting with fans across Korea, Japan, and Thailand through digital platforms.
The band's second studio album Karma, released in September 2020, marked both creative growth and internal changes. Guitarist Hinako's departure in July 2020 due to creative differences left the Kuromiya sisters to continue as a duo, but their musical output remained prolific with multiple live albums and digital releases throughout 2020 and 2021.
Musically, BRATS drew inspiration from established Japanese rock acts like SCANDAL and ELLEGARDEN, while developing their own sound that blended punk energy with alternative rock sensibilities. Their lyrics evolved from youthful rebellion to more complex themes of identity, struggle, and personal growth, reflecting their journey from children to young adults in the public eye.
After more than a decade of performances, recordings, and international recognition, BRATS announced the indefinite suspension of their activities on March 31, 2024. Their legacy encompasses not only their musical achievements but also their unique story of growing up in the spotlight while maintaining artistic integrity and pursuing their vision of rock music in contemporary Japan.