DADAROMA ending an era after leaving their mark

On the 30th of March, DADAROMA had issued some news through their fan club. In this Yoshiatsu stated he wants to leave the band and as a result, the band known as DADAROMA will disband after their final scheduled live show.

He wrote the following on his Twitter: “DADAROMA has now announced they will indefinitely suspend all activities. I’m really sorry that I turned down a lot of your expectations, and surprised many people, made them sad. Unfortunately, DADAROMA has decided to end our time on stage after five long and beautiful years. The office called it ‘hiatus’ or a simple ‘pause’. But this just felt wrong for me as I had no intentions to continue to stand on stage after a fixed schedule. I didn’t want to use those words for that reason as it creates a hope I’ll return; it leaves people unnecessarily waiting. So, I want to make it clear and take responsibility for these words. DADAROMA will not return. I want to complete this work with a clear ending, and quit before I defile the name of DADAROMA, those were my thoughts. And it was me who proposed and cut the knot in deciding to call it ‘the end of DADAROMA’. I have painted all the pictures I wanted in my sketchbook called DADAROMA but right now, the ink has run dry and I’m out of paint.”

After their one-man May 20th, DADAROMA disbanded. It was planned to be a live show for fans to attend, but due to COVID-19, it was changed to a YouTube live stream. As of today, you can still watch the entire show on their official YouTube page.

But why leave this on a sad note? As Yoshiatsu said, he wants to quit before he dirties their name, so why not look back on what they accomplished in these 5 years?

The beginning

DADAROMA started their career at the AIDS medication support event Hope and Live all the way back on November 2nd 2014. Quickly they made a name for themselves and not even a few months later, they were already able to have their first one-man.

The band truly made a staple of themselves and created a new movement in the Visual Kei scene, with lots of newer and smaller bands following their example as a point of inspiration. The overall style seen from this point on was heavily influenced by their artsy looks. Furthermore, an increasing amount of session bands started covering them. Some of these session band members later founded their own bands, think about NAZARE for example. They skyrocketed in a short amount of time, especially for a new name in the scene and soon they had a loyal fanbase both in and outside of Japan. Everywhere on the internet, you’d see their name be mentioned by fans, and each single and album they released was praised across the web. Not only that, but they managed to completely sell out their very first release: Dadaism#1.

First anniversary

A year and a couple of singles later, they rose enough to hold their first anniversary in a venue as big as Shinjuku BLAZE. I had the opportunity to attend this, and the sight of it was mesmerizing. The whole square was covered in fans, both Japanese and foreigners, looking out to see this special performance. Once inside, it was clear just how far they had risen as a band. The venue was nearly filled to the backdoors with people, and the atmosphere was thick with chatter about the band. The performance didn’t leave anyone disappointed. Their energy was fierce and the whole crowd was into it. They showed us what they were made of and that they deserved the title they had worked themselves up to.

The day after they released their second album Dadaism#2 and just as their first, the fans had to have it. Even though their release was announced a week or two prior to it, the instore was PACKED with fans. In such a short time, many people had bought the album already and that section on the shelves was surprisingly empty. DADAROMA was living their dream.

The second and third year

Releases came one after another, and their success never fell even once. They captivated their fans with new sides of their music every time, showing their expertise in musical knowledge like no other. They combined their style seamlessly with multiple genres, producing metalcore, cabaret, pop and power ballads without losing their vision. This followed their starting point closely: Dadaism. Creating art by combining seemingly unrelated subject matters.

This was something even further noticeable in the coming releases. There were more apparent themes with each single, exploring the avant-garde side of Dadaism. The influences were definitely found in their costumes as well as their musical choices, bringing forth surreal plays when listening through each single.

A couple of releases also brought forth some controversy. Their single Saishuu Densha had a music video containing porn, startling some of the fans. The video didn’t last long either, having been taken down from Youtube multiple times.

It wasn’t the last time either such topics came to light, as soon they followed up with titles like Masturbation and Pornography.

Yusuke’s departure

Unfortunately, not all went well for the band, as after 3 years they had to part with their drummer Yusuke. Having to deal with chronic pain more and more due to dystonia, a movement disorder in which a person’s muscles contract uncontrollably, he had to make the hard decision to quit his musical career. The fans were speechless and the band had to go on hiatus, leaving everyone in doubt if they were to return.

But taking a step back is sometimes for the best. It gives the band some time to step back and look at the project they have right now, the direction they’re going and where they’d like to see themselves.

Neither the waiting nor the break was in vain, as not long after they returned, now with Ryohei (ex-The Black Swan) as their new member. They went back in with a bang, shining on stage once more.

Their European debut

In 2019 their efforts had finally paid off and they had their very first opportunity to play outside of Japan with their European Debut at Japan Expo Paris. They were welcomed here with a big international crowd, giving the band a big boost. Not to mention that even in Japan this Expo is well-known, and performing here elevated their status even further.

The only thing fans were still waiting for was a promise they’d one day return for a European, or even world tour. And even though they mentioned it being their dream to do so, sadly it was one never to happen.

Those who have been following DADAROMA have been deeply saddened by the news of their disbanding, but don’t forget what amazing accomplishments they left behind! Even now, we can still listen to their music and show them our support. They changed the movement, and will leave an impact even on new bands to come!