Japanese brothers Takashi and Susumu Sugawara started the group Billy BanBan together in 1976 with the help of manager Konosuke Homaguchi. Singer and guitarist Susumu had previously formed a group with friends from Aoyama Gakuin University whilst he was a student there, but this was short-lived and so he decided to join forces with his brother, singer and bass player Takashi.
Their debut single 'White Swing' was an immediate hit, selling over 200,000 copies. Their most popular single, 'Sayonara' was released in 1972. Originally the B-side to 'Hoshizora Happening' it was decided just prior to its release that it would be the main single and this decision paid off as it sold over 800,000 copies. It also featured as the theme tune to a hit Japanese TV show. The band released several other singles and in 1972 also participated in the 'NHK Red and White Song Battle'. Differences between the brothers resulted in the group parting ways in 1976, but several reunions, the first in 1984 with the release of 'Hin's Blue Day' have followed and many of their singles and albums have been re-released. In 1994, the brothers released a 25th Anniversary album and performed in a national tour at ten different locations.
In 2014, Takashi suffered a cerebral haemorrhage which resulted in him being paralysed and unable to perform. With extensive rehabilitation the group were able to make a guest appearance on TV show 'Osawa Yuuri Yu Yu Wide' in 2015. Following this, they made a documentary together about their recovery from illness, as younger brother Susumu had also suffered from cancer. The group made a live appearance on 'The Music Day' in 2017 and released a 45th Anniversary album in 2014. In 2019, they completed a 50th Anniversary national tour.
