Zone (band)

Zone was an all-female Japanese rock band formed in Sapporo, Hokkaido in 1999. Initially an eight-member dance and vocal performance unit, they transitioned to a four-member pop-rock band by 2001. The core members were Miyu Nagase (vocals, guitar), Maiko Sakae (vocals, bass, guitar), Mizuho Saito (vocals, drums), and Takayo Ohyoshi (guitar, vocals). Tomoka Nishimura was a founding member who departed early in their career.

Zone was known for their energetic live performances and their signature style of wearing predominantly male school uniforms on stage. Their music, primarily pop-rock with influences of punk and alternative rock, gained considerable popularity in Japan during the early 2000s.

They achieved significant commercial success with singles like "Secret Base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~" (their most popular song, later covered by many artists), "True Blue", and "H・A・N・A・B・I!!". The band released several studio albums, including "Z" (2002), "O" (2003), and "N" (2004).

Zone disbanded in 2005, citing creative differences and the desire of some members to pursue other interests. Miyu Nagase initially embarked on a solo career under the name ZONE, which was later retracted.

In 2011, Zone reunited with the original four members, however, Mizuho Saito left again shortly after. Miyu Nagase returned after initially retiring from music. The reformed Zone continued performing until 2013 when they officially disbanded for a second time due to Miyu Nagase's repeated behavioral issues and contract violations. The group's songs continue to be played and enjoyed by fans, solidifying their legacy within the Japanese pop-rock scene.