QUEEN BEE, also known in Japan as Ziyoou-vachi (pronounced Joōbachi), are a Japanese rock band, who describe both their imagery and typical genre of music as "fashion punk". The members all work under pseudonyms, keeping their real names, ages, sex, and other personal details hidden. They are known as Avu-chan (lead vocalist), Yashi-chan (bassist), Ruri-chan (drummer), and Hibari-kun (guitarist, since 2015). They formed in 2009 and released their first album, Witch Hunt, in 2011, signing with a major record label the same year.
In September 2023, Ruri-chan announced she was leaving the band, after having been on medical leave since the beginning of the year.
Outside of Japan, they're known for performing the ending theme to Tokyo Ghoul:re, "HALF", the first opening to Dororo (2019), "Kaen", and the ending theme to Oshi no Ko, "Mephisto".
Discography (albums are bolded):
- Hime-sama Goranshin ("The Mad Princess") (2010)
- Ōzoku Daigekirin ("The Wrath of the Royal Family") (2010)
- Majo-gari ("Witch Hunt") (2011)
- Kujaku ("Peacock") (2011)
- Hebihime-sama ("Snake Princess") (2012)
- Kirei ("Pretty") (2015)
- Shisshin ("Faint") (2015)
- Q (2017)
- Juu ("Ten") (2019)
- BL (2020)
QUEEN BEE provides examples of the following tropes:
- Band of Relatives: While it's not confirmed due to the band's anonymous nature, Avu-chan and Ruri-chan are reportedly actual siblings.
- Bury Your Gays: Discussed in "FLAT": "In art house movies about gender/Will the protagonist fall ill? or die? or will their love be unrequited?"
- Half-Breed Discrimination: "HALF" was based on Avu-chan's experience being a mixed-race child in Japan.
- Gratuitous English: English words and phrases are commonly included in their lyrics, despite Avu-chan, who writes the band's songs, not knowing much English.
- Night Parade of One Hundred Demons: The music video for "STARRY NIGHT
" features a horde of demons and supernatural beings marching atop a power line. - Solo Duet: The song "Kaishun" (Rejuvenation) is this.
- Soprano and Gravel: Avu-chan is a one-person example of this, switching between their gravelly chest voice and high, precise falsetto.
- Stage Names: Used by all four members, with their real names not being public knowledge.
- Textless Album Cover: Kirei.
- Title Track: "Q", "Juu", and "BL" all appear on albums of the same name.
