Nao Kawita: Breaking Barriers in the Japanese Metal Scene

Nao Kawakita, a founding member and drummer of the Japanese metal band MAXIMUM THE HORMONE, is a pioneering musician in the Japanese metal scene. She is the only female member of the band and has been instrumental in shaping their unique sound.

Along with her heavy drumming style, Nao also lends her pop-inspired vocals to the band’s music, providing a contrast to Daisuke-han’s harsher vocals. In this article, we’ll explore Nao Kawakita’s journey in MAXIMUM THE HORMONE, her role in the band’s success, and her impact on the Japanese metal music industry.

Drummer and Backup Vocalist for MAXIMUM THE HORMONE

The band’s discography credits Nao on drums and Daisuke on vocals on A.S.A. Crew, its 1999 release. Sugi played guitar and Key played bass in that early lineup. The band’s current profile credits Nao with both drums and vocals.

Nao’s melodic singing adds a lighter sound to songs that can turn heavy without much warning. Listen to the vocal changes in the video above. Nao plays drums and sings, Daisuke-han supplies the harsher vocals, and Maximum the Ryo-kun also sings while playing guitar. Ue-chan plays bass.

Recruiting Her Younger Brother as the Band’s Guitarist

After Sugi left, Nao’s younger brother Ryo joined on guitar. He performs as Maximum the Ryo-kun. Nao and Ryo are the siblings in the lineup, a detail the band explains in its official FAQ.

Where Is Nao Kawakita Now?

In January 2022, Nao and her bandmates released Dhurha Vs Dhurha, a Blu-ray and DVD collection with concert footage and music videos. It was their first video collection in six years.

European Tour 2022

The band played five shows across four European cities in June 2022. That run included a main-stage set at Hellfest in France.

Chainsaw Man (Anime Series)

“HAWATARI NIOKU CENTI” appeared as an ending theme and insert song in the Chainsaw Man TV anime in 2022. The 2025 Reze Arc film used a longer edit of the same song. The band’s anime credits go back at least to 2007, when Death Note used “What’s Up, People?!” and “Zetsubou Billy.”

Maximum The Hormone (Nao Kawakita on drums) Featured Image by: MyTabooHoldings, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons