Hi, there! This is my homepage committed to the Japanese Group, SPEED. I am not a Japanese although I am constantly trying to learn the language. I am sure a lot of people are also the same but then why are we so mad about SPEED. For me, it was their looks that attracted me first, subsequently by their songs. The rythme was very original, unlike some singers who only changed the lyrics. No originity. Furthermore, most are Chinese songs. Come on, buck up!!!!

OK, let us get back to SPEED. With their outer assets, they were able to combine with their singing abilities to take the world by storm. With all the craze currently in Singapore, they are the number one Japanese Pop Group that could take any house down. Furthermore, with Avex Trax promoting them like mad, eg. in advertisement, commercials, it is only a matter of time before they take other parts of the world. So what are we waiting for? Might as well know them more before we turn into frogs in the well.

The members of Japan's newest "dance-vocal unit" called SPEED will still be only in their teens when the 21st century comes roaring in just a few years from now.

SPEED came from the famous talent school in Okinawa, called the Okinawan Actors School (OAS), where many popular artists, such as Amuro Namie, MAX, Da Pump, Chinen Rina, etc. came from. Opportunity knocked on their door sometime in November 1995, when they were selected from an audition by RISE Productions to appear regularly as background dancers and vocalist on a Saturday night show called "THE Your mo HIPPARE".

The name SPEED was selected from a nationwide survey that was broadcast on TV. It was Eriko and Takako who eventually decided on the name SPEED!!! SPEED is a great name indeed, for this band has made it to the top lightning quick.

Speed made their debut on the 5th of August 1996. After shooting of their promotion video in San Francisco and LA, their debut single "Body & Soul" was finally out on August 5, 1996. On November 18, 1996, 2nd single "Steady" is released and sells for more then 1.5 +++ Millions copies!!! In just 4 months time, Speed received their first award, Rookie of the Year award in the "29th Nihon-yusen award" on December 6, 1996 and to end the birth year of SPEED with style, Rookie of the Year award of the "38th Nihon-RECORD award" was presented to them on the last day of the year. After that fruitfull year, the four energetic dynamos of this supercute all-girl act continue to churn out hit after hit after hit, and amazing TV audiences with their eye-catching dance routines and truly outstanding vocal work.

Conclusion, I am sure you will agree with me that SPEED are not "JUST another pretty face group", as a matter of fact, they are just too unique to be let off. Cos they are the Number 1 J-POP Group in the world!!!

This is HIROKO SHIMABUKURO, one of the lead vocalist for Speed. Despite being the youngest member, she is the tallest of the group! Like Eriko, she has also done one solo song, with the single "All my true love". Birthplace: Okinawa, Japan Birthday: 84.4.7 Astrological sign: Aries Height: 161cm (5 feet 3 inches) Weight: 41kg (90.3 pounds) Shoe Size: 23.5cm Blood-type: A Nickname: Uchuu-jin (Space Person) Favorite Artists: TLC, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey Playable Instruments: None??? Siblings: Younger brother Entered OAS at: 3 years old Favorite Sport: Basketball Favorite Colors: Orange, white Favorite Food: Shrimp, lobster, crab, sweet things, fruits Dislikes: Celery, pickles

This is ERIKO IMAI, the other lead vocalist for Speed. I think she is very pretty and has become more mature looking within the past year. She has done one solo song, with a group of sorts, called 'Crunch'. Birthplace: Okinawa, Japan Birthday: 83.9.22 Astrological sign: Virgo Height: 157cm (5 feet 1 inch) Weight: 42kg (92.5 pounds) Shoe Size: 24.5cm Blood-type: O Nickname: Mikan Seijin (Tangerine Alien) Favorite Artists: TLC, Glay Playable Instruments: Guitar Siblings: Older brother, older sister OAS Entrance: 3rd grade Favorite Sport: Basketball Favorite Colors: Black, blue, white Favorite Food: Grape, strawberry, tangerine, plum, fish, fruits, pudding Dislikes: Tofu, pork, celery, wasabi

This is TAKAKO UEHARA, one of the backup vocalists and a main dancer for Speed. Her role in the groups is mainly to provide the chorus / backup vocals for songs while providing the main dancing for the group; Eriko and Hiroko dance as well, but Takako and Hitoe are considered to be the main dancers while Hiro and Eri-chan are considered the main vocalists. She had her own solo "My First Love" which was not too bad. Birthplace: Okinawa, Japan Birthday: 83.1.14 Astrological sign: Capricorn Height: 158cm (5 feet 2 inches) Weight: 41kg (90.3 pounds) Shoe Size: 23.5cm Blood-type: A Nickname: Obaachan (Granny) Favorite Artists: TLC, Fugees Playable Instruments: Keyboard Siblings: Older brother, older sister Entered OAS at: 4th grade Favorite Sport: Swimming, rugby Favorite Colors: Black, pink Favorite Food: Melon, grapes, strawberry, mango, peach Dislikes: Green peas, celery

Last, but certainly not least, is HITOE ARAKAKI, arguably the best dancer in Speed. You just need to see her dance once and you can tell she is really into it; not to say the others don't have a passion for dancing. She and Taka-chan are the backup vocals and main dancers for Speed. She is also famous for having the changing hairstyle in Speed; more so than the other members. She also has a solo, Hitoe's 57 Moves. Birthplace: Okinawa, Japan Birthday: 81.4.7 Astrological sign: Aries Height: 154cm (5 feet) Weight: 41kg (90.3 pounds) Shoe Size: 24cm Blood-type: AB Nickname: Koshifuriman (Swaying Hips) Favorite Artists: TLC, Usher Playable Instruments: Tamborine Siblings: Younger brother, younger sister Entered OAS at: 5th grade Favorite Sport: Swimming Favorite Colors: Black Favorite Food: Okinawan mango, sweet potato Dislikes: Celery

What is a fan's homepage without a photo gallery?

Of the foursome, I like Hiroko most. Maybe she is the more outgoing of the four.

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THANK YOU

Special thanks to my sister, Annie, for letting me use her homepage for the gallery. Plus to other listed Speed fans out there who had made a great contribution to the promoting of SPEED. Will be listing all their sites soon after getting enough disk space.

Back to Garden .

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