CRAZY WOWWOW!! (クレイジーウォウウォ!!) is a four-piece Japanese rock band formed in May 2024 by classmates at a music vocational school. With an energetic, uptempo sound reminiscent of 2010s Japanese rock acts like KANA-BOON and Yoru no Honki Dance, they have quickly drawn attention in the indie scene. Despite their short history, they have already won top prizes in competitions such as the ESP Band Contest 2024 and Buzz Music Audition, and performed at high-profile live events like SAKAE SP-RING. Their music combines raw youthful urgency with playful onomatopoeia, carving out a unique space in Japan’s evolving rock landscape.
Members
CRAZY WOWWOW!! consists of four members, all teenagers at the time of formation:
- Yuki Sugimura (杉村優希) – Vocalist / Songwriter
Born March 5, 2006. The band’s frontman and creative leader, responsible for most lyrics and compositions. His writing balances youthful bravado with vulnerability, capturing the restless emotions of modern youth. - Atsuki Okumura (奥村温輝) – Instrumentalist
Born June 7, 2005. Details of his instrument remain unclear, but his presence shapes the band’s live arrangements and contributes to their raw sound. - Kotaro Uchida (内田琥太朗) – Instrumentalist
Born March 19, 2006. Another pillar of the instrumental section, adding depth to the band’s energetic performances. - Rionto Kawaguchi (川口凜音人) – Instrumentalist
Born August 3, 2004. Though one source mistakenly listed him as “2 years old,” he is in fact the oldest member of the band. He provides stability within their otherwise unpolished, youthful energy.
Together, their dynamic is defined not by polish but by a chaotic charm — four young musicians learning to merge their individuality into a shared roar.
Music and Style – The Pursuit of Speed
Their self-titled track “CRAZY WOWWOW!!” embodies their musical identity. Written by Sugimura, it was born from a simple motivation: “I just wanted speed.” That drive echoes the feeling of setting out for Tokyo with dreams in hand and a sense of urgency. Lyrics like “Asa ga iya, asa ga iya, asa ga iya” (“I hate mornings, I hate mornings, I hate mornings”) or “If you’ve got time to laugh it off, you could’ve finished it” reflect the tension between bravado and fragility.
Notably, Sugimura has cited inspiration from The Drifters, particularly their playful use of sound effects. This influence appears in the repeated “Wow wow wow” chants throughout their songs. Such onomatopoeia bypasses logic and appeals directly to the listener’s senses, making the music addictive and memorable.
Recognition and Achievements
Since their debut, CRAZY WOWWOW!! has earned accolades unusual for such a new band. Winning the ESP Band Contest 2024 and the Buzz Music Audition immediately positioned them as a breakout act. Their participation in live events such as SAKAE SP-RING and anniversary shows at Tokyo’s LIVEHOLIC has further built their reputation.
Sugimura has described his greatest joy as seeing audiences who didn’t know them beforehand getting excited during their shows. This focus on raw connection over polish has helped the band grow a genuine fan base in record time.
Future Outlook
The band’s greatest weapon is their youth. Still in their late teens, they bring an unrefined but powerful energy that connects with listeners tired of overproduced perfection. Their music reinterprets the spirit of 2010s Japanese rock for a new era, balancing nostalgia with urgency.
As CRAZY WOWWOW!! refines their brand and expands their sound, their “unfinished beauty” could become the foundation for long-term success. With the right trajectory, they are poised to become not just an indie curiosity but a new standard-bearer for Japan’s next wave of rock.
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