Exile (エグザイル) is a Japanese pop, R‑B, and dance music group formed in 1999 and managed by the entertainment company LDH (Love, Dream, Happiness). The group originated in Tokyo and initially performed as a hip‑hop collective before evolving into a large vocal and dance ensemble.
History
- 1999–2002: Exile was founded by Hiro (Hiroyuki Igarashi) as a four‑member hip‑hop group. Their early releases were on independent labels.
- 2003: The group signed with Avex Trax and released the single “Choo Choo Train,” which reached number one on the Oricon Singles Chart and established Exile as a mainstream act.
- 2003–2009: Exile expanded its lineup, incorporating both vocalists and performers (dancers). Notable releases during this period include “Someday,” “Ti Amo,” and the album EXILE LOVE (2008), which became one of the best‑selling albums of the year. “Ti Amo” received the 50th Japan Record Award for Excellent Work.
- 2010–present: The group’s roster grew to 14 members, comprising five vocalists and nine performers. In 2012, a sub‑unit, EXILE THE SECOND, was created, featuring several of the original vocalists. Exile’s activities now form part of the larger EXILE TRIBE collective, which includes related groups such as Sandaime J Soul Brothers, Generations, and The Rampage.
Members (as of 2023)
Vocalists
- Takahiro (Takahiro Yamazaki) – lead vocalist, member since 2001
- Shokichi (Shokichi Yagi) – vocalist, also active in EXILE THE SECOND
- Other vocalists have included Nobuyuki (Former) and Souta (Since 2014).
Performers (dancers)
- Hiro (Hiroyuki Igarashi) – leader and primary dancer
- Akira (Akira Nakamura) – performer
- Makidai (Masaki Kurashina) – performer
- Additional performers include Exile members Kenchi, Sho, Tae, and others, forming a choreographically focused stage presence.
Musical style and influence
Exile’s music blends contemporary R‑B, pop, and dance elements, often featuring polished vocal harmonies paired with intricate choreographies. Their productions are primarily overseen by Hiro and the in‑house production team at LDH. The group has contributed to the popularization of large‑scale dance ensembles in Japanese popular music and has been influential in shaping the “EXILE TRIBE” brand.
Commercial achievements
- More than 20 million records sold in Japan (combined singles, albums, and digital downloads).
- Multiple Oricon chart‑topping singles and albums.
- Japan Record Award (2008) for “Ti Amo.”
- Consistent presence in the “Japan Gold Disc Award” listings for best‑selling albums and artists.
Other activities
Members of Exile are involved in acting, modeling, and television hosting. The group has also participated in charity projects, notably after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, and has promoted Japanese culture through overseas tours and collaborations with international artists.
Discography (selected)
| Year | Title (single/album) | Chart position (Oricon) |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | “Choo Choo Train” (single) | #1 |
| 2006 | “Someday” (single) | #1 |
| 2008 | “Ti Amo” (single) | #1 |
| 2008 | EXILE LOVE (album) | #1 |
| 2010 | “Rising Sun” (single) | #1 |
| 2017 | “Winter Love” (single) | #1 |
Legacy
Exile is regarded as one of Japan’s leading pop and dance acts of the 2000s and 2010s. Their model of a large, multi‑disciplinary group has been replicated by several subsequent Japanese entertainment projects, and the EXILE TRIBE brand continues to be a major commercial and cultural force within the Japanese music industry.
