借りてきた言葉

ぶつかり合う時も来るさ　綺麗な事ばかりじゃないだろうから
全てを君と　越えてゆくと決めた

共に歩き　共に探し
共に笑い　共に誓い
共に感じ　共に選び
共に泣き　共に背負い
共に抱き　共に迷い
共に築き　共に願い

ささやかな幸せが　木漏れ日のように　やわらかに降り注ぐ
そんな日々を　描きながら・・・

十二色と 一色あたし

The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.
-- Ludwig Wittgenstein

And I lament the limits of my understanding of this language sometimes, there being someone who speaks so beautifully in it...

...but thankfully the eloquence is not only in words.

If Winter Comes, Can Spring Be Far Behind?

The Four Seasons
NIKIIE


Don't stop talking; please try to go on,
since these unsettled feelings have surfaced.
Nights so lonely that your tears won't fall,
how many of those have you endured alone?

Those who say "I can't"
are not those who want to run away,
but those who don't want to give up.

Because there is spring, summer comes;
Because there is summer, autumn comes;
Because there is autumn, winter comes;
It is a natural thing that the world changes.


Being free from trouble, is that happiness?
It is when you're deeply troubled that certain things will surface.

Those who say "All of myself vanishes"
are not those who want to erase things,
but those who want to change themselves.

Because spring comes, winter is dear;
Because winter comes, autumn is dear;
Because autumn comes, summer is dear;
It is by oneself that the world is changed.


What is it that can't be given up? Who is it that won't give up?
You know it from the start, don't you?
Don't stop talking; please try to go on.

Because there is spring, summer comes;
Because there is summer, autumn comes;
Because there is autumn, winter comes;
It is a natural thing.

Because spring comes, winter is dear;
Because winter comes, autumn, too, is dear;
Because autumn comes, summer, too, is dear;
It is by oneself that the world is changed.


---


Post title has nothing to do with the song, but the conveyed meaning is certainly related.

to Mother

Beautiful song, beautiful person.



Because you wanted to be loved,
no matter the pain, you showed your laughter.
Sadness would be endurable, if only I were alone.
Kindness is so cruel, isn't it? It confuses even your heart.

I want to always stay together,
but things I don't like about you seem to increase by day.
We're like-minded, aren't we? I feel that I can understand.

Happiness doesn't exactly shine like magic,
but even so, isn't hatred just a slight misunderstanding?
So please don't cry.

Sadness can feel warm when we snuggle together.
Kindness will spoil you when you get close.

Hey...
I'm happy, probably because

I had you with me.


The above is quoted and adapted from the full lyrics and translation here.

Hero

The song is cheerful, the kid is cute, and the dad is a familiar cameo from the entertainment news I sometimes watch. =D The theme is not new but I'm happy that this one has a happy ending progresses to a happy direction.




As you pass through the entrance of the nearest station,
Daddy, who's a little braver than usual,
on your shoulders are the cheering voices of those you love.

However

突然感じて...



HOWEVER


In this place, where gentle wind blows,
right now, the two of us slowly walk on.


Thousands of meetings and partings are born on this planet;
but some people walk right past without understanding.
When I lost my way in the unreachable dreams of an unfamiliar town,
the one who gave me the courage to run through the darkness
was you.

If a love that pours incessantly can be called 'forever',
no word can ever express what I need to say
to convey the meaning of 'loving'.

I want to make you happy;
I will live on while weaving
a future pictured in your heart
that won't be drenched in tears of sadness.


There was confusion in my heart as love began
in that summer afternoon when I turned my back.
There were, in retrospect,
those sins in the unreliable, shaky days of youth.
Even so, no matter how far we are apart,
I feel you.
If we can return to it this time, let's live together;
indeed, it'd be great to be together, always...

Shouldering loneliness, I stand still among the crowd,
searching for a place to draw closer to my heart.

There've been nights of crying, "We met too late."
The detour the two of us took,
that alone has taken up the stretch of a lifetime.
To you, whom I've hurt, I'll say this right now:
that I love you more than anyone.


If a love that pours incessantly can be called 'forever',
no word can ever express what I need to say
to convey the meaning of 'tenderness'.

The restlessness of those days in love,
the casual weekends,
that voice lingering from our youth,
the spirited gaze--
I will embrace everything that paints you
as we slowly walk on...

...in this place,
where gentle wind blows.


---

Summer Wars

Watched Summer Wars with DIsk over the weekend. It's nice and entertaining, but I guess the technical sophistication is somewhat below our expectation. =P; With a geek as main character and the "virtual world" as central theme, the "wars" feel only slightly above game level to me. I suppose they do need to simplify things to keep it mainstream? All in all it's still pretty exciting to watch. ^^

Some reviews promised a twist, but I didn't really see any unexpected turn that isn't already in the synopsis. Because of such anticipation of my own, when Kazuma (sidekick character) first showed up, I thought he might be a girl (well yeah, we only got to see his back the first time) and that maybe the main guy would fall for 'her' instead. =D; That of course is nothing novel either because many a manga have employed that plot, lol.

The unexpected thing, however, is to find that the ending theme was by Yamashita Tatsurou, whom I knew through KinKi Kids because he wrote their debut song (he sounded like an influential musician from the way they talked about him).




Probably chosen because of the "summer" in the title ("Our Summer Dream")? =) That compelled me to list out all J-pop (or related) songs with "summer" in the title that I know.. =DD


* Kobukuro, "Summer Rain"
Kobukuro + Cross Game is double awesomeness, even though this one is not my favourite out of all Kobukuro songs nor of all Cross Game soundtracks. =)P

* "Summer Snow" drama theme songs:
- Sissel, "Summer Snow"
- KinKi Kids, "Natsu no Ousama" (King of Summer)
Quite a contrasting pair, but I do like both in their own ways.

* Southern All Stars, "Merry Xmas in Summer"
Very much an oldie. I've always been enchanted by the vocalist's deep voice.

* Tackey & Tsubasa, "Ho! Summer"
I wonder if this group goes for the 'silly' image or if it's an unintended effect, lol.

* YUI, "SUMMER SONG"
To be honest I don't know her music well, but she's got a quiet lovely feel.


(Since those already included the Japanese word for "summer" by chance, let me also slyly take the opportunity to recommend some more.. =3)

* DEEN, "Kimi ga Inai Natsu" (A Summer without You)
A 'regular' in my playlist when I'm feeling selective. I think DEEN-san sounds slightly less nasal in the PV than live. xP

* Mr.Children, "Kimi ga Ita Natsu" (The Summer When You Were Here)
Used to confuse this quite often with DEEN's.. =D;

* Inoue Yousui, "Natsu no Owari no Harmony" (Harmony at the End of Summer)
I like the 'unusual' feel of this song.

* KinKi Kids, "Natsu Moyou" (Summer Pattern)
And this, I like the folksy (Okinawa) sound.

* Yuzu, "Natsu Matsuri" (Summer Festival)
Cheerful-sounding guys. I'm easily baited by the harmony-style duet and harmonica accompaniment. ^^

* ZARD, "Natsu wo Matsu SAIL no You ni" (Like a Sail Waiting for Summer)
Not my favourite ZARD song, but it's nostalgic to hear her voice, and the video is nice. From one of the Detective Conan movies.

* Suga Shikao, "Manatsu no Yoru no Yume" (A Midsummer Night's Dream)
From Death Note the movie, suitably haunting.

* Southern All Stars, "Manatsu no Kajitsu" (A Midsummer Fruit)
The original of the melody used by Jacky Cheung in "Mei Tian Ai Ni Duo Yi Xie".


And lastly, why not the lovely Natsukawa Rimi too.. =33

Umaku Tsutaerarenai ze..

Sweet song, moving orchestral effect, and -- considering how the series/characters actually are -- amusing in a way? =D Though it's only now that I get the urge to find the originating clip. Never knew Ranma OVA had this sentimental scene.

Ranma to Akane no BALLAD (The Ballad of Ranma and Akane)




Because we can't say the words yet,
Quietly, I touch your hand


The video subtitles took quite a liberty, but I guess it still helps for casual viewing. For further purposes I'd recommend the higher quality video together with the lyrics & translation instead... and, if you're inclined, do check out the partly-touching-partly-hilarious superimposed 'dialogue' at the end of the audio version.

Need No Reason

Cheerful song, nice lyrics. ^_^ I seem to have problem embedding, so just links here. You can choose between the fairly funny PV ('promotion video') or the high-spirited live performance.

TOKIO, "Hana Uta" (PV)

TOKIO, "Hana Uta" (Live on Music Station 2002.03.01)

The Flower Song

Lyrics: TAKESHI
Music: Suzuki Akinori


Ah~ flowers bloom, not for any particular reason
But above me whose shoulders are sagging, they smile proudly
Mindlessly, they bloom in full; though it's nothing remarkable
For the sake of me who's on the verge of tears, the falling petals dance

Reflected in the mirror of this barren era
If that guy with blistered lips were me
Then just a kiss would probably hurt
Those too gentle lips and smile of yours

Ah~ birds fly, not in any hurry
They rip through the tainted blue sky
Before I feel ashamed of my helpless self
I'll spread my wings to the winds of despair; let the falling petals dance

Because of a righteousness called common sense
I can't help you with any single one of your problems
Though I make mistakes, though I know my sins
I won't lose sight of what I really wish for

We exist, with a meaning that can't be snatched away
Even just as it is, from now on, from here on
Then start walking forward; it's alright to lose our way
Right in the middle of an endless road; I believe in tomorrow

Even if you're the quiet type, convey your thoughts to me
Because the cherry blossom trees in full bloom are cheering you on

Ah~ flowers bloom, not for any particular reason
But above me whose shoulders are sagging, they smile proudly
Mindlessly, they bloom in full; though it's nothing remarkable
For the sake of me who's on the verge of tears, the falling petals dance

La~lalalalala...

For the sake of me who's on the verge of tears, the falling petals dance
And now for you, wholeheartedly, I sing

---

Lyrics translation is adapted from Mognet and OhMiya.

輝かしい友情

Chasing down the world of J-pop from Kobukuro to Ayaka (she's so easy to fall for) ...and landed in the world of figure skating. =D

I am outdated as usual, only now finding out that her 2006 debut hit "I Believe" (also covered in Mandarin by 绝对Superstar's 石欣卉) was used by gold medalist figure skater Ando Miki in 2006 Skate America championship.

Apparently the two are good friends who share the same birth date and similar milestones in life... how interesting. It was by Miki's request that Ayaka recorded the English version of the song exclusively for her to dance to in the competition.

I tracked down the performance here, but was more attracted to the repeat performance one year later, in the exhibition segment of 2007 World Figure Skate Championships -- not that I know any bit about figure skating excellence but simply because Ayaka sang live for her, this time in Japanese, probably because the event was held in Tokyo.

(And do bear with the interval in between so as not to miss the encore with another song of Ayaka's, "Mikazuki".)



If by now I've managed to get you as interested in these two extraordinary friends as I am, you can go here to see them talk on a music show, though unfortunately without subtitle. (Yeah, I stalk these kinds of shows nowadays even while not understanding most of what's being talked about. =DDD)

Three Is Awesome Company

Pimp post, because I'm so happy that they've continued to collaborate. ^____^

Ayaka's powerful vocals and Kobukuro's powerful harmony, best combi since... ee, ebony and ivory?
...ebony and ivory, live together in perfect harmony, side by side on my piano keyboard... *random sidetrack =D;*


ayaka x Kobukuro, "Anata to"




In case you've missed it, here's their sweet (or rather, cool) beginning in 2007:

ayaka x Kobukuro, "Winding Road"




I used to think it's enough getting the perfected studio-recorded audio for the songs I like, but I've changed my mind now. Some people are so worth watching while singing. *moved*

Heal the World

I've been playing the first on repeat recently so I thought I'd reco; and I just found out the touching meaning of the second song which happened to be along the same line so I thought I'd lump them together. >:D


Kanjani8, "fuka-fuka Love the Earth"
Theme song to NTV's Touch! Eco 2008

Softly, Softly Love the Earth
(OPV Version)

Surely, on this earth that we love mutually
There is no need for tears anymore
So smile

We were born in the same era
And have been living casually
But even this day that has simply passed by
I believe it has a precious meaning

Though the wind which blows as always
Doesn't seem to bring any difference
See, unknowingly we've passed each other
And lost sight of something

I exchanged greetings with you, yeah
Such a coincidence is so awesome, don't you think?

Surely, on this earth that we love mutually
There is no need for tears anymore
Because our hearts that feel for others
Will connect and turn into tomorrow
Let us, with tenderness
Softly, softly love the earth

Nothing will begin if we don't start
So let's take that one step forward
When we gaze at the countries across the sea
What would we think?

I will convey not only with words, yeah
I want to sing of a love that will always connect

Surely, on this earth that we love mutually
There is no need for tears anymore
Because our hearts that feel for others
Will connect and turn into tomorrow

This earth that we love mutually
We want to tenderly protect it for good
This world which shares its pain quietly
We wish for it to overflow with love
Let's sing a song about
Softly, softly loving the earth


-- Translation adapted from usacchon

SMAP, "Triangle"
A rather sad song compared to their much more popular "Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana" of the similar 'world peace' theme.

Triangle

My heart is a little off from the inside of my small room
No matter how much I strain my eyes, I just can't see it

If someone is praying up to the far away sky
If you're hiding and afraid

Contented with everything I had, I wander in search of tomorrow
In the gathering shadows, I can only find destruction
I can't love the world as it will be in the future

My eyes, your hands, our voices
All of them are different from one another; being free is life itself
My skin, your mother, our love
They are miracles that have fallen down
Onto this small blue planet floating in space

The silent feelings of the grandfather passed through time to the father
Wholeheartedly, they continued up the road heavy with harshness

We live, after being born without knowing the slightest trace of sadness
Let's inherit those feelings, I'll say it until my voice runs out

The heroes of countries at war, the women at wartime
Each is just as important, each is a life to respect
The gun we hold with a fearless expression
Is pointed at none other than our own hearts

It's been carved in deep, just like those wounds

My eyes, your hands, our voices
All of them are different from one another; being free is life itself
My skin, your mother, our love
They are miracles that have fallen down
Onto this small blue planet floating in space

The sadness of countries at war, unfulfilled motherhood
Each is just as important, each is a life to respect
The gun we hold with a fearless expression
Is pointed at none other than our own hearts

That's right, I'm afraid of what's in your hands


-- Translation adapted from Mognet

あの頃の未来に...

SMAP's 1998 single that has made its way to some Japanese textbooks -- Suga Shikao who wrote the lyrics did an acoustic version in his 2001 album. firefly & co also sang this song in our Batch 5 performance night back in 2000. =)

For such a soothing melody, the words agitate my heart so. The quiet restlessness as we wander through life, I suppose I'm kinda relating to it right now...


スガシカオ x ユイ - 『夜空ノムコウ』
Suga Shikao x Yui - "Yozora no Mukou" (Live on Our Music 2005.12.02)




Beyond the Night Sky


Have we come to believe in something since then, I wonder...
Beyond the night sky, tomorrow is already waiting


Hearing someone's voice, we hid ourselves
Beyond the park fence, the night wind was blowing

The way your hand returned my grasp, as if you were trying to tell me something
That gesture squeezes a soft place in my heart even now

Have we come to believe in something since then, I wonder...
As I open the window softly, I can smell the winter wind

Is sadness something that will someday disappear, I wonder...
My sighs leave just a slight trace of white, then soon disappear


Even when I start to walk, I hesitate with each step
But I've thought that I could crush the worthless common sense

The words I spoke to you, how much of them remain?
In the deepest part of my heart, the fruitless efforts continue

Are we standing in the future of that time, I wonder...
It seems like nothing is going quite as well as we had hoped

Will these days go on like this forever, I wonder...
The cloudless starry sky continues beyond the window

Have we come to believe in something since then, I wonder...
Beyond the night sky, already tomorrow is waiting

---

Lyrics translation is adapted from kiwi-musume.

Grown Up Boy Band

KinKi Kids - Harmony of December


The name was popular enough to reach my radar years ago when I started getting into J-pop, but the "boy band" label wasn't quite encouraging for me to find out more. I knew about one song from them I think, and when "KinKi Kids Forever" came out, I totally thought they were just another cheesy group. I didn't even know the group consists of not more than two members, until recently.

By now they've been active for more than ten years, and with a pretty impressive record. Sampling their songs over this period, I realized their singing had been decent from the start, although it's certainly better now. I wasn't following close enough to be able to say that their music matured over the years -- I found at random points songs that fit my fancy and some that don't. But for sure up to now they have produced a number of good songs, learned to play instruments, and composed some music of their own.

Given the dangerously image-oriented multi-purpose Asian idol culture (which I'm sure they are still conforming to, at many levels, to some extent) I'm glad to see such a growth in this aspect.

Classic

桑田佳祐「明日晴れるかな」
Kuwata Keisuke "Ashita Hareru ka na"



I am partial to deep voice. ^_^ The rockish quality caught my attention immediately upon hearing it on someone's blog, and the fact that his English pronunciation actually sounded fine in my ears. To top it off, this is one really nice song.

During the hunt, found out that it is also the theme song of PROPOSE Daisakusen, apparently quite a popular drama (seen it on display in TS), no doubt because it stars Yamashita Tomohisa. I'm not enticed to watch it yet since the theme looks set towards a very slow pace... but if it is as emotional as people said, then this theme song is definitely appropriate.

The hunt also led to the band of which Kuwata-san is vocalist, and uncovered another great song below.


Southern All Stars 「TSUNAMI」



Finally, while wading through older Japanese songs, I was surprised to find that some Chinese songs that I liked were actually ripped from them. Gah! Well, to be fair, I don't know for sure if for all cases it is not the other way round; I only deduced from the fact that most of them do cite the Japanese composers.

I'm quite accepting of the ones by Joi Cai since I knew that beforehand, and I'm actually glad she did 依恋 because I have no way of finding the French(?) original. The 后来 -- 未来へ (Mirai e) connection was quite well known too; but these pretty classic ones left me feeling a bit... cheated. ^^0

Anyway, here's a list of those I found recently. I'm quite prepared to find more match in the future. At least they did bring the nice tunes to a wider world, in some cases also giving them a more mainstream feel... so I won't complain.


My Love ( 许志安 )
-- 白い恋人達 / Shiroi Koibito-tachi ( 桑田佳祐 / Kuwata Keisuke)

每天爱你多一些 ( 张学友 )
-- 真夏の果実 / Manatsu no Kajitsu (Southern All Stars)

今生註定 ( 高明骏 & 王馨平 ) ( 石欣卉 & ? )
-- 世界中の誰よりきっと / Sekaijuu no Dare Yori Kitto (WANDS)

风中的承诺 ( 李翊君 )
-- 夕焼けの歌 / Yuuyake no Uta ( 近藤真彥 / Kondou Masahiko)

Life in the Art Lane

I'm going to watch The Pillowman tonight. First real live event that I decided to buy a ticket for all by myself, so somehow I feel like it's something I need to be prepared for, XD which I'm not. Hmmm. Maybe I should've been more persuasive in asking my friends to watch with me, but I was in the never-mind, chop-chop-settle kinda mood. =P

Got myself a Kobukuro last weekend. Somebody should be proud of me for supporting the music industry for once. XD I knew they wouldn't disappoint (furthermore it's their All Singles Best), but part of the reason for that impulsive purchase was my excitement at knowing that their fame had apparently reached Singapore too -- wouldn't be surprised if it were in Kinokuniya, but I've found the CD in the Popular bookshop, see.

If anything, my one tiny purchase should encourage Warner Music Singapore to import more of their stuff, no? (On second thought, maybe it just helps that Kobukuro is currently signed under Warner Music Japan?) Their edition comes with Chinese translation of the song lyrics and footnotes in the album, too, so that in addition to 20 songs (16 of which I didn't have at time of purchase) in two discs at 19 dollars minus 5 cents are quite worth it, at least when balanced against my growing obsession, heh.

Two of the songs in the album I've posted some time back, so I won't post more here. Instead, here is a song "Kobukuro's smaller one" wrote for Natsukawa Rimi, another great singer whose CDs I've been buying (that's saying a lot if you know me). Please bear with the precluding talks -- there are cleaner videos out there, but I like this version because the songwriter performed with her and sang the harmony here.


夏川りみ & 小渕健太郎 「 さようなら ありがとう ～天の風 （アマノカゼ） ～ 」
Natsukawa Rimi & Kobuchi Kentarou "Sayounara Arigatou ~Ama no Kaze~" (Live Duet)

超可愛い

Tune that sticks in your head (it did came from / was used in a commercial) and cuteness enough to make you chortle. Probably. It did for me.

Fans of the 70's (?) please pardon the parody.


WaT (as "e2") - TOKIMEKI☆DooBeeDoo




Every morning at the coffee shop in front of the station
You stare out idly
In a funny kind of way, I worry about this one-sided love
Who is it that you worry about your hair for?

The courage to speak to you
Has my heart beating so fast that I might die
And the moment that our eyes meet
Is like time stands still

I like you

I wonder if this is love
Throbbing, DooBeeDooBeeDoo
When I think of you, I might burst
These feelings of mine
You notice, DooBeeDooBeeDoo
The trembling of my passionate heart
Will not stop, I love you

My favorite bunny


// At the intersection in the twilight of evening
// I saw you there by chance
// Actually, it was a little ambush
// You were worrying about the time, were you waiting for someone?

// Before the traffic lights changed
// I had to talk to you
// But, with a smile on your face
// You waved your hand at a boy

// Could it be

// Is it your sweetheart?
// Jealousy, DooBeeDooBeeDoo
// I feel overwhelmed, like I'm devastated
// These feelings of mine
// Are in tatters, DooBeeDooBeeDoo
// I am a complete miserable clown
// But even now, I love you

// My favorite strawberry


// "He...hello
// It's nice weather today, isn't it?
// Ah, ah,"
"Actually, there is something I want to talk to you about
I have always liked y..yo...yo....”

I like you

I wonder why it is so painful
Throbbing, DooBeeDooBeeDoo
When I think of you, I might burst
These feelings of mine
There's nothing I can do about them, DooBeeDooBeeDoo
Until I have captured your heart
I will never give up, I love you

// My favorite chestnut
My favorite bunny


* Commented lines in grey are from the Single version; they are not sung in the PV.

** Lyrics translation edited from the work credited to rotorua @ WaT International Forum

Shounen Jidai

Outdated as always, but here's a great song.


宇多田ヒカル　-　井上陽水の「少年時代」をカバ
Utada Hikaru - Inoue Yousui's "Shounen Jidai" Cover


The original artist/songwriter has a really smooth, beautiful voice, but for once I'm posting the cover version because that shaky voice somehow stirred my emotions more. :')


少年時代
(作詞.作曲：井上陽水)

夏が過ぎ　風あざみ
誰のあこがれにさまよう
青空に残された　
私の心は夏模様

夢が覚め　夜の中
長い冬が　窓を閉じて
呼びかけたままで
夢はつまり　思い出のあとさき

夏祭り　宵かがり
胸のたかなりにあわせて
八月は夢花火
私の心は夏模様

目が覚めて　夢のあと
長い影が　夜にのびて
星屑の空へ
夢はつまり　思い出のあとさき

夏が過ぎ　風あざみ
誰のあこがれにさまよう
八月は夢花火
私の心は夏模様


Boyhood
(Lyrics & Music: Inoue Yousui)

Summer has passed, thistle flowers sway in the breeze
Whose longing is it that they are lingering around?
Still left in the blue sky
My heart is the scene of summer

I awoke from a dream in the middle of the night
In the deep winter, the windows are closed
It is as what people say
Dreams are after all the result of memory

The summer festival night bonfire
Matches the throbbing of my chest
August is the fireworks in the dream
My heart is the scene of summer

I open my eyes after the dream
The long shadows extend in the night
Towards the sky full of stars
Dreams are after all the result of memory

Summer has passed, thistle flowers sway in the breeze
Whose longing is it that they are lingering around?
August is the fireworks in the dream
My heart is the scene of summer

J-Tunes

In the spirit of firefly's YouTube posts which have benefited me greatly, I decide to start recommending songs here too. ^_^

(Since I'm still on J-fever, the recommendations this time round will be tuned accordingly.)

This one is pretty ancient, as it came to me through a long and winding backwards road, which I might feel like writing about some other time. The catchy theme song from Nobuta o Produce, sung by the two male leads, with the PV full of prancing boys -- but the mass dance effect was probably forgivable when it came to the stage-crossing flips that were kinda cool.


修二と彰 - 青春アミーゴ
Shuuji to Akira - Seishun AMIIGO (Friend from Youth Days)




Kobukuro... where have I been all this while not to have discovered them sooner? Beautiful songs. Beautiful harmony. And really good vocals. (I know PVs don't prove much, so go check out their live performances on YouTube if you are curious.) I certainly don't mind the pretty sing/dance/act visual-oriented idols that this country manufactures nowadays (see reco #1), but this, now, is the kind of music that touches.


コブクロ - ここにしか咲かない花
Kobukuro - Koko ni Shika Sakanai Hana (The Flower that Only Blooms Here)




コブクロ - 桜
Kobukuro - Sakura

遠い旅をしている... 君は

A sad news five months late: Sakai Izumi (of Zard) has passed away on 27 May 2007. May her music remain with us for a long time to come.

If not for all the tribute videos on YouTube, who knows when I would find out about this..

She was one of the earliest singers (if not the earliest) that I noticed in my first foray into J-pop, and I remembered sampling all the Zard songs I could find and collecting the translation to all her lyrics.

A pencil drawing of Sakai Izumi that I did at the start of my obsession.
She was definitely more beautiful than this, though..

I haven't been a dedicated fan, as I only care for a very limited subset of her discography, but learning about her death shook me enough to write about it all the same.

Musical-wise, it was her self-written touching, down-to-earth lyrics that I admire; but it was more her quiet kind of beauty and intriguingly modest image that earned my sort-of idolization, as I believe they also did for her many fans.

While the heart-wrenching Eien (as my long-time favourite) might be more fitting for the occasion, here is instead, the song from her latest album in 2005 (not counting compilations) that relived my adoration of her after quite a few years -- the definition being, one that had me scrambling all over trying to find upon seen on TV.

遠い旅をしているみたいに
別々の道を このまま...
二人もう 会えないのかな
もうサヨナラだね
君とのふれあい

Just like a long journey
On separate roads like this
The two of us will never meet again, will we?
It's the end to everything
The reunion with you

Kanji lyrics quoted from: http://www.videouncovered.com/lyrics/4705/1190/zard/kimi-to-no-fureai.html

Translation is my own attempt with help from the clip subtitles; correction will be much appreciated.