Spitz (スピッツ) is a rock and pop music group from Japan that has been one of the important pillars of the Japanese music industry since its formation in 1987. Known for simple yet touching melodies, as well as poetic lyrics rich in meaning, Spitz succeeded in creating a space of its own in the hearts of music fans across generations. With a lineup that has remained the same for decades, the group has shown rare artistic consistency, making them one of the most respected music acts in Japan.
History and Formation
Spitz was formed in Tokyo by four art students who shared the same musical vision. They are Masamune Kusano (vocals, guitar), Tetsuya Miwa (guitar), Akihiro Tamura (bass guitar, group leader), and Tatsuo Sakiyama (drums). The art backgrounds of its members—who studied at Musashino Art University, Tokyo Zokei University, and Bunka Fashion College—brought a major influence on their visual aesthetics and musicality. The group began its career by releasing the debut single "Hibari no Kokoro" and a self-titled album simultaneously in March 1991 through Polydor Records.
Origin of the Name and the Meaning Behind It
The name "Spitz" has a unique story behind it. The name was proposed by vocalist Masamune Kusano, who was inspired by a German word meaning "pointed" or "sharp". Kusano liked the sound of the letters "s" and "p" found in words such as "special" or "crispy", so he chose the word "spitz" from a dictionary. In addition, the name also refers to the Japanese Spitz dog breed, which was considered to fit the cheerful and energetic image of their music group. Interestingly, the Spitz fan club is named Spitzbergen, taking the name of an island in Norway, adding a layer of meaning to their identity.
The Journey to Peak Success
Although they had debuted in the early 1990s, Spitz did not immediately achieve commercial success. Their early works did not receive much public attention until around 1994. A major turning point occurred in 1995 when they released the single "Robinson". This song became a phenomenon, selling more than 1.6 million copies and becoming one of the best-selling singles in Japan that year. The success of "Robinson" was followed by their sixth studio album, "Hachimitsu", which was also released in the same year. This album immediately topped the Oricon charts and sold around 1.7 million copies, while also winning the Best Album award at the 37th Japan Record Awards.
This success made Spitz one of the most commercial bands in Japan, with total album and single sales reaching more than 20.8 million copies by the end of 2013. Their other hit songs, such as "Sora mo Toberuhazu" and "Cherry", also succeeded in selling more than one million copies and were often used as theme songs for television commercials and drama series. "Sora mo Toberuhazu" even became a song popularly played at school graduation ceremonies in Japan, marking its deep impact on popular culture.
Musical Style and Influences
Spitz is known for a musical style they have maintained, namely a blend of pop rock with touches of jangle pop and alternative rock. Their music is often described as conventional pop ballads with simple arrangements, yet possessing strong emotional depth. Even so, the members consider themselves a true rock band and are strongly influenced by musicians such as Donovan. Spitz's main distinctive feature is lyrics written almost entirely in Japanese, a decision that distinguishes them from many other Japanese music groups that often use English vocabulary. Even English-language song titles are more often written in katakana script, such as "I Need You" or "Looking for".
One of the most prominent elements of Spitz's music is Kusano's clear, high-pitched vocal sound, combined with melodious arpeggio guitar playing. Their song compositions are often poetic and symbolic, reflecting Kusano's background as the main songwriter. Their philosophy is to maintain an intimate connection with their listeners, even after reaching the peak of fame. This is reflected in their policy of not performing on stages larger than ordinary concert halls, although they eventually performed at various large venues.
Members
Spitz has maintained the same lineup since its formation. All four members were born in 1967 and have strong backgrounds in art and design.
Masamune Kusano, as vocalist and main songwriter, is the creative center of Spitz. Born in Fukuoka on December 21, 1967, he is a figure known as reserved and often nervous on stage, yet possessing a unique artistic touch.
Tetsuya Miwa, born in Shizuoka on May 17, 1967, is the lead guitarist who enriches Spitz's sound with his distinctive guitar playing.
Akihiro Tamura, born in Shizuoka on May 31, 1967, is the bass guitarist and acts as the group's leader, maintaining the band's cohesiveness.
Tatsuo Sakiyama, born in Tochigi on October 25, 1967, is the drummer who provides a solid rhythmic foundation for the band.
Recent Discography and Activity
As of 2025, Spitz continues to show its vitality in making music. Concrete evidence of their spirit is the release of a special edition of the legendary album "Hachimitsu" titled "Hachimitsu 30th Anniversary Edition". The album, released on September 17, 2025, features remastering by Emily Lazar and contains iconic songs such as "Robinson" as well as bonus tracks from various live tours. Their activity does not stop in the recording studio. Spitz also actively holds concerts, one of them being their participation in various regular events such as "Rock no Hosomichi" and "Ariake Sunset" scheduled for 2026, showing that they continue to be a major force on the Japanese music stage.
Legacy and Influence
Spitz has carved a deep legacy in the history of Japanese music. With a blend of poetic lyrics, enduring melodies, and a humble attitude, they have inspired many musicians and listeners. Although not as popular as some other groups outside Japan, Spitz has a loyal fan base and is respected domestically. Their "lean" and authentic music has proven that simplicity and sincerity in creating are the keys to making something lasting. They are not merely a pop band, but also a symbol of perseverance and artistic integrity in a continually changing music world.
References
1. Spitz (grup musik) - Wikipedia bahasa Indonesia
2. SPITZ OFFICIAL WEB SITE - DISCOGRAPHY
3. Spitz (band) - The Free Dictionary
4. 日本音樂速報／中生代之夜25：清新詩人搖滾樂團 Spitz
5. Spitz_百度百科
6. SPITZ OFFICIAL WEB SITE - REGULAR EVENT