Kobukuro (コブクロ) is a Japanese Folk band signed up to Warner Music Japan. They were formed in 1998, and debuted in 1999 as an indies artist. 'Kobukuro' is a Portmanteau between their names; Kobuchi Kentarou and Kuroda Shunsuke. Their first indies album, Saturday 8:PM, reached #1 on the HMV Indies Chart, while their next, Root of my mind, reached #2. They were later signed up to Warner Music Japan in 2001, and debuted in March with the single Yell, which reached #4 on Oricon charts.