167 posts tagged “j-pop”
Matsu♥Takako's latest single release utilizes this very technology~ and here we're given 3 most *beautiful* songs to listen to~ っo(*´∀`)o!
Both the title track "Kimi to nara" ("When I'm with you") as well as track two "Kitto tsutaete" (I'll definitely tell [you]" ) are very relaxing and *sweet* light contemporary jazz compositions while the third track "500 Miles" falls more as a standard ballad~. A full arsenal of musicians were assembled for these recordings and it really gives each song so much depth down to the subtle strings~.... the sometimes "Brubeck" like jazz piano chords~ as well as the light tingling of the percussion~. Matsu♥Takako's vocals shine so sweetly as she's become so accomplished in this sense with such an elegant delivery, but perhaps it's her song writing that's so very impressive as she continues to pen much of her own music as she composed both lyrics & music in entirety for tracks one and two~. More on Matsu♥Takako and her beginnings and history in drama, movies and music can be found here~....with additional posts here ^ ^。 I apologize so much for the now broken video clips in some of those linked posts (;´□`) but perhaps one day I'll be able to redo them~.
Matsu Takako's "Kimi to nara" can be ordered here at Cdjapan.
Matsu Takako's "Kimi to nara" can be ordered here at YesAsia.
Matsu Takako's "Kimi to nara" can be ordered here at HMV Japan.
If you've been watching along then you're sure to recognize that oh so distinctly sassy but sweet~♥ rendition that the most adorable Hirano♥Aya instills into her character Haruhi! as it carries over into the two offerings presented on "Haruhi Suzumiya new character songs Vol. 1!" And you just know that these songs are going to really kick~ in concert..well I'm hoping that she'll perform them live soon~ as her debut concert release was so so mesmerizing~! ………(゜∀゜)………。Hirano♥Aya has an uncanny ability to sound as *cute* as a button♥ (I've heard they're cute♥ by maybe I've been misled? (。ーωー。)。。。) an in an instant she can power-off vocals with the best of them~! \(^o^)/☆
Both "Punkish regular" and "sono hikuu wa kitto aoi" feature complete lyrics written by the multi multi talented seiyuu, actress, singer, idol herself♥ as has been the case with with much of Hirano♥Aya's latter releases~. Both songs will hit you like a ton of bricks!! っo(*´∀`)o!。。。with their deeply infused rock~n~roll♪~ adrenalineヽ(。´▽`。)ノ。。!!As these are "character" songs I'm not quite sure how they're being incorporated into the anime itself now in its second season♥....but whether they're alternate opening/ending themes, interludes, or used in singular scenes~ I've already fallen♥ for them completely.....hm then again these could be completely "imaginary" songs ne~...like as in being strictly "character songs" with no actual connection to the anime~…(^q^)!
In any case.....please enjoy♪♪~ the rush~~~! as surely we all need to let loose with a bit of pent up aggression now and then ne~? (*≧m≦)!!!
"The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya New Character Songs Vol.1" can be ordered here at Cdjapan.
If you'd like to hear/see more of Hirano♥Aya...koko ni click~! (please note that Hirano♥Aya's "main" post is at the very beginning of or bottom of this link's results~ and I apologize so much for the YouTube clips now being gone~ but all of the VOX video clips are still available to watch~) ^ ^
Hello~ Paul, Hydeo, James, Jeff D, 穆琳 LaNg, Craig, Sofia and denadel o(*´∀`)o゛。。。please don't hate me ne~ for I have been most delinquent in speaking with you...you may all kick (*´艸`) me now~ (;´□`)。。。
Every now and then we're graced with something so unique and special in music♪♪~, artists that move us with their melodies...relate to us with their lyrics and capture us with their hearts~. Sakai Izumi debuted as the lead vocalist for the group Zard in 1991 and for over a decade and a half her powerful vocals would resonate beautifully over 45 single releases and 20 albums (including compilations & tributes).....she's truly an artist that has left us too soon~. The sales figures which will follow later in this post truly speak for themselves...as ZARD will forever remain as one of the most beloved and successful groups in Japan's illustrious music history~.
Born on February 6th, 1969 Kamachi Sachiko would later go under her "stage name" Sakai Izumi and her launch into the music world would go through modeling as she became Nissin's race queen in 1990 while her Toei karaoke queen title was much more related as she would find her now legendary place in Japan's music history.
ZARD releases can be ordered here at Cdjapan.
ZARD releases can be ordered here at YesAsia.
ZARD releases can be ordered here at HMV Japan.
While much of Zard's legacy is found in their most unique musical sound which placed their own brand of spin upon a mixture of pop/rock to merge at times with contemporary jazz, folk, ska, bossa nova..etc etc., perhaps the most endearing aspect for fans in their music lies in Sakai Izumi's lyrics which she wrote in entirety throughout the group's career~. In so much of her lyrics you'll find expressions that most everyone on many days can so much relate to in our their own lives....through life's anxieties....the triumphs and faltering of loves....friendships...hopes...desires and *dreams~*....the lingering past and the uncertain future~. Sakai Izumi would also go on to writing lyrics for other notable artists in Field of View, Deen and Barbier with also a collaboration with the band Wands in her early career.....and much of this would lead to her work as producer which occurred in her latter releases from Zard's original album "TODAY IS ANOTHER DAY." Also very notable is Sakai Izumi's most unique vocal style and through what is often intricate phrasing she possesses both a beautiful softness as well as an amazing range in power which is always *heartfelt* and seamless in delivery~.
My very first time experiencing Zard's music would be with their 6th album titled "forever you" from a friend's recommendation, and while at the time even this album was an older release...it would begin one of my most earnest efforts in backtracking as I so wanted to collect and be able to listen to all of Zard's earlier releases as I had truly already fallen in love with their sweet brand of pop/rock~. So many of their singles were already out of print then so I would then need to sometimes search through rental CD shops and second hand online stores in hopes of acquiring her complete discography and happily after a few years and lots of wishing I was able to complete Zard's early catalog and I never missed a release since ^ ^。 For much of her life within Zard and even on the outside, Sakai Izumi remained very private and this also translated into the group's solitude in refraining from live performances....an isolation that would last for most of the groups existence although Zard did once appear live on music t.v. shows such as Music Station in their very early days~. In January of 2000 Zard would release their first and only live CD album..."Zard Cruising & Live"....the live recorded event of events would be held upon the cruise ship..."The Pacific Venus" and the setting aboard appeared to be a most intimate concert with those so lucky to get a ticket aboard this unprecedented event in the group's career~...only 600 fan club members were able to attend out of more than 2 million requests for tickets~! In 2005 Zard would release what would be a culmination of the group's very first open tour across Japan which ran from March till July of 2004~! Their "What a beautiful moment" tour would visit Osaka, Tokyo, Yokohama, Aomorishi, Sendai, Nagoya, Fukuoka reaching it's climax at Japan's celebrated Nippon Budoukan at end~ and a beautifully packaged 2 DVD set would follow and even with Zard's immensely beloved catalog of songs available to perform....their setlist didn't disappoint a single bit~! In October of 2006 Zard would also release another first in the form of an all inclusive music video compilation titled "Le Portfolio 1991-2006"...the box set would also include a photo & lyric booklet as well as an outer flip open style casing. The videos within are presented in a collage style which groups them into short periods of mostly one to two years at a time~.
In hindsight, Zard's unspoken hiatus which occurred after their single release in May of 2006 and went on for about a year afterward maybe should have triggered some concern....but really I just could never have thought something was so wrong back then. Sakai Izumi had been hospitalized in June 2006 after discovering that she had cervical cancer and had the tumor removed. She returned to the hospital in April of 2007 after the cancer was found to have spread to her lungs. Sakai Izumi passed away from a brain contusion which she suffered after falling about 3 meters down an emergency stairway in the hospital hitting the back of her head. She had been on one of her daily walks when this occurred. I can only imagine that the medication she was under and the overall weakness of her body caused this to happen.
Numerous album compilations & tributes along with memorials would follow. On December 12th Zard's final recording "Glorious Mind" (jbcj-4003) was released (although two latter single releases would follow with guest artists Kamiki Aya and Kuraki Mai helping to pay tribute as they recorded their voices along with Sakai Izumi's in previously unreleased works written by the late artist) placing the final bookend to what has been one of the most loved and celebrated works in J-Pop history.Furthermore...there would be album compilations released since..."Soffio de vento" is a compilation of Sakai Izumi's favorite songs personally chosen by her and "Brezza di mare" is a collection of songs from her catalog paying tribute to her memorable career, both were released on August 15, 2007 and include special additional DVDs. On January 1st, 2008 Sakai Izumi was paid tribute to during Japan's annual Kouhaku (Red & White Songfest) and while Zard never appeared on the Kouhaku it was so much a wonderful gesture on their part. Shortly afterward on January 23rd, 2008 "Zard Request Best~beautiful memory~" was released....the collection includes two discs of fan voted favorites, a 17th anniversary calendar and a special DVD with a medley of Yureru omoi"..."Glorious Mind"..and "Makenaide" from Sakai Izumi's tribute event where artists came together to perform live for fans as a large screen towards the back of the stage showed images of Sakai Izumi performing "along" with them in this final live tribute to what was......a most beautiful life~ now gone too soon.
(I feel that you are going to peek deep into my heart)
me wo sorashite mo kizukaresou de
(Even if I avert my eyes, I think you will notice)
kemuru tokai no rain drops
(The rain drops of the smokey city)
yuraideita no
(It is fate)
mata hitori ni naru no ga kowakute
(I am again scared to be alone)
Good-bye my loneliness
anata no mune ni sotto tenderness
(On your chest, gentle tenderness)
tobikomitai no
(I want to jump in)
dakara ima wa soba ni ite hoshii no
(That's why I want you to stay by me)
dakishimete yume ga kieru mae ni
(Hold me before I finish dreaming)
Tsurenai koi no yukue wa kisetsu makase
(Leave the whereabouts of love that you cannot lead to the seasons)
itsumo mirai ga ame de mienai
(The future is blurred because of the rain)
tasumu tokai no tear drops
(The tear drops of an aching city)
okubyou ni naru no
(I become fearful)
samete omoi atatamete hoshii
(Refresh my memories that have faded)
Good-bye my loneliness
shinjiteite mo futari faraway
(Even if we believe, we are faraway)
omoide ni naru
(Making memories)
dakara ima wa soba ni ite hoshii no
(That's why I want you to be close to me)
dakishimete subete wasuresasete
(Hold me, let me forget everything)
Good-bye my loneliness
shinjiteite mo kitto faraway
(Even if we believe, your are faraway)
omoide ni naru
(Making memories)
dakara ima wa ikanai de hoshii no
(That's why I don't want you to go)
dakishimete yume ga kieru mae ni
(Hold me, before my dreams disappear)
"Fushigi~ne..." was released on June 25th, 1991.
"Mou sagasanai" was released on November 6th, 1991.
"Nemurenai yoru wo daite" was released on July 22nd, 1992.
Zawameku machi no keshiki ga tomaru
(The noisy cityscape disappears)
ano hi mita de-ja-vu to kasanaru kage
(The deja vu I experienced, and the overlapping shadows)
moshimo ano toki deawanakereba
(If we didn't meet during that time,)
kizutsukeau koto wo shiranakatta
(I never thought that I would hurt you.)
Ijiwaru ni kotoba wa surechigau kedo
(Even if we exchange harsh words,)
ai wo motometeru
(I am looking for love)
*Nemurenai yoru wo daite
(Hold me when I can't sleep)
Fushigi na sekai e yuku
(What a mysterious world we go to)
mada shoujo no koro no
(When I was a little girl,)
adokenai egao ni modotte
(Returning to your familiar smile,)
In my dream mystery
Koboreta yume no kakerao sukutte
(Picking up the pieces of my broken dreams,)
narete iku mainichi wo tashikameteyuku
(Checking them over, crying everyday,)
moshimo ano toki sukoshi otona ni nattetara
(If I were a little more mature that time)
sayonara ienakatta
(I couldn't have said goodbye.)
Tokete yuku kodoku na kokoro wa itsumo
(My melting heart always)
ai wo motometeru
(looking for love)
**Nemurenai yoru wo daite
(Hold me when I cannot sleep)
kakenuketa toki wo omouno
(I remember the time when I ran and fell for you,)
mada shoujo no koro no
(When I was still a young girl,)
Adokenai egao ni modotte
(returning to your familiar smile,)
In my dream mystery
by Maruyu Naoyuki
"In my arms tonight" was released on September 9th, 1992.
"Makenaide" was released on January 27th, 1993.
(In an accidental moment our eyes meet)
shiawase no tokimeki oboeteiru deshou
(This palpitation of happiness you still remember, right?)
pasuteru karaa no kisetsu ni koishita
(I fell in love in the pastel color season)
ano hi no you ni kagayaiteru anata de ite ne
(Be the you who sparkles like that day)
Makenaide mou sukoshi
(Don't give up just a little more)
saigo made hashirinukete
(Run through to the end)
donna ni hanaretetemo
(No matter how far apart we are)
kokoro wa soba ni iru wa
(My heart is by your side)
oikakete harukana yume wo
(Run after the distant dream)
Nani ga okitatte hetchara na kao shite
dounika naru sa to odokete miseru no
(What happened, I'll make a funny face showing you jokingly
that it'll become okay one way or another)
koyoi wa watakushi to isshoni odorimashou
(Let's dance together tonight)
ima mo sonna anata ga sukiyo wasurenaide
(Even now I like that you don't forget)
Makenaide hora soko ni
(Don't give up look, over there)
gooru wa chikazuiteru
(the goal is getting closer)
donna ni hanaretetemo
(No matter how far apart we are)
kokoro wa soba ni iru wa
(my heart is by your side)
kanjite ne mitsumeru hitomi
(Feel my eyes that are fixed on you)
"Kimi ga inai" was released on April 21st, 1993.
"Yureru omoi" was released on May 19th, 1993 and its coupling with song "Just for you" is such a beautifully written ballad~.
(Experiencing swaying feelings inside my body)
kimi to arukitsuzuketai in your dream
(I want to keep on walking with you in your dream)
Natsu ga shinobiashi de chikazuku yo
(In stealthy steps summer is approaching)
kirameku nami ga sunahama uruoshite
(Glistening waves are moistening the sandy beach)
kodawatteta mawari wo subete sutete
(Throw away all the fusses around)
ima anata ni kimeta no
(Now I have decided on you)
Konnani jibun ni au hito wa mou
inai to hanbun akirameteta
(I have given up on thinking there is no other person who suits me so)
Yureru omoi karadajuu kanjite
(Experiencing the swaying feelings inside my body)
konomama zutto soba ni itai
(I want to remain by your side always)
aoku sunda ano sora no you na
(Like that clear blue sky)
kimi to arukitsuzuketai in your dream
(I want to keep walking with you in your dream)
suki to aizu wo okuru hitomi no oku
(The depths of my eyes that send the signals of I love you)
nozoitemiru furi shite kisu wo shita
(Pretending to peep in, I kissed you)
subete wo miseru no ga kowai kara
(It is because you're afraid of showing me everything)
yasashi kara nigeteta no
(You escaped from tenderness)
Unmei no deai tashika ne
(This meeting of fate is for sure, right?)
Konna ni jibun ga kawatteku nante
(Because I have changed so much)
Yureru omoi karadajuu kanjite
(Experiencing swaying feelings inside my body)
konomama zutto soba ni itai
(I want to remain by your side always)
ikutsu samishii kisetsu ga kitemo
(Even if many lonely seasons come)
tokimeki dakishimeteitai in my dream
(I want to hold this palpitation tight in my dream)
Yureru omoi karadajuu kanjite
(Experiencing swaying feelings inside my body)
konomama zutto soba ni itai
(I want to remain by your side always)
aoku sunda ano sora no you na
(Like that clear blue sky)
kimi to arukitsuzuketai in your dream
(I want to keep on walking with you in your dream)
(The gestures shined in the finder)
ano koro to kawaranai
(Is the same as that time)
chikaku ni isugite kizukanakatta kedo
(Being too close I did not notice)
anata ga itsudemo soba ni ita
(You were always by my side)
I need you, babe
warawanaide kiite
(Listen without laughing)
konya wa sunao ni nareru
(Tonight I will be gentle)
I love you, babe
subete wo anata ni
(I'll give everything to you)
kokoro kara just for you
(From my heart just for you)
Toki ga kasokudo tsukete sugiru yo
(Time passing with acceleration)
shiawase sugirunda ne
(because we are too happy)
chiisana ai wo utsusu waingurasu
(The wine glass that reflects this tiny love)
mimamoru you na star light
(As if to watch over star light)
I need you, babe
tsumetaku shita koto mo atta kedo...gomen ne
(There were times when I was cold to you...I'm sorry)
I want you, babe
afureru kimochi wo
(My overflowing feelings)
dare yori mo just for you
(More than anyone just for you)
I need you, babe
warawanaide kiite
(Listen without laughing)
konya wa sunao ni nareru
(Tonight I will be gentle)
I love you, babe
subete wo kakeru wa
(I will risk everything)
kokoro kara just for you
(From my heart just for you)
kokoro kara wa just for you
(From my heart just for you)
"Mou sukoshi ato sukoshi..." was released on September 4th, 1993.
"Kitto wasurenai" was released on November 3rd, 1993.
(I surely won't forget that dazzling look)
shinjitai shinjiteru
(I want to believe, I believe)
anata ga kawaranu you ni
(You will stay the same in my mind)
Every day, every night naitarishitakedo
(Every day, every night I did things like crying)
dare ni mo hanasenakute
(I could not tell anyone)
bukiyou dakedo seiippai anata wo
aishita ano kisetsu
(Even though I was clumsy, I loved you the best I could)
kureyu mich afureru hitonami
(When the streets get dark, among the crowd of people)
ima ni mo egao de anata ga arawaresoude
(It's as if your face is going to appear at any minute)
+ Kitto wasurenai mata fuyu ga kitemo
(I surely won't forget you, even if winter comes again)
omoide dakishimete itai kara
(Because I want to embrace those memories)
sora no kanata e to kanashimi fukitobase
(I'll blow away those depressing thoughts into the sky)
shinjitai shinjiteru
(I want to believe, I believe)
anata ga kawaramu you ni
(You will stay the same in my mind)
Wakare wa konayuki
(It was snowing when we parted)
sabishisa ga mune ni
tsumoru mata aitai
(Loneliness is piling up within my heart, I want to see you again)
doushite ano toki kizutsuke atta no darou
(Why did we hurt each other?)
tsuyogaru shikanakute
(There was nothing I could do except put on a bold front)
hoshikuzu no naka maniau you ni
(As if meeting each other just in time, amongst the stars)
juutai nukete okuttekuretano itsumo
(You always passed through the traffic jam and saw me off)
Kitto wasurenai mabushii manazashi wo
(I surely won't forget that dazzling look)
setsunai yakusoku ga itai kedo
(Even though this heart rending promise is so painful)
tooku hanaretemo kokoro wa tomaranai
(Even though we are so far apart, I can't stop this throbbing heart)
akirametai akiramenai
(I feel like giving up, I won't give up)
kodoku ga doa wo tataku
(Loneliness is knocking on my door)
(repeat +)
"Konna ni soba ni iru noni" was released on August 8th, 1994.
"Anata wo kanjiteitai" was released on December 24th, 1994.
Even if you don't talk much
Watashi waratte irareru kara
I can smile
Mou aenai ki ga shite...
I have a feeling that I cannot see you anymore...
Daremo inai eki no houmu
On the platform of an empty station
Sorezore no fuyu erabi omoide ni te wo futta
Choosing several Winters I waved my hand to memories
Anata wo kanjiteitai
I want to feel you
Tatoe touku hanareteitemo
Even if you are far away
Tokimeku kokoro tomenaide
Don't stop your throbbing heart
Minna mienai ashita wo sagashiteiru
Searching for a tomorrow that no one can see
Yakusoku nante nanimonai kedo
Although we don't have promises
Kawaranai futari de iyou ne
Let's remain an unchanged couple
Furueru kuchibiru fusaide
Closing my quivering lips
Wakare kiwa iikaketa kotoba ni
When I was about to speak on the brink of parting
Mou aenai ki ga shita...
I had a feeling that I cannot see you anymore...
Hitori aruku machijuu ga nijinda kyandoru de ippai
The whole street where I walk alone is full of blurred candles
Setsunakute
Painfully
Anata wo kanjiteitai
I want to feel you
Shiroi toiki no kisetsu no naka de
In the season when one's breath is white
Imasugu tondeyukitai kedo
Although I want to fly to you immediately
Subete wo sutete yukenai watashi ga iru
I cannot just throw away everything and go
Kuchi ni dasanai yasashisa ga itai
It hurts not being able to express my gentleness
Mado no soto mo yuki ni kawatta
Even outside the window it has changed to snow
Anata wo kanjiteitai
I want to feel you
Giniro no kisetsu no naka de
In the silver season
Kagayaki tsuzukete hoshii
I want (you to) continue shining
Dakedo tokai no supiido ni nagasarenaide
But don't be carried away by the city speed
"Matteiru kara" to doushite ano toki sunao ni ienakatta no darou...
Why at the time I could not say "I'm waiting for you" gently...
ano koro tatta hitori no tomodachi datta
(The only friend I had was a record album that I listened to until I wore it out)
deai to wakare wo kurikaeshi
(Repeated meetings and partings)
tadori tsuita ima anata ni
(After all of that struggling, I finally found you)
Just believe in love
anna ni atsuku kogashita omoi ga yureteiru
(Have you started to forget the intense feelings I burned on to you)
kanjiteru anata no ai wo karadajuu
(I feel your love all over my body)
kono mama tokete yuku asobi tsukarete nemuru kodomo no you ni
(It melts away, like children sleeping after a hard day of playing)
Furishikiru ame ga niji ni kawaru
(The downpour of rain turns into a rainbow)
toshi no sa no mayoi wo sutete tobi konda
(I disregarded the age difference and jumped into the relationship)
ima kono shunkan ni yume ga samete shimawanu you ni tsuyoku
dakishimete watashi wo
(Hold me tightly, like this is the last moment we have together)
Just believe in love
katachi no nai ai ni wake mo naku nakitaku naru keredo
(For no reason, I want to cry over a loveless relationship)
dare yori mo anata wo nukumori shinjiteru
(I wanted to believe in your warmth over anyone else)
nanika ni kizutsuite wa...
(I got hurt over something...)
sonna toki futari wa yoku niteiru ne
(On things like this, we are both alike)
Just believe in love
anna ni atsuku kogashita omoi ga yureteiru
(Have you started to forget the intense feelings I burned on to you)
hohoemi mo wasuretaku naru kono machi de
(In a city that makes you want to forget to smile)
tsumazuku koto sae mo ashita e no kibou e to kaete yukou
(Even when you stumble, you can always change your hopes for the better)
Ashita e no kibou e to kaete yukou
(Let's change your hopes for the better)
"MY FRIEND" was released on January 8th, 1996.
(Just thinking of you makes my heart grow stronger)
zutto mitsumeteru kara hashiri tsuzukete
(Keep running because I am watching over you)
Hitamuki datta tooi hi no yume wa
ima demo mabushii
(The dreams we had in those days when we were single minded are still shining bright)
donna ni fuan ga ippai demo
(No matter what kind of hardships)
massugu jibun no michi wo shinjite
(I will firmly keep believing in my way)
kazaranai sugao no anata ga suki
kawatte shimau koto ga kanashii
(The sight of your unadorned face becoming distorted makes me so sad)
Itsumo kagayaiteita ne shounen no mama
(You were always shining through with your youthfulness)
hitomi wa my friend
(Your eyes tell me you are my friend)
anata ga soba in iru to
(When you're by my side)
nazeka sunao ni nareta
(For some reason I always became gentle)
kono kyori toori nukeru kaze ni naritai
(I want to become the wind, whirling away from here)
Hontou no ai nara
(If this love were true)
kitto ironna koto nori koerareta no ni
(All these hardships would be overcome)
hoshi no pareedo namida ga koborenai you ni
ookiku iki wo sutta
(Under this parade of stars I took a large breath as if to hold back the tears)
hitori de iru toki no samishisa yori
futari de iru toki no kodoku no hou ga kanashii
(It's even sadder when I feel lonely while we're together than when I'm alone)
Itsumo waratteita ne ano koro futari
(When we were a couple we were always laughing)
setsunai my friend
(My distressing friend)
anata wo omou dake de kokoro wa tsuyoku nareru
(Just thinking of you makes my heart grow stonger)
zutto mitsumeteru kara hashiri tsuzukete
(Keep running because I'm watching over you)
Itsumo kagayaiteita ne shounen no mama
(You are always shining through with your youthfulness)
hitomi wa my friend
(Your eyes tell me you are my friend)
anata wo omou dake de kokoro wa tsuyoku nareta
(Just thinking of you makes my heart grow stronger)
zutto mitsumeteru kara hashiri tsuzukete
(Keep running because I'm watching over you)
hashiri tsuzukete...
(Keep on running...)
by Eugene Mok
"Kokoro wo hiraite" was released on May 6th, 1996.....and I so love♥ its b-side "Change my mind." There's so much in these lyrics that reveal suppressed feelings when in a relationship similar to this one~.
(The dresser shone upon by the afternoon sun)
hoho no sobakasu ga kininaridashita
(The freckles on my cheeks were weighing on my mind)
ato juppun nemurasete kare wa tsukarete beddo no naka
(Let me sleep for 10 more minutes, he said lying tiredly on the bed)
kanjojo to watashi no hazzama de anata wa itsumo chissoku shisou
(Squeezed between me and her, you were always suffocating)
kono goto futo kangaeruno
(Recently I am suddenly considering)
hakushi ni modosoukatte
(That we start afresh)
Iijjiwaru ni tell you
(I tell you spitefully)
kanojo no koto najittara kitto kirai ni naru wa
(If I rebuke you about her, you will come to hate me)
tabun watashi wa tell you
(Probably I will tell you)
"I can change my mind"
hidoi yatsu dato semete
(Reproach me that I am a cruel girl)
Boottoshite futtoushita yakan no oto ni sae
Kizukanakatta
(I was in such a daze that I was even unaware of the boiling kettle)
funukena jibun wo mou hitori no jibun ga azawarau
(I laugh at the cowardly me who is alone once again)
Shinkokyuushite tell you
(I tell you with a deep breath)
mou nido to awanai to heisei wo yosowootta
(I pretended to be at peace by never seeing you again)
uso nano ni...tell you
(Even though I lie when I tell you)
"I can change my mind"
anata wo kurushimasatakunai
(I didn't want to make you suffer)
Shinkokyuushite tell you
(I tell you with a deep breath)
mou nido to awanai to heisei wo yosowootta
(I pretended to be at peace by never seeing you again)
uso nano ni...tell you
(Even though I lie when I tell you)
"I can change my mind"
kattena yatsu dato semete
(Reproach me that I am a selfish girl)
"Don't you see!" was released on January 6th, 1997.
surasura kotoba ga detekureba iinoni
(I wish that I could write this letter like when I was writing to a friend, because then it is so easy to write)
mo sukoshi otagai wo shiriauni wa jikan ga hoshii
(I wish we had a little bit more time, so we could have gotten to know each other better)
uragiranai no wa kasoku date nante
sabishisugiru yo
(It would be too lonely if the only people that we wouldn't betray is our families)
love is asking to be loved
shinjiru koto wo yamete shimae ba
(If we stop believing)
raku ni narutte wakatteru kedo
(I know that it would become easier but...)
Don't you see!
negattemo inottemo
(Wishes and prayers)
kiseki omoide
(Miracles and memories)
sukoshi wa kikikakate
(Just consider these things a little)
Don't you see!
chotto sameta furi wo suru kuse wa
(My habit of pretending to be asleep when I was awake wa...)
kizutsuku no ga kowai kara
(because I am afraid to get hurt)
Taxi noriba de
(At the taxi stand)
matteta toki no chinmoku wa
(The silence that I felt while waiting)
tatta gofun nano ni
(Even though it was just 5 minutes,)
monosugoku nagaku kanjita
(It felt really long)
muri wo shite tsukarete
(We get tired because we force it on ourselves)
aozameta koi wa yokisenu dekigoto
(And because of that, our love fades)
Don't you see!
chiisana kenka de
makezugirai na futari dakara hotto shita no
(Even if we have a small fight, we both don't like to lose, so I was relieved [because I know it isn't serious])
Don't you see!
ironna hito wo miruyori
(Instead of seeing many different people)
zutto onaji anata wo miteitai
(I want to see just you)
Don't you see! I'll never worry tonight
I'll lay me down tonight
You know, I do it for you
Don't you see!
umareta machi no nioi
(The smell of my hometown)
kurekakaru gairojuu wo futari arukeba
(The two of us walking along the side of a tree lined avenue)
Don't you see!
sekaijuu no daremo ga donna ni isoide mo
(No matter how busy people in the world are)
watashi wo tsukamaeteite
(Please keep holding onto me)
"Kimi ni aitakunattara..." was released on February 26th, 1997.
(If I shall want to meet you...)
sono hi made ganbaru jibun de itai
(I want to stick it out on my own till that day)
aoku kurekaketa machinami
(On the street which is bathed in evening blue)
mata omoikiri sawagou ne
(Let's make merry to our heart's content again)
futo kagami wo mireba nante tsukareta kao
(When I look into the mirror by chance, I see such a tired face)
hito no me niwa jibun wa dou utsutteiru no kana?
(I wonder how I look in the eyes of others?)
tamani wa sukoshi kyori o oite
mitakatta no shibaraku wa
(Occasionally I wanted to overcome this distance between us, but for the time being)
renai janai koibito janai kankei de ite
(Let's have a non romantic, non lover relationship)
Kimi ni aitakunattara...
(If I shall want to meet you...)
itsudatte sugu ni tonde yukeru
(I'll wish to fly to you in a flash, no matter when)
koware yasui mono dakara koso
(Because it's such a fragile thing)
taisetsu ni shitai to omou
(I'd want to treasure it)
Soredemo anna deai wa nido to nai yone
(Even so, such a meeting will never come again)
warubuttatte hito no yosa souna hitomi wa kakusenai
(Even if you pretend to be a bad egg, your eyes tell me you are a lovable person)
Tooi shourai ga konnani
hayaku kuru towa omowanakatta
(I didn't realize the distant future would arrive this fast)
hontou ni watashi de ii no ka yukkuri kangaete...
(Please think it over carefully, am I really the one for you?...)
Kimi ni aitakunattara...
(If I shall want to meet you...)
itazurana egao o omoidasu
(I remember your mischievous smile)
"daijoubu dayo" to iu kimi no kotoba ga
(You say "it's all right" but these words)
ichiban daijoubu janai
(aren't the most assuring)
Kitto unmei ga futari no
mikata o shitekureru deshou
(Surely fate would be on our side)
wagamama janai kirai dakara janai wakatte
(I'm not being selfish, it's not because I dislike you, please understand)
Kimi ni aitakunattara...
(If I shall want to meet you...)
sono hi made ganbaru jibun de itai
(I want to stick it out on my own till that day)
kore ga saisho de saigo no koi ni
nareba iina to omou
(I want to make it my first and last romance)\
Aoku kurekaketa machinami
(On the street which is bathed in evening blue)
mata omoikiri sawagou ne
(Let's make merry to our heart's content again)
by Eugene Mok
"Kaze ga toori nukeru machi e" was released on July 2nd, 1997.
"My Baby Grand~ nukumori ga hoshikute~" was released on December 3rd, 1997.
(When you are in love)
sugoku fuan ni naru
(Sometimes, I get very uncertain)
donna ni isogashii toki mo
(No matter how busy I am)
hitori ni naru to sabishii
(When I am along, I am lonely)
kioku soushitsu ni isso nareba ii to
(I might as well lose my memory)
tachinaoru made zuibun nagai jikan ga kakatta
(It took me awhile unit I recovered)
Nukumori ga hoshikute hitogomi aruita
(Yearning for warmth, I walked through the crowd)
buru na toki wa soba ni ite
(When I feel blue, stay by me)
ima nara motto sunao ni nareru
(Now I can become more meek)
machijuu ga yasashii
(Citywide everything is more kind)
Tsune ni mae muki nante...
(Always looking forward...)
minna yowai bubun motteru
(Everyone has weaknesses)
kokoro yurushita goku wazuga na hito ni wa
(To those few who I permit)
oshaberi ni nareru no ni
(We could have a conversation)
Nukumore ga hoshikute mune no oku ni
(I want warmth deep inside me)
fukaku himeta omoi
(The thoughts I hide deep inside)
dare ni demo ii kao suru hito wa kirai dayo
(I hate the kind of person that puts on a false face to impress anyone)
Baby Grand
Nukumori ga hoshikute
(I want warmth)
sotto te wo nobasu
(I slowly extend my hand)
yuki no yoru wa soba ni ite
(During those snowy nights stay by me)
tooi machi no hi yume wo miru hito
(The city lights look far away, a person who dreams)
anata e to todoke
(A report for you)
Koe ga kikitakute mo waratteite mo
(Even if I wanted to hear your voice, or your laughter)
aenai modo kashi sa
(Feeling irritated because I can't meet you)
uchuu no soko ni futari ikiteru
(The two of us exist deep in outer space)
Just leave a tender moment alone
by Maruya Naoyuki
"Iki mo dekinai" was released on March 4th, 1998.
"Unmei no roulette mawashite" was released on September 9th, 1998.
"Atarashii door~ fuyu no himawari~" was released on December 2nd, 1998. "Atarashii door..." and "GOOD DAY" were both released on the same day as separate singles sort of like "double-a" sides~.
"GOOD DAY" was released on December 2nd, 1998.
"MIND GAMES" was released on April 7th, 1999.
"Sekai wa kitto mirai no naka" was released on June 16th, 1999.
"Itai Kurai Kimi ga Afureteiru yo" was released on October 14th, 1999.
"Kono namida hoshi ni nare" was released on December 1st, 1999.
"Get U're Dream" was released on September 6th, 2000.
"Sawayakana kimi no kimochi" was released on May 22nd, 2002.
"Ashita wo yume mite" was released on April 9th, 2003.
"Hitomi tojite" was released on July 9th, 2003.
"Motto Chikakude Kimi no Yokogao Mitetai" was released on November 12th, 2003.
"Kakegae no nai mono" was released on June 23rd, 2004.
"Hoshi no kagayakiyo" was released on April 20th, 2005.
"Kanashii Hodo Anata ga Suki" / "Karatto Iko!" were released as a double-a side on March 8th, 2006.
"Heart ni hi wo tsukete" was released on May 10th, 2006.
"Ai wa kuraami no naka de" features the guest vocals of Kamiki Aya~.
Just being able to hear more music with Sakai Izumi's writing and vocals was so special and when this single arrived I was truly filled with a sweet happiness...both tracks are so different in "Tsubasa wo hirogete" being a soft ballad~ while "Ai wa kuraami no naka de" is a powerful and most energetic rock composition~.
| Year | Title | Peak | Copies Sold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Good-Bye My Loneliness | 9 | 209,460 | |
| Fushigi Ne... | 30 | 31,090 | ||
| Mou Sagasanai | 39 | 36,940 | ||
| 1992 | Nemurenai Yoru o Daite | 8 | 458,480 | |
| In My Arms Tonight | 9 | 321,810 | ||
| 1993 | Makenaide |
1 | 1,645,010 | |
| Kimi Ga Inai | 2 | 801,690 | ||
| Yureru Omoi | 1 | 1,396,420 | ||
| Mo Sukoshi Ato Sukoshi | 2 | 843,880 | ||
| Kitto Wasurenai | 1 | 872,130 | ||
| 1994 | Kono Ai ni Otagi Tsukarete mo / Boy | 1 | 887,190 | |
| Konna ni Soba ni Iru no ni | 1 | 787,660 | ||
| Anata o Kankiteitai | 2 | 737,910 | ||
| 1995 | Just Believe in Love | 2 | 655,960 | |
| Ai ga Mienai | 2 | 720,790 | ||
| Sayonara wa Ima mo Kono Mune ni Imasu | 1 | 551,260 | ||
| 1996 | My Friend |
1 | 1,000,620 | |
| Kokoro o Hiraite | 1 | 746,980 | ||
| 1997 | Don't you see! |
1 | 602,760 | |
| Kimi ni Aitakunattara | 2 | 635,840 | ||
| Kaze ga Tori Nukeru Machi e | 3 | 281,130 | ||
| Eien |
1 | 628,770 | ||
| My Baby Grand (Nukumori ga Hoshikute) | 3 | 331,840 | ||
| 1998 | Iki mo Dekinai | 3 | 240,740 | |
| Unmei no roulette mawashite |
1 | 247,560 | ||
| Atarashii Door (Fuyu no Hmawari) | 3 | 205,170 | ||
| Good Day | 2 | 223,950 | ||
| 1999 | Mind Games | 1 | 147,130 | |
| Sekai wa Kirro Mirai no Naka | 2 | 201,410 | ||
| Itai Kurai Kimi ga Afureteiru yo | 5 | 124,730 | ||
| Kono Namida Hoshi ni Nare | 5 | 129,700 | ||
| 2000 | Get U're Dream | 4 | 241,220 | |
| Promised You | 6 | 115,360 | ||
| 2002 | Sawayakana Kimi no Kimochi | 4 | 69,740 | |
| 2003 | Ashita o Yumemite | 4 | 62,049 | |
| Hitomi Tojite | 4 | 44,208 | ||
| Motto Chikakude Kimi no Yokogao Mitetai | 8 | 50,489 | ||
| 2004 | Kakegae no Naimono | 4 | 46,244 | |
| Kyo wa Yukkuri Hanaso | 5 | 33,384 | ||
| 2005 | Hoshi no Kagayaki yo / Natsu o Matsu Sail no You ni | 2 | 79,816 | |
| 2006 | Kanashii Hodo Anata ga Suki / Karatto Iko! | 6 | 33,957 | |
| Heart ni Hi wo Tsukete | 10 | 26,944 | ||
| 2007 | Glorious Mind |
2 | 84,027 | |
| 2008 | Tsubasa wo Hirogete / Ai wa Kuraami no Naka de | 3 | 83,694 | |
| 2009 | Sunao ni Ienakute | 5 | 36,178 |
~The Albums~
- "Good-bye My Loneliness
- "Ai wa Kurayami no Naka de"
- "Koionna no Yūutsu"
- "Oh! Sugar Baby"
- "Onna de Itai"
- "It's a Boy"
- Fushigi ne
- Mou sagasanai
- Sunao ni Ienakute
- Hitori ga Suki
- Forever
- Lonely Soldier Boy
- Itsuka wa
- Nemurenai yoru wo daite
- Dareka ga Matteru
- Sayonara Ienakute
(The city lights blur on the window)
bonyari ame no oto wo tanoshinderu
(I enjoy the sound of the falling rain)
nagasugiru yoru no sugoshikata
(Time passes slowly at night)
umakunatta mitai
(I think I got better)
Yasashisugita wakare no kotoba ga
(The words said when we broke up were too kind)
ima mo yomigaeru memory
(Even now, I still remember)
mada doko ka de omoide no naka no
(Still deep inside of me are these memories)
anata wo sagashiteru
(I still search for you)
Mezame no kouhii nigaku nomi hosu
(I drink my bitter wake up coffee)
asa no keshiki kasunderu
(Tomorrow's view looks misty)
imagoro doushiteiru no ka to
(I wonder what you are doing right now)
karendaa wo nozoku
(I peek at the calendar)
*Saigo no natsu azayakana shiny blue
(The last summer, brilliant shiny blue)
mune no naka ga setsunai story
(Deep in my heart is a sad story)
mada doko ka de anata wo matteru
(I'm still waiting for you)
sayonara ienakute
(I can't say goodbye)
*repeat
4. Ano hohoemi wo wasunaide
5. Suki na you ni odoritai no
7. Konna ni aishite mo
8. Why don't you leave me alone?
9. Ai wa nemutteru
10. Tooi hi no nostalgia (Something about this melody........it has such a "closing" effect~ sort of like you're imagining seeing the credits rolling while it's playing along. I know that probably makes little sense to you but still it's the feeling that I get every time I listen....it's sort of a longing for...that I also feel and that's most likely in the lyrics as well. I really love this song so much too~! ^ ^
(We used to walk together in the sunset)
Mada kaze ga samui haru no hibi wo
(During the Spring when the wind was still sort of cold)
Sora miage kagayaiteru ano hoshitachi
(Looking up to the sky to see those stars)
Te ni todoki sou de sotto nobashita
(It seems so close so I reached out for it)
Gomen ne naisho de ano koto dekaketa koto
(I'm sorry,when I left without telling you)
Sugu hanaseba yurushite kureta?
(If I told you right away would you have forgiven me?)
*Ano hi ienakatta kotoba wa ima mo kono mune no naka de nemutteru
(What I couldn't say that day, it's still in my heart)
Ano toki mou sukoshi yuuki wo daseba
(If I had a little bit more courage then,)
Kimi wo ushinawazu ni sunda kamo
(I probably wouldn't have lost you)
It's too late
Tooi hi no nostalgia
(Nostalgia of days gone)
Hissori to iki wo tometa arubamu ni wa
(I hold my breath quietly as I reach for that album)
Togireta shiawase no history
(Our happiness ending)
Futari to mo asu no yukue shiranai egao
(The 2 of us had smiles on our faces, not knowing where our paths would lead us)
Mujaki na mukashi mune ga itai
(Those innocent days I long for)
Yappari dame da yo
(No, it wouldn't have worked out)
Ima de mo ki ni natteru kara
(It still bothers me even now)
Hanaseba yurushite kureta?
(If I told you would you have forgiven me?)
Ano hi ienakatta kotoba wa ima mo kono mune no naka de nemutteru
(What I couldn't say that day, it's still in my heart)
Ano toki mou sukoshi otona ni nareba
(At that time, if I was a little bit more mature)
Kokai wa hanbun de sunda no ni
(There would have only been half the regret)
It's too late
Tooi hi no nostalgia
(Nostalgia of days gone)
*Repeat
11. So Together
"Yureru omoi" was released on July 10th, 1993.
1. Yureru omoi
(Tickling the roadside popular trees)
kaze wa haruiro kirameiteiru ne
(The wind is the color of spring shimmering)
ano hi to onaji michiyuku seifukutachi
(Same as that day, uniforms going down the road)
futo natsukashiku mune ni aoi toki
(Suddenly yearning blue times in my heart)
Setsunakute dashisobireta tegami
(The letter that I failed to send because I was hurting)
itsumo tooku kara kimi wo omoi oh
(Always thinking of you from far away)
ienakute nayandeita ano season
(The season when I suffered because I couldn't say [confess my love])
itsuno hika sotsugyoushita ne
(In time I graduated)
Kinen no arubamu ima demo
tokidoki wa hiraite miru kedo
(Although even now I still open the commemoration album once in awhile)
usureyuku kimi e no akogare ni
(My admiration for you is wavering)
seishun no imi wo shirasareta
(I was taught the meaning of youth)
Setsunakute awai yume wo idaki
(Embracing a painful and faint dream)
kagayaita keshiki ni wa kaerenai oh
(I cannot return to the sparkling scenery)
ienakute kuchibiru kanda season
(Not being able to speak, I bit my lips)
kokoro ni kizamikonde
([This unrequited love] has engraved into my heart)
Kokoro ni kizamikonde
([This unrequited love] has engraved into my heart)
I'll remember you and the windy season
3. Kimi ga inai (B-version)
4. In my arms tonight
5. Anata wo suki dakedo
6. Makenaide (translation appears in singles section above)
8. You and me (and...)
"Gairoju no shita de yakusoku shita" to
(She said) "(He) promised under the roadside tree"
Kanojo no hazumu koe ni watashi, tomadoi wo kakusenakatta
To her bouncy voice, I could not conceal losing my bearings
Ibu no yoru wa tabun kanojo to sugosu no ne
You will probably spend Xmas eve with her, right?
+Mou dekinai wa enjirarenai
I can no longer, I cannot act
Todokanai omoi wa tada konayuki ga mau machi ni kieteyuku
Those thoughts beyond reach could only vanish in the street where the powdery snow dances
Kuzurehajimeta haamonii
The harmony that started to collapse
You and me
"Ima dake kangaete" sou itte daita
"Only consider now" saying this you held me
Kanjiteru noni mune ga itai
Although I feel this way, my heart aches
Yurusarenu yume wo mita no
For I dreamed a forbidden dream
Kanojo to tomodachi de itai no kore kara mo
I still want to be friends with her from now on
++Mou nakanaide ai wa zankoku ne
Don't cry anymore love is cruel
Atatameta toki wa tooi
Warm times are distant
Deatta koro ni mou modorenai no kaze ni togireta haamonii
We can no longer return to the time we met, the harmony that is interrupted in the wind
You and me
Repeat+
Repeat++
9. I want you
10. Futari no natsu
"OH MY LOVE" was released on June 4th, 1994.
1. Oh my love
Yurui sakamichi jitensha oshi nagara
(We are pushing our bicycles up this gentle slope)
Ie made okuttekureta
(You were with me all the way till we reached my house)
Anata wa watashi no namae yobisute nishite
( You called my name without saying "miss"
Yugure ni hohoendeitakedo
(You were smiling at the evening)
+Hora kasokudo tsukete
(Hey, drive faster)
Anata wo suki ninaru
(I'm falling in live with you)
Oh my love
Mou tomodachi no eria hamidashita
(We're no longer just friends)
Isshoni iru toki no
(When wer'e together)
Jibun ga ichiban suki
(I really love [being] myself
Shuumatsu made machi kirenai
( I can't wait till the weekend)
Sonna munasawagi yureru gogo
(This heart is clamouring [for you]; [in] this swaying afternoon
Utsu muku yokogao nanika nayanderuno?
Sono wake wo oshiete
(Why are you shying away and looking so downcast; what's bothering you?)
Hajimete no kisu no hi machi wa
Suroomooshon ni
(The day when we first kissed the entire city seemed to be in slow motion)
Kousasuru kurakushon de yume ga sameta
(Only when the car horns started sounding everywhere did we wake up from this reverie)
Hora hashiridashitawa
(Look, it's off and running)
Anata e no puroroogu
(The prologue of [the story of] my chasing you)
Oh my love
Muishiki ni kami wo nobashi hajimetano
(I've let my hair grow long without realizing it)
Anata to iru toki no
(When I'm with you)
Sunaona jibun ga suku
(I really love [being] my gentle self)
Watashiu no sonzai dore kurai?
(How important am I to you?)
Hiroi senaka ni toi kakeru natsu
(The Summer when I confessed my feelings for you with your back towards me)
Repeat +
Anata to iru toki no
(When I'm with you)
sunaona jibun ga suki
(I really love [being] my gentle self)
Watashi no sonzai dore kurai?
(How important am I to you?)
Hiroi senaka ni toi kakera natsu
(The Summer when I confessed my feelings for you with your back towards me)
by Eugene Mok
2. Top Secret
3. Kitto wasurenai (translation can be found in singles section above)
4. Mou sukoshi ato sukoshi...
5. Ame ni nurete
6. Kono ai ni oyogi tsukarete mo
7. I still remember
8. If you gimme smile
9. Rainen no natsu mo
10. Anata ni kaeritai
"forever you" was released on March 10th, 1995.
1. Ima sugu ai ni kite
2. High Heel nugisutete
3. Forever you
"Forever you"
Wakai koro wa hitoichibai koukishin ga tsuyokute
(When I was young my curiosity was stronger than others)
ironna mawari no hito ya kazoku ni meiwaku bakari kaketeta
(I always caused trouble to my family and various people around me)
tesaguride yume wo sagashiteita ano hi
(Fumbling in search of a dream that day)
jibun ga ashita donna fuu ni naru no ka wakaranakute tada
(Not knowing how tomorrow will turn out only)
mae ni susumu koto bakari kangaeteita dear old days
(Thinking of moving forward)
Mou nakanaide yatto yume ga kanatta
(Don't cry anymore finally my dream is realized)
zutto...forever you
(Throughout...forever you)
sou aserazuni sou isogazuni otona ni naritai
(Not so hurriedly not so hastily I want to grow up)
Takusan shippai mo shita kedo itsumo sonna toki
(Although I have had many failures always at those times)
yasashiku shinsetsu datta hitotachi no egao ga ukanda namida mo wasureta
(Smiling faces of gentle and kind people came to my mind...forgetting my tears)
jibunde eranda michi dakara
(Because it is a road that I chose by myself)
Mou mayowanai ima ga shiawase dakara
(I will not be in doubt anymore because I am happy now)
zutto...forever you
(Throughout...forever you)
souo aserazuni sou isogazuni aishitai no
(Not so hurriedly not so hastily I want to be in love)
Sore wa atatakai anata ni deau made no shiren
(That is a test until I meet a warm you)
mukashi ni koukai nante shitenai
(I have no regrets about the past)
matatonai nido to konai watashi no seishun dakara
(It is unique and will never come twice as it is my youth)
So stay with me my love forever
4. Mou Nigetari Shinai wa Omoide kara
5. Anata wo kanjiteitai (translation in singles section above)
7. I'm in love
8. konna ni soba ni iru no ni
9. Just believe in love (translation can be found in singles section above)
(Although you were always home at this time...)
saikin kimi wa rusu gachi da ne
(Recently you tend to be away from home)
yatto deta denwa no koe mo
(Even the voice of the phone call that got through at last)
imamade to chigau kanji ga kawatta yo
(Differs thus far, the feeling is different)
mada kimi no naka ni boku ga dorekurai iru no ka
(Still in you how much of me is there)
tashikamete mitainda look in your eyes
(I want to ascertain and see the look in your eyes)
Hitomi sorasanaide aoi natsu no tokimeki no naka de
(Don't avert your eyes in the palpitation of the blue summer)
summer breeze kokoro kusuguru yo
(Summer breeze my heart tickles)
hitorijime shitakute dakiyoseta atsui gogo
(Wanting to monopolize you I embraced the hot afternoon)
Ima no mamade wa shiya ga semaku narushi...
nanika ga owatte shimai sou to kanojo ga itta
(She said "As it is now my outlook becomes narrow, and it's as if something is going to end")
sono hou ga kimi ni totte yume ga aru no nara
(If there is a dream for you that way)
boku wa sou shiyou
(I will do that)
yakusoku dakara umi ni kitatte kanji ga
(I came to the beach because it's a promised feeling)
isshoni iru noni samishii yo
(Even if we're together it's lonely)
Mou ichido...
(Once more...)
Hanashi sorasanaide aoi natsu no tokimeki no naka de
(Don't avert from the conversation in the palpitation of the blue summer)
Summer days omoide ni shinaide
(Summer days don't make it into memories)
ano koro no kimi ga ima mo mune no naka de waratteru
(You at that time is still smiling in my heart now)
Ano koro no kimi ga ima mo mune no naka de waratteru
(You at that time is still smiling in my heart now)
"TODAY IS ANOTHER DAY" was released on July 8th, 1996.
1. My friend (translation in singles section above)
3. Sayonara wa imamo kono mune ni imasu
4. Love ~Nemurezu ni Kimi no Yokogao Zutto Miteita
5. DAN DAN kokoro hikareteku
6. Nemuri
7. Kokoro wo hiraite
8. Totsuzen
9. Kyou mo
10. TODAY IS ANOTHER DAY
Anata ga watashi wo erabanaitte shitteiru kara
I can't be cute anymore knowing I wasn't chosen (by you)
Kikioboe no aru ashioto ga shite
Hearing the familiar sound of footsteps
"Aa" to furi kaettara hito chigaidatta
"Aa" I look back but it turns out to be someone else
Kitto kokoro ga sabishiinda
Surely it feels lonely in the heart
Hito ni kitai shitai atenishitai shinjiteitai
I want to place expectations, hopes and trust in others
Moshi anata wo wasureraretara soredemo watashi ikite ikeru no kana
I wonder if I can go on living even if I were able to forget you
Ashita ga aru
There's still tomorrow
Kuchi ga umai hito dato dareka ni kiita
I heard from someone that he is good with words
Me no mae no tottemo yowai hito wa uso nano?
The weak person who stands in front of me makes it all seem like a lie
Utagai dashitara kiriganai noni ne
But if I start doubting there will be no end to it
Baka mitai soredemo anata no yume wo miru
Although it is foolish, I still dream about you
+Kitto kokoro ga sabishiinda
Surely it feels lonely in the heart
Hito ni kitaishinai atenishinai shinjitakunai
When we place no expectation, hope, or trust in others
Kanashii genjitsu wo nageku yori ima nani ga dekiruka wo kangaeyou
Rather than sighing about this sad reality, let's think what we can do about it now
Kyou ga kawaru
The day's going to change
Repeat +
Today is another day
11. Ai ga mienai
"ZARD BLEND~SUN & STONE" was released on April 23rd, 1997 and was Zard's very first compilation of previous released hits~.
"Eien" was released on February 17th, 1999 and the first pressings also included a bonus 3" CD single containing a special recording of the popular Western hit "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" which can be found here~.
1. Eien
2. My Baby Grand~nukumore ga hoshikute" (translation in singles section above)
4. Brand new love
5. Unmei no roulette mawashite
6. Tooi hoshi wo kazoete
7. Atarashii door~fuyu no himawari~
8. Good Day
9. I feel fine, yeah
10. Shōjo no Koro ni Modotta Mitai ni
11. Iki mo dekinai
12. Kaze ga toori nukeru machi e
"ZARD BEST The Single Collection~kiseki~" was released on May 28th, 1999 and was available in at least three different first press editions (the only ones I've been able to find) with two including VHS "show reel" and "memorial clips" while the third version came with a large sized 36 page photo booklet ("artist file" of ZARD). (photographed above in collection photos) This collection also includes the single "Hate shinai yume wo" which features a collaboration with ZYYG, REV, ZARD & WANDS."
"ZARD BEST ~Request Memorial!" was released on September 15th, 1999 and features 14 previously released tracks all of which were chosen by fans~.
"ZARD Cruising & Live" was released on January 26th, 2000 and was released in a special limited edition commemorative package which includes a 36 page color booklet with photos from this unprecedented event in the group's history till this point as well as the live CD and CD-ROM disc with extras~.
Just below is a sampling of what was experienced aboard as I've chosen ZARD's performance of their much beloved single "Don't you see!"
1. Get U're Dream
3. promised you ~with P edition~
5. Mado no Soto wa Monochrome
6. o.mo.hi.de
7. Ashita Moshi Kimi ga Kowaretemo
8. Sekai wa kitto mirai no naka~another style 21~
9. hero
10. Yureru omoi (Gomi's New York Remix)
11. Makenaide (Gomi's 10th Annivesary Special Mix)
12. Toki no tsubasa
"ZARD BLEND II ~LEAF & SNOW~" was released on November 21st, 2001.....this Winter best selection album contains 16 previously released hits~.
"Tomatteita tokei ga ima ugokidashita" was released on January 28th, 2004 and perhaps you can tell just how puffy this cover is~!....the outer casing is made of plastic with a plushie inside~. This would be ZARD's 10th original album release.
1. Ashita wo yume mite
3. Motto chikaku de kimi no yokogao miteitai
4. Pray
5. Deai soshite wakare
6. Tomatteita Tokei ga Ima Ugokidashita
7. Hitomi tojite
8. Sawayakana kimi no kimochi (Album Ver.)
9. Ai de anata wo sukuimashou
10. Tenshi no Yōna Egao de
11. Kanashii Hodo Kyou wa Ame de mo
ZARD's11th and last original album titled "Kimi to no Distance" was released on September 7th, 2005.
1. Natsu wo matsu sail no you ni
2. Sayonara Made no Distance
3. Kakegai no nai mono
5. Kimi to no Fureai
6. Separate Ways
7. Last Good-bye
8. Hoshi no kagayaki yo
9. Tsuki ni Negai o
10. Anata to Tomo ni Ikite Yuku
11. I Can't Tell
12. good-night sweetheart
13. Kimi to Kyou no Koto o Isshou Wasurenai
On October 25th, 2006 ZARD's "Golden Best 15th Anniversary" collections were released....three versions in all with each including a different extra DVD containing CM selections corresponding to the seasons with.....green for ~Spring~...blue for ~Summer~...and purple for ~Autumn to Winter~. The collection is comprised of 2 CDs containing a total of 27 tracks.....all three versions do have the same track listing with just the extra DVD being the variation~.
Two additional commemorative releases would follow on August 15th, 2007 and reiterate...."Soffio de vento" is a compilation of Sakai Izumi's favorite songs personally chosen by her and "Brezza di mare" is a collection of songs from her catalog paying tribute to her memorable career, both include special additional DVDs~.
The final bookend tribute would be released on January 23rd, 2008, "Zard Request Best~beautiful memory~"....includes two discs of fan voted favorites, a 17th anniversary calendar and a special DVD with a medley of Yureru omoi"..."Glorious Mind"..and "Makenaide" from Sakai Izumi's tribute event where artists came together to perform live for fans as a large screen towards the back of the stage showed images of Sakai Izumi performing "along" with them in this final live tribute~.
Mou sagasanai----------------------------------------333,080
Hold Me--------------------------------------------------1,065,190
Yureru omoi---------------------------------------------2,239,354
oh my love-----------------------------------------------2,002,070
forever you-----------------------------------------------1,773,930
Today is another day--------------------------------1,655,430
Eien--------------------------------------------------------1,149,931
Toki no tsubasa----------------------------------------371,350
Tomatteita tokei ga ima ugokidashita---------212,494
Kimi to no distance----------------------------------151,840
Zard Blend ~Sun & Stone~--------------------------2,004,699
Zard Best The Single Collection ~Kiseki~-----3,034,054
Zard Best Request Memorial-----------------------1,496,804
Zard Blend II ~Leaf & Snow~------------------------231,386
Golden Best 15th Anniversary----------------------942,220
soffio di vento Best of Izumi Sakai Collection-129,793
brezza di mare Dedicated to Sakai Izumi-------134,826
Zard Request Best Beautiful Memory-------------229,014
Zard Cruising & Live-------------------------------------305,550
And here are a just a few live clips from Zard's "What a beautiful moment" DVD release~...click the tiny arrow to play and please note that depending on your connection some videos may take a bit longer to buffer and play~.
So what does it take to recreate ZARD's music in entirety in a live environment? A 19 member super group~!!...comprised of members:
Sakai Izumi: lead vocals
Ohga Yoshinobu: electric guitar
Watanuki Masaaki: electric & acoustic guitar
Okamoto Hitoshi: electric guitar
Asai Hiroshi: bass
Furui Hirohita: keyboards
Ohkusu U-zo: keyboards
Iwai Yuichirou: acoustic guitar & chorus
David C. Brown: drums
Takaku Tomoya: violin
Oyabu Taku: manipulator
Suzuki Hisatsuga: saxophone
Katsuta Kazuki: saxophone
Ohta Shinichiro: acoustic guitar & chorus
Kurumatani Keisuke: percussion
Okazaki yuki: chorus
SATIN DOLL featuring Megu, Miki & Kayo: chorus
On October 25th, 2006 a commemorative pv and photo collection was released....five separate sequences which covers ZARD's releases from year to year in groupings gave fans their very first chance to own their pvs through this most beautifully and thoughtfully packaged release~.
Thank you for sharing so much.
Also.....many of the artists/groups found in my personal CD compilations here I've also covered in earlier posts...you can search for their tags here in this little directory~. =)
.....the same day as "volume 0"...
Mr.Children♥ my most favorite♥ group released their amazing single "[ES]~Theme of ES~" on May 10th, 1995 in conjunction with their original band film of the same title~...it was part documentary, part live performances but what this film really accomplished was allowing fans deeper into their world in both personal ways as well as all that comes with fame and life on the road touring~. A *friend* got for me a poster for this single's release event....just so many *fond* memories of listening to this song and its epic *feel* all wrapped up in gorgeous acoustics~.
Just such an infectious melody~!....listening to "La La La Love Song" still makes me *smile* ( ̄▽ ̄) so much~! "La La La Love Song" was released on May 13th, 1996.
Reflecting back on CoCo really fills me with a sense of what it is to truly love J-Pop♥ and how so much of Japan's music has grown with me through adolescence and into adulthood....and their music♪♪~ will always remain so *special*~.
So while this musical♪♪~ journey will begin at this earliest possible point of home recording for me as I'm going to present each post as a corresponding "J-Pop Collection Volume" in which I was creating from that very moment in a chronological sense.....I was collecting J-Pop prior to then but there was only the....dare I mention?....blank tape before this for making personal compilations. XD
I know it sounds so silly now ( ̄▽ ̄) but it was truly such an amazing moment~....just to be able to create your very own CD compilations then..so much that I still *smile* so much just thinking about then~. It's also notable to mention that the dates on which these CD compilations were created won't necessarily reflect the release dates of the music on each "J-Pop Volume" and in some instances where I fell shamelessly (人∀`*)♥ in love with particular songs....they may then appear on multiple CD compilations thereafter as you just know that when you adore a song so much you just want to be able to play it as often as possible~. =) Much of my music♪♪~ collection is also comprised of many releases which came out a long time before I began collecting....before I knew what J-Pop was or before I was even born~...as I've always done a lot of backtracking so to speak when it comes to music as I feel you appreciate so much more of what's new today and into tomorrow if you also embrace and experience the past of music's roots~. Also keep in mind that these were the days of "wave files" as the mp3 was yet to be born so on a single blank disc you could really only fit perhaps up to 16~17 songs max?~.....although towards the latter years of creating these personal compilations I would still opt for the wave file format over the mp3 for some time.....well until the invention of the iPod which would of course cause me to cave~ and embrace the mp3~ (。ーωー。)笑!Here you may listen along as I take this very nostalgic stroll down memory lane* as I would collect J-Pop CDs/singles and then create compilations to my liking then~......re-listening to these now for me I anticipate will give me so much goosebumps reminding me of listening to newly discovered music and then trying so hard to choose which songs to include on a collection♥....and so here I begin with volume "0" and I'll continue to post these personal J-Pop collections in chronological order of their recording dates~.....kiite kudasai ne~ tanoshimi kudasai o(*´∀`)o゛♥。
Also.....many of the artists/groups found in my personal CD compilations here I've also covered in earlier posts...you can search for their tags here in this little directory~. =)
(this, my very first♥ personal CD compilation was recorded on February 1st, 1997...
..and because I had no idea of how to create cover graphics at first the CD case looks so plain,
and therefore I didn't include a photo of it here. XD)
I just recently re-watched Matsu♥ Takako's "second wave" on film concert DVD as the song♪♪~ selection here is so wonderful and what really makes this as well as her other two concert DVDs so enjoyable is her live band which travels with her from venue to venue~....and not only are they the same musicians, giving them incredible and fun chemistry on stage...but they're all so amazingly talented each in their own right at their own musical craft~!
Matsu Takako releases can be ordered here at Cdjapan.
Matsu Takako releases can be ordered here at YesAsia.
Matsu Takako releases can be ordered here at HMV Japan.
While watching some of her pvs later I took out her single "Minna Hitori" which includes a DVD with the first pressing for its music video and it once again reminded me of just how much I *love* this coupling with song♪♪~!!.......
"Second wave" on film~ was released on March 24th, 2004 and includes 22 *wonderful* and lively~ performances....and choosing just one to have here was a bit difficult to choose but I finally decided on her performance of "Yume de aetara" which occurs right at the start of her encore performances which also is the reason for her adorable casual attire~. o(*´∀`)o゛ It's such an ultra *cute* J-pop classic~....I hope you enjoy it too! ^ ^
Much more on Matsu Takako's history in Japan's entertainment industry and in music can be found here in an earlier post from 2008~. I really tried to cover so much in this previous post......so here tonight is just a reminiscing of sorts on just a few songs and in particular their accompanying pvs~ which I so ~♥~! ^ ^
The 10th annivesary collection itself is most beautifully presented~! A pristine white casing greets you and upon opening you'll find four discs~ with 3 being CDs & 1 of them a DVD~. Discs one and two cover her up to then 10th annivesary of songs as single releases are covered and in addition you'll find the that the third CD includes personally chosen tracks by Matsu Takako herself~. The fourth disc which is a DVD which includes 12 video clips~ and although some are much abbreviated versions of the songs themselves and appear to be more in the vein of lengthy promotional spot, most are full length pvs.....some previously released while others are appearing here officially for the very first time~.
This set opens up (as pictured above) in a gatefold style~ and to the right of the four discs which are ingeniously packaged to minimize space necessity, you'll find an extensive photo book complete with song lyrics all which are written in Matsu Takako's handwriting~ accompanied by black & white photos throughout giving it a very warm and "home made" type of feeling.....and much of the photos also appear to be chosen off-shots from her singles and album releases......very *sweet*!
And here are just a few of my favorites♥~.....please enjoy the videos~! ^ ^
Matsu Takako's "Footsteps~10 Anniversary Complete Best~" can be ordered here at Cdjapan.
Matsu Takako's "Footsteps~10 Anniverary Complete Best~" can be ordered here at YesAsia.
Matsu Takako's "Footsteps~10th Anniversary Complete Best~" can be ordered here at HMV Japan.
This is really one of my most most favorite! Matsu Takako songs....such an uplifting melody♪♪~ and this pv is so so so *adorable*!! A bus ride has never been so *cuddly*~! o(*´∀`)o゛ and I really love the way it was filmed....so sweetly candid and "home town" like~ (*´∀`*)!