ZONE

ZONE was a four person, all female band originating from Sapporo of Hokkaido Prefecture, started by Studio Runtime. ZONE has been categorised in a new genre known as bandol, a combination of band and idol. Initially, ZONE started off with eight members in 1997, then reduced to six and finally four (Miyu, Mizuho, Maiko and Takayo) by the time they released their first indie disc in 1999. Their talents were later recognised when they became the winners of the the Japan Gold Disk New Artist of the year of 2002. However in late 2003, band leader Takayo announced her graduation from ZONE to pursue her studies and has been since replaced by Tomoka, one of the two original members cut from the band when they scaled from six members to four.It was announced in February 2005 that ZONE would be disbanding at the end of their Spring Tour and on the 1st April ZONE played their final concert at Nihon Budokan. ZONE disbanded on April 1st, 2005. It was Mizuho's initial idea to leave, however, they did not want to replace her and they did not want to continue on as a three-girl band.Miyu is now pursuing a solo career. Maiko now headlines the girl band Maria.. width="425" height="350".. width="425" height="350".. width="425" height="350"