Band Maid

After their initial formation as a four-piece in July 2013, vocalist Saiki joined in August of that year. The group performed as a five-piece for the first time at theShibuya-AX "P Festival" on 22 August 2013.[1]

The group's image is modelled on the outfits worn by Tokyo's Maid café hostesses. In interviews, the band explains the concept came from founding member Miku who had previously worked at the Noodol Cafe in Akihabara.[2]

Since their formation, Band-Maid has regularly performed live at various venues around the Tokyo area.[3] The group released their debut album "Maid in Japan" in January 2014, written in collaboration with Platinum Passport-affiliated musicians Masahiko Fukui[4] and Kentaro Akutsu[5] (the latter formerly also of musical group Zero).

In August 2014, Band-Maid released the maxi single Ai to Jōnetsu no Matador (愛と情熱のマタドール (Matador of Love and Passion?)); in December 2015 they released their sophomore record New Beginning.[6] The band undertook a tour of Tokyo venues to promote the album through February 2016, culminating in a sold-out concert on 14 February.[7]

In October and November 2016, Band-Maid will go on a first world tour.