Move

Move is the name of two different groups: an Italian punk and cold wave band from the 1980s, and a Japanese group that later becomes known as m.o.v.e.

Italian band

The Italian Move is an 1980s punk band from Italy. It works in a cold wave style and releases its first self-titled LP, Move, on A&D in 1986. The same label issues its second and final record the following year, a split 12-inch with Gronge.

Japanese group m.o.v.e

The Japanese Move forms in 1996 after the breakup of t-kimura’s previous project, Favorite Blue. The group has three members: yuri (益田祐里, Masuda Yuri) on vocals, motsu (瀬川素公, Segawa Mototaka) on rap, and t-kimura (木村貴志, Kimura Takashi) as producer. Its first single, ROCK IT DOWN, appears in 1997, and its wider breakthrough comes with around the world, which serves as the opening theme for the anime Initial D.

The group changes its name in 2005 by adding abbreviation marks between the letters, becoming m.o.v.e, and remains signed to avex tune. Its work is closely associated with anime themes, especially Initial D, for which it provides opening and ending songs including around the world, Rage your dream, BREAK IN2 THE NITE, Blazin' Beat, Gamble Rumble, DOGFIGHT and Noizy Tribe. It also provides the opening theme Drivin' Through the Night for Ikkitousen, the ending theme Romancing Train for Final Fantasy Unlimited, and Can't Quit This!!!! ～KNOCK'EM OUT～ (SH FUNK MIX) for the ending credits of Dynasty Warriors 2.

Musically, the group is known for mixing rock, rap, electronica, metal and related styles. In December 2008, t-kimura says he will focus more on production and less on performing. In April 2009, the group performs with DJ T-Tashiro at Kamikazecon II in Houston, Texas, and announces that t-kimura no longer performs on stage. Later in 2009, yuri goes on hiatus from onstage performances after announcing her pregnancy and marriage. Although the group records Dream Again and anim.o.v.e 02 in 2010, it does not otherwise appear active until yuri returns to the stage later that year. Motsu also makes guest appearances in shows, live events and other collaborations during that period.