Hisashi Tonomura

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Introduction Hisashi Tonomura, also known by his stage name Hisashi (stylized as HISASHI), or alternatively known by his nickname Tono is a Japanese lyricist, composer and guitarist for the band GLAY. He is also the guitarist and leader of the band rally, alongside Teruhiko Kobashi, who is also a member of GLAY.

Biography Hisashi is the second of two sons, his father's a surgeon. His family moved north to Hakodate, Hokkaido, by the time he began secondary school. As an adolescent and young teen, Hisashi took an interest in post-punk and metal bands, particularly influenced by Boøwy and X Japan. He states that when he first asked his parents for a guitar, it was given to him confidentially, as it was the first thing he had truly wanted. He began studying guitar independently from that time on, and is a self-taught guitarist. He later produced collaborative tracks with many of his early influences.

At age 17, Hisashi witnessed the sudden fatal collapse of his father, an incident Hisashi cites as his departure from childhood. Before becoming successful, Hisashi worked in various part-time jobs including at a gaming center and at a convenience store, while meeting to perform in live houses during the night. Hisashi first became familiar with Takurou Kubo and Teruhiko Kobashi as the two were a year above him in school and shared his interest in the local indie music scene. Takuro sought Hisashi as a guitarist for the band, GLAY, but he found GLAY's music unappealing at the time, because of their many pop and love songs. He had also gained a small following in another band, Ari (蟻, Ant), which better suited his own taste in heavy punk and experimental music. He claims that their performances were largely improvised, with the vocalist sometimes only screaming and throwing chairs. When Ari disbanded, Hisashi agreed to accompany Takuro and Teru, and after graduation relocated with them to Tokyo.

Hisashi has been a cover model on various magazines including guitar-oriented publication GIGS and fashion-oriented publication Silver Accessory, and is well known for his continually evolving personal style. Together with his bandmate Yoshihito Wayama, also known by his stage name Jiro, the two are particularly known for their visual kei looks and on-stage theatrics, however, in recent years the pair have toned down their image, sporting more contemporary clothing and hairstyles.

(Source: en.wikipedia.org)