Quruli (くるり, "Kururi") is a rock music group from Japan formed in Kyoto in 1996. Known for an eclectic alternative rock musical style and poetic lyrics, the group has been one of the pioneers of the Japanese rock music revival of the late 1990s. Throughout a career that has lasted more than two decades, Quruli is known for continually experimenting with various genres, ranging from classic rock and pop to collaborations with symphony orchestras. Currently, the group's lineup consists of two core members, namely founder Shigeru Kishida (vocals and guitar) and Masashi Sato (bass).
History
Early Career and Initial Success (1996–2003)
The origins of Quruli's formation began with the meeting of Shigeru Kishida, Masashi Sato, and Nobuyuki Mori at the music club "Rock Commune" of Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto. The three decided to form a group in September 1996. The name "Quruli" itself was taken from a signboard on the Kyoto subway that read "Kururi" (an onomatopoeic word expressing a turn or circle), which represents their love of things that spin and of cycles.
In 1998, Quruli made their debut on a major label by releasing their first single titled "Tokyo" through Victor Entertainment. Their first full album, Sayonara Stranger, was released in 1999. In 2000, they released the album Zukan, produced by experimental indie music icon Jim O'Rourke (known for his work with Sonic Youth), a collaboration that helped expand their sonic landscape.
In 2001, Quruli released the album Team Rock, which became their first album to enter the top ten of the Japanese charts. This success marked the start of a series of their albums that consistently placed in the upper ranks of the Oricon charts.
Lineup Changes and a New Era (2002–2007)
The year 2002 became an important point in Quruli's history when founding drummer Nobuyuki Mori decided to leave. After briefly using several session drummers, they officially added American drummer Christopher McGuire in November 2003. However, McGuire's time with Quruli was relatively short, and he left the group in 2004.
The year 2004 became the most commercially successful year for Quruli. Their fifth album, Antenna, succeeded in placing third on the Oricon charts and sold more than 200,000 copies. This success was followed by their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, whose tickets sold out and established their status as one of Japan's leading rock bands. In the same year, the single "Akai Densha" (Red Train) became very popular and was used as a theme song in a Keikyu commercial.
Success continued in 2005 with the album Nikki, which shot to second place on the Oricon charts. This album marked a shift in style toward more retro 1960s and 1970s rock, reflecting their love of classic bands such as The Beatles and The Who.
In 2007, Quruli took a bold step by releasing the album Tanz Walzer, recorded in Vienna together with Ambassade Orchester Wien. This collaboration with a symphony orchestra showed bold musical experimentation, blending rock with classical arrangements. The success of this collaboration was later followed by the live album Philharmonic or Die in 2008. In the same year, guitarist Tasshin Omura, who had joined since 2001, left the group, leaving Kishida and Sato as the core duo.
Chart Peak and Wide Recognition (2010–2020)
On May 26, 2010, Quruli released a B-side compilation album titled Boku no Sundeita Machi. This album became a historical milestone for the group because it succeeded in reaching first place on the Oricon weekly album charts, becoming their first number-one album of their career.
In 2010, they also released the studio album Kotoba Naranai Egao o Misete Kure yo, which featured a collaboration with legendary singer Yumi Matsutoya on the single "Shatsu o Araeba". In the same year, Quruli also began to be known as film music composers, working on the soundtrack for the award-winning film I Wish (2011) by director Hirokazu Kore-eda. Their songs have also often been used in commercials, including for the drink Tiovita.
Recent Developments (2021–Present)
Entering the 2020s, Quruli underwent significant changes both in terms of lineup and label. In March 2021, the duo of Kishida and Sato confirmed that they were the only remaining official members. In addition, after more than two decades under Speedstar Records (Victor Entertainment), Quruli began a new chapter by becoming independent musicians under their own record label, NOISE McCARTNEY RECORDS, in 2024.
Although they have become a duo, Quruli remains active in creating and collaborating with various musicians. In January 2025, they appeared on the prestigious Tiny Desk Concerts JAPAN produced by NHK. This appearance became a highlight because Quruli collaborated with Italian musicians led by Daniele Sepe, an iconic artist from Naples whom Kishida had admired for 20 years. That special performance featured a 16-person lineup that was the largest formation in the history of Tiny Desk Concerts JAPAN.
Musical Style and Influences
Quruli's musical style is very difficult to categorize, covering a wide spectrum from alternative rock, classic rock, and electronic pop to symphony orchestra. They are often said to have a major influence from British rock music as well as American indie rock, but they always add a unique touch in the form of poetic lyrics and a distinctive Japanese emotional nuance. Many critics have nicknamed them "Japan's Coldplay" because of similarities in melodious songwriting, although the complexity of their musicality is far more diverse. They have also influenced many new musicians, such as TYINPETS, keisei, and lunchbreak. This makes Quruli one of the most respected and innovative rock music groups in Japan, one that continues to grow and challenge itself in every work.
References
· Baidu Baike. "quruli".
· NHK WORLD-JAPAN. "QURULI - tiny desk concerts JAPAN".
· Wikiwand. "Quruli".
· Shazam. "Quruli - Songs, Concert tickets & Videos".
· IPFS. "Quruli".
· KKBOX. "QURULI".
· Alchetron. "Quruli - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia".