How a Promising Japanese Artist was Ruined by Tragedy | Story of TUYU

Summary

TUYU, a once-promising Japanese music unit, rose to fame with its relatable and emotional lyrics, led by the producer Pusu. Despite their success with hits like 'Compared Child' and their first album, internal struggles, including Pusu's mental health issues and a controversial contract with Pony Canyon, ultimately led to their disbandment. After a shocking series of events, including Pusu's legal troubles, the group's future was uncertain. Ultimately, TUYU's music remained available, with Pusu stepping away, marking the end of their journey marked by pain, tragedy, and resilience.

Takeaways

• 😀 TUYU, initially seen as a promising music unit, was founded by Pusu, a Vocaloid producer, and quickly gained popularity.
• 😀 The name 'TUYU' was inspired by Japan's rainy season (tsuyu), symbolizing sadness and tears, aligning with the unit's emotional themes.
• 😀 TUYU's music, with its up-tempo melodies and raw lyrics about struggles, gained a strong fanbase domestically and internationally.
• 😀 'Compared Child' became TUYU's most popular song, addressing issues of comparison, inferiority complexes, and mental health.
• 😀 Pusu's personal struggles with mental illness and feelings of inadequacy heavily influenced the darker themes in TUYU's music.
• 😀 TUYU's success continued with the release of albums like 'It's Raining After All' and 'I'll Put You in Misery', with both charting on Oricon.
• 😀 Despite their success, TUYU faced challenges due to a lack of mainstream exposure and their independent status without a major label.
• 😀 TUYU signed a two-year deal with Pony Canyon in 2022 to push for mainstream success, leading to performances at major events and an anime theme song.
• 😀 In 2023, TUYU began facing internal turmoil, including Pusu's mental health issues and the departure of key members like illustrator Omutasu.
• 😀 In November 2023, Pusu announced TUYU's disbandment, citing creative struggles and a desire for a chaotic environment to inspire creativity.
• 😀 After a dramatic turn of events, including Pusu's arrest for attempted murder (later revealed to be linked to mental illness), TUYU disbanded in 2024, marking a tragic end to their journey.

Q & A

What made TUYU stand out in the Japanese music scene?

TUYU's music stood out due to its ability to combine cheerful, up-tempo melodies with raw, relatable lyrics that tackled deep personal struggles, resonating with listeners who connected with the themes of mental health and self-acceptance.

How did TUYU's music unit get its name?

TUYU's name was derived from the Japanese rainy season, 'tsuyu,' which symbolizes rain and tears. The name perfectly matched their music's tone, reflecting sadness and emotional depth.

What was the theme of TUYU's most popular song, 'Compared Child'?

'Compared Child' deals with the damaging effects of comparison, particularly in the age of social media. It addresses feelings of inferiority and anxiety caused by comparing oneself to others in various aspects of life, including appearance, success, and social status.

How did TUYU's first album perform commercially?

TUYU's debut album, 'It's Raining After All,' reached number 8 on the Oricon daily album chart, which was impressive considering it was a self-produced album, only available at Tower Records and Animate without any major label support.

What was the significance of the message from n-buna to Pusu?

The message from n-buna, a major Vocaloid producer and the leader of Yorushika, congratulating Pusu on the success of TUYU's debut album, was a pivotal moment for Pusu. It reflected a sense of validation, as both n-buna and Pusu had started their careers in the Vocaloid scene in 2012, and it symbolized the full circle of their rivalry and mutual respect.

Why did TUYU sign with Pony Canyon in 2022?

TUYU signed with Pony Canyon in 2022 to help establish themselves in the mainstream J-pop scene, gain more exposure, and capitalize on opportunities like providing theme songs for popular anime such as 'Tokyo Revengers.'

What caused TUYU to disband in 2024?

TUYU's disbandment was largely due to Pusu's mental health struggles and his decision to terminate their contract with Pony Canyon without consulting the other members. Additionally, Rei's stress-induced illness and internal conflicts contributed to the band's breakdown.

What led to Pusu's mental health breakdown in 2023?

In 2023, Pusu faced a creative slump, feeling disconnected from his music after signing with Pony Canyon. The realization that his success was no longer driven by personal motivation but by commercial interests affected his mental state and led to a decision that ultimately led to the band's disbandment.

How did TUYU's fans react to the announcement of the disbandment?

Fans were devastated by the announcement of TUYU's disbandment. There was a mix of shock and sadness, especially considering the band's growing popularity and international fanbase. Fans rallied to support the group, hoping for a change in Pusu's decision, but ultimately, the disbandment was inevitable.

What happened after Pusu was taken into custody in May 2024?

After Pusu was taken into custody in May 2024 for suspicion of attempted murder, the remaining members, Rei and miro, expressed shock and disappointment. TUYU's concerts and planned releases were cancelled. In August, Pusu was released after his girlfriend decided not to press charges, and he underwent psychological evaluation, revealing that his actions were due to severe mental illness.