Japanese ska-pop group Oreska Band formed in 2003 when Ikasu, Tae-San, Saki, Leader, Moriko, and Tomi, all middle school classmates from Osaka, Japan, met in band class, and decided to start their own band. They started off playing at small clubs in their hometown, quickly building a strong buzz and a loyal local following as a result of their energetic live shows and colorful personalities. Recorded on their own in 2005, Oreska Band released their first album, PenPal , expanding their fan base outside their hometown with appearances at local venues and music festivals. A&R reps from record labels caught the underground vibe of the band and by 2006 these talented high schoolers were signed to Sony Music Japan.