The release Making the Road sparked sold-out Japan shows and U.S./European tours with punk bands such as NOFX, No Use for a Name, and Wizo.
[3] Forming in August 1991 as a four-piece band,[3] the initial lineup of Hi-Standard contained lead vocalist Atsuhiko Matsumoto, bassist Akihiro Nanba, guitarist Ken Yokoyama, and drummer Akira Tsuneoka.
[3] Shortly after recording their first demo tape in 1992, Matsumoto left the group in September, with bassist Nanba taking over vocal duties, solidifying Hi-Standard's lineup as a power trio.
[3] In 1994, Hi-Standard contributed two songs to the live omnibus Sokobi Jūatsu Hachiwari Pull Up from the Underground 80% and released their debut mini-album Last of Sunny Day.
[3] When Growing Up was released in North America by Fat Wreck Chords, Hi-Standard held a tour of the US and Canada in March 1996.
[6] After recording five albums, Hi-Standard entered a hiatus in August 2000, shortly after playing Air Jam 2000.
Guitarist Ken Yokoyama began working on other projects, including solo work in a similar vein to Hi-Standard, as well as exploring a more traditional hardcore punk style with BBQ Chickens, fronted by longtime friend and artist, Daisuke Hongolian, who provided artwork for some of Hi-Standard's early releases.