I Don't Like Mondays.

I Don't Like Mondays. (IDLMs.) is a Japanese rock band consisting of vocalist Yu, guitarist Choji, bassist Kenji, and drummer Shuki, known for uptempo rock songs with choruses that hit hard and stick around. The band takes a fully self-produced approach, writing and arranging everything themselves, and operates at the intersection of music and fashion: the members style themselves, have collaborated with Versace, Emporio Armani, and H&M, and launched their own original fashion brand, with photographer Leslie Kee shooting their visuals.

They are best known internationally for "Paint," the 22nd opening theme of the anime One Piece, which opened doors to festival stages from Jakarta to São Paulo, Taipei, and Barcelona. Their highest-charting album to date is FOCUS (2022), which hit number 30 on the Oricon Albums Chart, and their music has appeared on American television, with "Fire" featured on Rizzoli & Isles, alongside theme work for the Japanese drama Octo: Mind Investigator Akari Shinno.

As of 2025, the band remains active under Rhythm Zone, an imprint of Avex Group, continuing to tour and release new music with no lineup changes or disbandment announced.[edit]

I Don't Like Mondays. came together in Tokyo, Japan, in 2012, born from a shared ambition among four distinct musicians: vocalist Yu, guitarist Choji, bassist Kenji, and drummer Shuki. Each had honed their craft in various local acts and navigated Tokyo's diverse live-house circuit before their paths converged through mutual friends. They found common ground in their dissatisfaction with the heavy, often introspective rock music that was dominant in Japan at the time. Instead, they envisioned a different sound, something lighter, more danceable, and designed to make people forget their worries. Their goal was to create music that would serve as a vibrant antidote to the gloom associated with the start of the work week.

This shared artistic philosophy led to an immediate connection during their very first jam session. With no agency-driven formation or formal auditions, the four simply started writing songs together in a small rehearsal space in Shibuya, embracing a fully self-produced approach from day one. They chose the name I Don't Like Mondays. as a playful contradiction, aiming to produce music so compelling that even those who dreaded Monday mornings would eagerly anticipate hearing it. After approximately a year of diligently building their live show and self-recording demos, their unique style captured the attention of Rhythm Zone, an imprint of the prominent Avex Group. The label subsequently signed the band, supporting the release of their debut album, TOKYO, on March 19, 2014. This inaugural work immediately established I Don't Like Mondays.' signature sound: uptempo rock songs featuring powerful, memorable choruses, all meticulously crafted and produced by the band members themselves.[edit]

IDLMs. makes dance rock that prioritizes energy and melody. The band describes their sound as having a "light feeling" meant to lift everyday burdens, and that comes through in every track. Songs are built around driving guitar riffs, punchy basslines, and steady, propulsive drumming, with Yu's vocals cutting through the mix in a clear, confident tenor.

Their early work on TOKYO and Welcome to the Rockin' Show leaned into straightforward rock with pop hooks. Over time, they incorporated more electronic textures and polished production. Runway (2021) showed a refined, mature approach while keeping the energy high. FOCUS (2022) continued that evolution, blending synthesizers with live instrumentation.

Lyrically, the band typically writes about pushing through hard times, chasing dreams, and finding joy in the present. They avoid dark or overly complex themes, sticking instead to anthemic, uplifting messages. The result is music that works equally well on a festival stage, in a club, or as a pick-me-up on a commute.[edit]

IDLMs. carved out a niche by bridging rock music with high fashion. The members regularly style themselves and have walked in or modeled for brands like Versace, Emporio Armani, and H&M. They launched their own original fashion brand, and photographer Leslie Kee has shot their promotional materials. This crossover has given them a distinct visual identity that sets them apart from typical Japanese rock bands.

The band's biggest cultural moment came with "Paint" serving as the 22nd opening theme for One Piece, one of the most popular anime franchises in the world. That placement introduced them to millions of international viewers and led to festival bookings in Jakarta, São Paulo, Taipei, and Barcelona. Their music also appeared on the American TV series Rizzoli & Isles, a rare feat for a Japanese rock act.

Within Japan, they have built a loyal following through relentless touring and a consistent stream of releases. They have not achieved the mainstream dominance of some peers, but their influence is felt in the fashion-music crossover space and among fans who appreciate self-produced, artist-driven rock.[edit]

I Don't Like Mondays. does not have an official fandom name, lightstick, or fan color. The fanbase is relatively small but dedicated, with active communities on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Fans often refer to themselves simply as listeners or supporters of IDLMs.

Because the band lacks official fan merchandise traditions, the community tends to rally around shared experiences at live shows and festivals. Concertgoers often wear the band's fashion brand or coordinated outfits inspired by the members' style. The band encourages this by frequently interacting with fans on social media and sharing user-generated content.

There are no major documented fan projects or traditions, but the international fanbase has grown steadily since the One Piece exposure, with fans from different countries connecting online to share translations and concert footage.[edit]

The band's name is a deliberate contradiction, they aim to make music so good that even people who hate Mondays will enjoy it. All four members are deeply involved in fashion, often styling themselves and modeling for their own brand. They performed at the Summer Sonic festival in Tokyo in 2019. The band is entirely self-produced, handling all aspects of their music creation and often their visual direction. Their song "Paint" was used as the 22nd opening theme for the anime One Piece.[edit]