I bring you a translation of Rokuta's OOTD interview originally published in 2022, and reprinted in the 2nd volume of the ParaLive Fanbook!
(Scan from the original publication, courtesy of Humblebutter on the Paradox Live Fandom Wiki)
[Translation notes at the end]
Happiness with a full stomach and a heart full of dreams
How do you usually spend your days off?
My favorite place is the park! When I play at home, I always end up breaking this or that, and Itsuki-nii tells me off, you know~~ The park has a lot of stuff to play on, and I can run around all I want, so that's why! Ah, but... I can't move a bit if I get too hungry, so bringing packed lunch or sweets is a must. For times like that, my favorite kaarage [fried chicken] is the best~! I'd like to take enough lunch for everyone and have fun at the park together... Let's invite Itsuki-nii and Kei-chan the next time~!
What is your favorite sound?
The sound of kaarage being fried~! Other than that, the sounds of a bath or the sound a futon¹ makes! I love the sounds of living together!
<From HEADS> Is there something you like as much as kaarage?
Spending time with Itsuki-nii and Kei-chan! I love it even more than kaarage!
Do you style your hair by yourself?
I do it by myself~! But all I do is fluff it up with wax!
Just a while ago cherry blossoms were in full bloom, but did you get to see yozakura¹ during one of your night walks?
I saw it~! It was so pretty, right? I've never seen something like that while in the [Alter Trigger] facility, so I was moved!
We'd love to hear if you have any favorite sweets?
I love all sweets, but I prefer the ones where there's a lot in the package!
Translation notes:
¹ That's literally what he says, so you can interpret it as you wish - the sound of running water for a bath? The sound of someone splashing around in a bath? The sound of laying out a futon mattress, of the sound when someone lays down or turns around in their sleep? All of them? You decide!
² Yozakura, literally sakura at night, refers to the tradition of watching cherry blossoms at night instead of during the day (hanami). The appeal of it is that cherry blossom petals are illuminated by city lights or specially prepared lamps, and create a beautiful contrast against the night sky!
Sorry for the wait! I translated Itsuki's OOTD article, which was originally printed in a magazine in 2022, and was now reprinted in the 2nd volume of the ParaLive Fanbook!
(Scan from the original publication, courtesy of Humblebutter on the Paradox Live Fandom Wiki)
[Translation notes at the end]
A tranquil space, and slowly flowing time
How do you usually spend your days off?
My favorite place to be is home. It gives me a bigger sense of security than being outside. Sometimes, Rokuta's antics leave me at a loss, but I am aware some difficulties are unavoidable when living together. When it comes to my favorite activities at home, I enjoy the time spend cleaning or doing laundry. I like that you get as much results as the effort you put in, and you can keep doing it until you're satisfied.
Other than that, I often listen to music. I don't pick based on my likes or dislikes, but in order to learn more diverse ways of expression. Exposing myself to the work of as many different artists as possible¹ helps to further our team's goals.
What is your favorite sound?
I like systematic, orderly sounds. With a composition grounded in some kind of theory, I can immediately detect any errors that may occur.
<from HEADS> What is your favorite item or piece of furniture in your home?
Baking soda. You can use it to handle almost anything.
What are your criteria when de-cluttering?
Leave the essentials. Throw out what's unnecessary. That is all.
Could you share the your secret to using your time efficiently?
Make a rough daily schedule. Then, include the points you failed to implement in your schedule for the next day.
What was the most troublesome thing Rokuta has done so far?
I can't pick just one thing. I'm generally troubled about how to deal with him.
What moments do you find most enjoyable in your daily life?
When we're all eating meals together.
Translation notes:
¹Literally "Increasing my input", but in Japanese, "input" in this context means things from the outside that you input into yourself, while in English, "creative input" is suggestions or information you provide yourself for the creative work you participate in or commission, which is why I tweaked it. Since there's no indication if Itsuki means different rappers, or different genres, I went with "artists".
I translated Kei's OOTD article, which was originally printed in a magazine in 2022, and was now reprinted in the 2nd volume of the ParaLive Fanbook!
(Scan from the original publication, courtesy of Humblebutter on the Paradox Live Fandom Wiki)
[Translation notes at the end]
Looking for his new sound among the sea breeze
How do you usually spend your day off?
I frequently spend my days off making songs. When I'm looking for a new idea, or when I want to do some thinking, I usually go to see the ocean. Being in a crowd for a longer period of time makes me feel a little unwell, so when I try to do or create something important, I need some alone time to clear my head.
Other than that, I also cook sometimes. Before Rokuta and Itsuki came to live with me, I hardly ever cooked for myself, but now I do it much more often.
What is your favorite sound?
I like the sound of the waves, since pure sounds of nature are comfortable to listen to.
<from HEADS> What is the most beautiful sound you've ever heard?
I'd say the melody of the piano from the time of my chance encounter¹ with Rokuta and Itsuki.
Is there something you do when you're tired, or when you want to relax?
I guess going to the ocean and looking at the waves.
What household chores do you often do?
I often cook, but Itsuki takes care of the rest.
Is there something that makes you glad to have perfect pitch, or a reason why you dislike it?
When I'm in a crowd, I end up hearing all sorts of tracks², so it gets painful.
Tell us, how often does the 1Nm8 household³ end up eating kaarage [fried chicken] for dinner?
It's not a fixed thing, but about 3 times a week, or so.
Translation notes:
¹You can hear this scene in the SHOWDOWN drama track. My translation here.
The word Kei uses for "chance encounter" is 出会い. which can also mean "first meeting", but this could be confusing both for people who have listened to SHOWDOWN and those who haven't yet. Using 出会い also underlines that an encounter was special, so I decided on that option.
²The English word "tracks" is used in katakana in the original text. I'm guessing that perhaps, Kei hears every sound "separated", concurrently like different tracks in audio mixing software, instead of meshed together? It could also mean he's comparing each different sound to a song (track) playing at the same time - I can't be sure.
³Written as 1Nm8家, this mirrors how a household or family can be referred to as [surname]家, or [pronoun]家. Basically, this is one of the many examples of 1Nm8 being officially recognized as a family and I just wanted to point out how cute that is (´Д｀。)
Paradox Live Official Fanbook vol. 2 - Rokuta Trivia
Finally, it's time for the trivia about Rokuta from the second Fan Book, including additional profile information, his past timeline, schedule of his day and more!
Check out my translations for 1Nm8 Team Trivia, and information on Kei and Itsuki from the Fan Book as well!
Disclaimer: this translation is made for entertainment and easy reference for the fans. I highly recommend supporting the series by purchasing a copy of the Fan Book for yourself, if that's something you're able to do.
This translation will not contain any pictures from the Fan Book. I have omitted some previously released information, such as the majority of Rokuta's profile which is the same as on the official site.
Rokuta's design:
Phantometal: Abstract Goat Finger Piercing
Body piercing with a goat motif, worn on the middle finger of Rokuta's left hand.
Right ear: 2 earrings [one red, one silver]
Left ear: 3 earrings [all silver]
Tattoos:
[the Fan Book includes close ups and drawings for all characters' tattoos, including Rokuta's]
Symbols on the first joints of both pinky fingers, ring fingers, middle fingers and index fingers
[symbols differ for each hand, except for middle fingers which both have a cross tattoo.]
Bands on the second joints of the pinky fingers and ring fingers
[each a different design]
The number VI on second joint of left index finger, and the letter R on second joint of right index finger.
Body piercings on his thumbs, index fingers and middle finger of the left hand (Phantometal).
Character color code: #FFB599
Rokuta's profile:
Favorite food: Fried chicken (Kaarage)
Disliked food: Bitter vegetables
How he likes to spend his days off: Playing games, going on walks
Rokuta's chronology:
1 year old: Starts living at the orphanage with Kei
8 years old: Learns how to play piano from the orphanage staff
10 years old: Gets kidnapped by Alter Trigger. Begins to share a room with Itsuki at the testing facility.
13 years old: Experiences memory loss as a result of intensified Alter Trigger experiments.
17 years old: Present time. Reunites with Kei after escaping Alter Trigger.
A day in Rokuta's life:
0:00 - 1:00 - Check up on Kei
[who stays up all night composing - from Kei's day outline]
1:00 - 2:00 - A night stroll
2:00 - 11:00 - Sleep
11:00 - 12:00 - Waking up and getting ready
12:00 - 13:00 - Helping (getting in the way of) Itsuki doing chores
[yes, the 'getting in the way' in the round brackets is there in the original text.]
13:00 - 14:00 - Eating a heaping helping of lunch
14:00 - 15:00 - Taking a walk with Kei and Itsuki
15:00 - 14:00 - Snack time
16:00 - 17:00 - Playing multi-player games with Itsuki (until Rokuta wins)
17:00 - 18:00 - Nap
18:00 - 19:00 - Shopping trip to the supermarket with Itsuki
19:00 - 20:00 - Helping (getting in the way of) Itsuki making dinner
20:00 - 21:00 - Eating a heaping helping of dinner
21:00 - 22:00 - Helping (getting in the way of) Itsuki washing dishes
Paradox Live Official Fan Book vol. 2 - Itsuki Trivia
I translated new information from Itsuki's profile, his chronology, his daily schedule and other trivia from the second Paradox Live Fanbook!
Disclaimer: This is not a complete translation of Itsuki's pages - it does not contain any pictures from the Fan Book, and I have omitted some information that is already published elsewhere (such as most of his profile reprinted from the official site) or that is easily visible in the design descriptions. My notes about the translations in [].
This translation is made for entertainment and for easy reference. I highly recommend purchasing the Fan Book if you're able.
Check out 1Nm8's Team Trivia, Kei's and Rokuta's Trivia as well!
Itsuki's design
Phantometal: Geometric Square Tattoo - The metal is directly inlaid into the back of his right hand and around his wrist.
[This description clarifies that Phantometal is contained both in the design with overlapping squares and the jagged line around his right wrist. I'm not sure if this was clear to everyone before, I wasn't sure personally.
The tattoos on Itsuki's left wrist and neck are described separately, outside of the Phantometal section, so it seems they're just regular ink.]
Bangs: Have silver mesh
[Mesh (メッシュ) is a word used in Japan to refer to a specific technique of adding highlights to hair. This implies Itsuki purposefully dyes them. It seems his hair isn't actually graying - potential angst averted.]
Coat: Made of polyester, with a shawl-type collar. The shoulders, back and both sleeves are made to resemble a trench coat, while the front and the overall silhouette is inspired by a lab coat. The large print on the back has a holographic effect.
[The print is visible on Itsuki's full body sprite for Fate/edN or on his official nui. It's black, in the middle of his back on the coat, rectangle shaped and it goes from below his shoulder blades to his waist. It has the text:
☒
505 BAD GATEWAY
Error
There seems to be some text below the error message as well, but it's so tiny I wasn't able to read it even with a magnifying glass.]
Shirt: Made of cotton, with a standing collar.
Pants with a front slit: Made of polyester.
Sock boots: Have the word STORM written on the side [low above the sole] and SQUINT and some symbols printed around the ankle.
Image color code: #99D4DC
Itsuki's profile
Favorite food: Spicy food
Disliked food: Liver
How he likes to spend his days off: Reading. Often visits the library.
Itsuki's chronology:
5 years old: Brought to an Alter Trigger facility as a Phantometal research subject
10 years old: Begins to share a room at the facility with Rokuta
14 years old: Loses his emotions as a result of Alter Trigger's intensified experimentation
17 years old: Present time. Having escaped from Alter Trigger, meets Kei.
A day in Itsuki's life:
00:00-06:00: Sleep
6:00 - 7:00 - Wake up
7:00 - 8:00 - Getting ready, Breakfast
8:00 - 12:00 - Cleaning, housework, other chores
12:00 - 13:00 - Preparing lunch
13:00 - 14:00 - Eating lunch
14:00 - 15:00 - Taking a walk with Kei and Rokuta
15:00 - 16:00 - Joining Rokuta for a snack
16:00 - 17:00 - Multi-player games (playing until Rokuta wins)
17:00 - 18:00 - Reading
18:00 - 19:00 - Going shopping at the supermarket
19:00 - 20:00 - Making dinner
20:00 - 21:00 - Eating dinner
21:00 - 22:00 - Washing dishes and other housework
22:00 - 23:00 - Taking a bath
23:00 - 00:00 - Keeping the household account book
[The timing of Itsuki's shopping trips implies he tries to take advantage of discounts that are applied in the afternoon.]
Paradox Live Official Fan Book Vol. 2 - Kei Trivia Translation
I've translated Kei's new profile information, chronology, timeline of his day and other trivia from the second ParaLive Fanbook!
Disclaimer: This is not a complete translation of Kei's pages - it does not contain any pictures from the Fan Book, and I have omitted some information that is already published elsewhere (such as most of his profile reprinted from the official site) or that is easily visible in the design descriptions. My notes about the translations in [].
This translation is made for entertainment and for easy reference. I highly recommend purchasing the Fan Book if you're able.
Check out 1Nm8's Team Trivia, Itsuki's and Rokuta's Trivia as well!
Kei's design
Pendant [visible in the 3rd anniversary official art for 1Nm8] : A locket pendant containing a picture of Rokuta. Kei usually hides it under his clothes
Jacket: Made of stretchy nylon.
T-shirt: Made of cotton. The slit parts are connected with metal fittings.
Pants: Made of stretchy twill.
Sneakers: High-cut.
Image color code: #FFDCDC
Kei's profile
Favorite food: Sashimi, Yuba (Tofu skin)
Disliked food: Things that are too spicy
How he spends his days off: Listening to music in his room, going on walks in a quiet park
Kei's chronology
(from) 3 years old: Growing up at an orphanage
10 years old: Learns how to play piano from the orphanage staff
12 years old: His younger brother Minori (Rokuta) goes missing
16 years old: Gets scouted by a talent agency
17 years old: Debuts in VISTY
19 years old: The present. Meeting with Itsuki and Rokuta. Forms 1Nm8 after withdrawing from VISTY.
[Translator's notes:
The kanji for Minori's name is revealed here as 穣, which can mean: good crops, prosperity, or 10 octillion (10^28, a very large number). Both brothers had one-character names.
Kei's timeline doesn't mark the exact moment he left VISTY. After checking the timelines of VISTY members, it seems that the peak of the group's popularity was a year before the current events, and we know Kei largely contributed to it, so if he withdrew right after that, he was 18.]
A day in Kei's life
0:00 - 5:00 - Composing
5:00 - 11:00 - Sleep
11:00 - 12:00 - Getting up, getting dressed
12:00 - 13:00 - Composing
13:00 - 14:00 - Lunch
14:00 - 15:00 - Taking a walk together with Itsuki and Rokuta
I've translated the new information on 1Nm8's from the 2nd volume of the Official ParaLive Fan Book, including their team colors, information about their apartment, relationship map and more!
Notes and explanations about the translation from me are included in [ ] .
Disclaimer: This translation is made purely for entertainment and for easy reference. It will not include any scans or pictures from the Fan Book. I highly recommend getting the Book for yourself and supporting the series if you're able.
1Nm8 Team Profile:
A 3 person unit made of unidentifiable persons, lead by an overwhelming genius
Three people who have an extremely high affinity for Phantometal, capable of producing unique illusions. Their leader, Kei, used to be the center of VISTY, but withdrew from the group due to personal circumstances. Currently, the three members of 1Nm8 live under the same roof. The otherworldly atmosphere they create moves the hearts of all who listen to their songs.
1Nm8 Team Episode:
During Kei's time as an idol, he had a fateful reunion with Rokuta as the latter played a street piano. Having nowhere to go, Rokuta and Itsuki ended up living with Kei. Filled with sadness and anger over the state of the two who had their minds broken in the Phantometal experiments, Kei begins working to end the Phantom Live.
1Nm8 according to Buraikan:
Their strength comes from purity, but they have a certain fragility to them, as well. They're unprecedented musicians. Very intriguing.
1Nm8's apartment
1Nm8's share house:
The 3 live together in a spacious 2LDK where Kei used to live on his own. A simple, minimalist residence, only furnished with the minimum needed for daily life. Kei's room is soundproofed, and it's also used for recording songs.
Floorplan:
[The Fan Book includes a bird's eye view floor plan sketch with the rooms named. The following description is my own work based on the picture.]
In the upper part of the floor plan there's the entrance, with the WC to the left and the washroom (laundry room) to the right of the door. There is a small storage unit opposite the entrance.
There's a large space for the kitchen, living and dining area (open plan) in the center of the apartment. To the left, there's the bedroom, which is a long and narrow-ish rectangle with a bathroom above it, and to the right, there is an almost square soundproofed room described as both Kei's room and the Rec room. It has a walk-in closet.
They have a long, narrow balcony running along Kei's room, the living/dining room and the bedroom. There's 2 entrances to the balcony, from Kei's and the living room.
[The bedroom is described simply as "bedroom", not "Itsuki's and Rokuta's room". It was said or shown a couple of times, including in the comic in the fanbook, that the 3 often share one bedroom. Kei's room is probably the one he used while living alone, and where he goes when he's composing and sleeping at weird hours, as you'll see in the timetable of his day.]
1Nm8's relationship map
Kei → Rokuta: Beloved younger brother
Rokuta → Kei - Love!!
Kei → Itsuki - Trust
Itsuki → Kei - Gratitude for Kei taking him in
Itsuki → Rokuta - Raised at the same research facility
Rokuta → Itsuki - Someone who's like an older brother
Itsuki & Rokuta → Ryu - Raised at the same research facility
Kei → VISTY - Former VISTY center
[The relationship maps seem to show the minimal 'default setting' at the start of new teams' stories. For exaple, Rokuta's budding friendship with Ryu and Shiki isn't reflected. Itsuki's and Kei's conflict with TCW, or VISTY's grudge towards Kei, isn't either.]
Hello! Seems like you weren't active since last month but to whenever you see this, I can't wait to hear your opinions about EGOlution! The song MV was sooo pretty 😭❤️❤️
Hello! Thank you for the ask and still following this little blog! I am in fact alive, I WILL be doing everyone's favorite long analysis of EGOlution as well! I should get to it over the Easter break!
I also want to translate the new voice drama - it's just after release as I write this and from what I quickly checked, 1Nm8 appears in parts 3 and 5, so I'll prioritize these.
Now to your actual question - I love EGOlution so much. I teared up when I saw Itsuki blinking. I love the refreshing and hopeful sound it has, and how it makes me think of a soul-searching journey 1Nm8 are embarking on. I love how it uses a lot of themes/imagery from previous MVs (I will so get into this in the analysis) and lastly I love how everyone from our wonderful 1Nm8 cast is improving at rapping with every song. I'm biased as an Itsuki oshi but let me say it, Kitamura Ryo is just amazing. I'm so happy I can finally loop it on streaming.
Rokuta: Itsuki-nii, Happy Birthday~! Here! A present for you~!
Itsuki: This is... a bookmark?
Rokuta: Yup! I made it together with Kei-chan!
Rokuta: It'd be nice if you used it while reading~~ is what we thought!
Itsuki: ...I see. Thank you. I will treasure it.
Itsuki: I will have to convey my graditude to Kei later, too.
Twitter (X) Celebration:
Rokuta: It's Itsuki-nii's Birthday today! A day to convey tons of well wishes! Itsuki-nii, Happy Birthday! Thank you for always making us delicious food, and fixing the stuff I broke~!
Kei: Itsuki, Happy Birthday. Once it gets warmer, we should go to the sea again. Thank you so much for giving us a peaceful daily life.
Itsuki: I'm the one who should be thanking you. The world through my eyes had always been monochrome, but you've dyed it in brilliant colors. Let's go to the sea. I want to keep making memories with the three of us.
Translation of 1Nm8 member's posts on Twitter (X) and Paradox Tribe about celebrating New Year and their goals.
January 1st, 2024
Rokuta: We're going to our first shrine visit of the year from now on~!! I woke up early for this - admirable, right~?
Kei: Voices full of hope resonate through the clear air. I love this atmosphere. It makes me feel as if everything has been reset.
Itsuki: I've drawn one of these so-called fortunes, but I wonder what the odds of getting Great Luck are?
January 11st, 2024 (Paradox Tribe Posts)
Kei: Thank you for the many New Year cards.
There's still a long road ahead of us. I can't wait to encounter all the new sounds I haven't heard before.
I want to give form to my ideal vision and sound, but there are are still things I'm unsure of myself. I would say the most important goal for now is to figure out what is the right way to proceed with us three.
Itsuki: I've looked through the New Year cards you've sent. Thank you.
The keyword for us is "challenge". I've been thinking that I want to test the possibilities 1Nm8 holds while tackling music production.
All the information, sights and sounds I have come in contact with so far has caused a definite shift in my songwriting and my values. There are still many phenomena I want to examine, both as an individual and a member of 1Nm8. The future is always an unknown variable, but I want to spare no effort moving in my desired direction.
Rokuta: Everyone, thank you for all the New Year cards! This year, I want to make many more songs this year! Create cool music with Kei-chan and Itsuki-nii, and put on a lot of live shows~! Oh, and I want to eat to~ns of food!
In case you missed it, the artist lineup for the Dope Show next year has been revealed, and there are good news for 1Nm8 fans! Amatsuki, Shoya Chiba and Kitamura Ryo will all be present, so 1Nm8 will appear in full lineup! (unlike this year, where Itsuki was only present as a recorded voice, and Kitamura Ryo, in the cheering VTR).
What song are you most excited to see with all members?
1Nm8's Christmas - Members Official Accounts Translation
Dec 16:
Kei: Taking a walk can lead to all sorts of encounters, don't you think?
Rokuta: A big doggy at the park got really attached to Kei-chan! I should've taken a pic!
Dec 19:
Itsuki: I made a reservation for chicken for Christmas, but with nutritional balance in mind, I'd like to include some vegetables in the meal, as well. I wonder if Rokuta would be inclined to eat vegetables if I made them more visually appealing.
Dec 25:
Itsuki: Preparations for dinner are complete. Kei and Rokuta should be returning with the chicken soon. I hope Rokuta can hold back his appetite until they get home.
Rokuta: I ate tons of chicken~! Itsuki-nii made stew with vegetables cut like kitties and doggies and it was delicious, too~!! Getting a secret snack on the way home from shopping was fun, as well~!
Kei: May gentle sounds fill every corner of the world.
Translation of Rokuta's, Kei's and Itsuki's messages about Rokuta's birthday from their official accounts.
(in the morning)
Itsuki: The supermarket display first thing in the morning is a sight to behold. I managed to do the shopping according to the plan.
Rokuta: Look, look! Itsuki-nii and Kei-chan made tons of kaarage for my birthday~! It was super delicious, and it made me super happy that we could eat it all together~!
Itsuki: It was worth it to adjust the recipe for today. Still, try to eat vegetables between the pieces of fried chicken. Rokuta, Happy Birthday.
Kei: Happy Birthday. Seeing the joy in your face is my happiness. Let's celebrate as together as 3 again next year.
(evening)
Rokuta: The dinner today was a heaping portion of omurice! When I asked for ketchup drawings on top, Kei-chan drew a doggy and Itsuki-nii drew a baby chick! Great, isn't it~
Rokuta: Thank you for so many wishes, everyone! I was so happy when saw your comments, I might get hungry all over again! Let's play a lot and eat a lot tomorrow, too!
Kei: I will definitely protect this place. From now on, as well.
You can listen to the voice drama here. Translation below.
Rokuta: This kaarage is the best! The hamburgers get a perfect score, too! The omlet is fluffy too, what joy...
Rokuta: Today's dinner is really fancy!
Itsuki: You said you'd like to eat something special, since we're having a Paradox Live wrap-up party, after all.
Rokuta: (sounds of chewing) That's right, Paradox Live - the result was frustrating, but it was really fun, wasn't it?
Kei: (audible sigh)
Rokuta: Kei-chan?
Kei: Ah, I'm sorry. What were you talking about?
Itsuki: Are you feeling under the weather? You haven't touched your food.
Rokuta: Don't tell me, was your trap reaction worse than usual?
Kei: No, that's not it. I was just... thinking.
Rokuta: Thinking?
Kei: Mhm. About our future.
Rokuta, Itsuki: ...!
Kei: 1Nm8 as a team was created to win in Paradox Live and bring the dangers of Phantometal to the attention of the public.
Itsuki: However, as we've been defeated, achieving that goal has become difficult. Certainly, we need to reconsider our future activities.
Rokuta: Right... Yeah.
Kei: Our thoughts failed to reach the society. Is there really any meaning to 1Nm8 continuing to hold phantom lives?
Itsuki: (thoughtful hum)
Rokuta: Hey, hear me out... Maybe we should stop doing phantom lives for a while?
Itsuki: You mean, quit?
Rokuta: How about we take a break from music, go somewhere far away, the 3 of us together, and just take it easy?
Rokuta: Kei-chan, you like the sea, right? So I think a town near the sea would be nice!
Kei: Oh... That might be a good choice.
Itsuki: Kei...
Kei: But is that really what you want, Rokuta?
Rokuta: Eh?
Itsuki: You seemed to enjoy performing in the Paradox Live, Rokuta. It's hard to think that you'd choose to move away from music of your own will.
Kei: You're so kind, Rokuta. Did you say that for my sake?
Rokuta: (sigh) To tell you the truth... If possible, I'd like to continue on as 1Nm8.
Rokuta: When we appeared in Paradox Live, it was really exciting. We became one and gave it our all on stage... And many people cheered us on.
Rokuta: My heart was racing so much, i thought I wanted that moment to last forever.
Kei, Itsuki: ...
Rokuta: But... even so... What's the most important to me is Kei-chan and Itsuki-nii. If Kei-chan can't find meaning in phantom lives anymore...Then I think it's best to quit.
Kei: Rokuta...
Itsuki: To me too, you two are the top priority. That is why I need to say this. I do not want to back down from phantom lives like this.
Itsuki: Through taking part in Paradox Live, I noticed a "certain possibility" in the music envisioned by Kei. It would be too much of a shame to conclude activities without exploring that first.
Itsuki: What is on your mind, Kei? If you don't mind, can you confide in us?
Kei: I... I thought I made up my mind. To eliminate the Metal no matter what and cleanse this tainted world. But now, that it's become impossible to fulfill... I've lost sight of where to go next.
Kei: With our appeal having reached no one, we may be unable to do anything but watch the tragedy unfold.
Itsuki: Kei...
Kei: It's all because I was too weak!
Kei: I went as far as get you two involved, and still I couldn't see it through. My music can't save anyone-
Rokuta: That's not true.
Kei: Eh?
Rokuta: I told you, haven't I? That when we performed in Paradox Live, I was so excited. If Kei-chan had never formed 1Nm8, I'd probably never get to know that feeling.
Kei: Rokuta...
Itsuki: We've chosen to walk along this road with you of our own will, Kei. I did not consider myself to have been "pulled into'" anything in the slightest.
Itsuki: For us, who grew up locked away in a facility, without even knowing what we're alive for, you were the one who gave us light!
Kei: ...Thank you, you two. But... I'm sorry. I'd like you to give me a bit more time to think of what to do next.
Itsuki: I do not mind. We have all the time in the world.
Rokuta: Let's think about it hard, and discuss it a lot. That way, we should be able to choose the best idea.
Kei: That's right. For sure.
Rokuta: ...Aah, the kaarage went cold! Itsuki-nii, are there any seconds?
Itsuki: There still are. I'll serve you, give me your bowl.
Rokuta: I can do it myself, though?
Itsuki: Did you forget how you broke the rice scoop last week? It's fine, so sit down like a good boy.
Rokuta: Okaay...
Itsuki: And you, Kei. Even if you have no appetite, you should eat at least a little.
Kei: Okay. I'll have something. It's a feast we've prepared together, after all.
Rokuta: Right, right! I recommend the kaarage!
(fade out)
(sounds of washing up after dinner)
Itsuki: That's all for the washing up. Has Rokuta gone to bed yet?
Kei: Yeah. He seemed sleepy, so I send him to the bedroom first.
Itsuki: I see. I'm going to turn in for the night soon, too. What about you?
Kei: I'm thinking of going for a little stroll. I'm just wide awake somehow.
Itsuki: ...Got it. But don't think yourself into a corner.
Itsuki: There's no need for you to carry this heavy burden alone, Kei. I'm always here for you. Rokuta is probably thinking the same thing.
Kei: ...Thank you. Goodnight, Itsuki.
Itsuki: Goodnight.
(outside)
Kei: To purify the world through music... My ideal should remain unchanged, even now.
Kei: So why am I unable to clear away the haze in my heart?
As you may already know, a 10 minute long Voice Drama for 1Nm8 will be posted on Youtube on 8.26!
I will be translating it, but it just so happens I am watching a concert on the same date and similar hour, so I may not get to translating the Voice Drama until several hours later, or on the next day. But it will be done post-haste, so stay tuned!
This time, I dive deeper into the themes and symbolism in the lyrics of edN and the imagery used in the MV. The analysis is based on my own translation. Includes spoilers for the 1Nm8 lore revealed so far, also after the release of FATE.
Please find edN by 1Nm8 and its official MV here.
As this analysis is being written after the release of SHOWDOWN and S∀G∀, I will make references to it where I believe it’s relevant or that something in the MV or the song is foreshadowing. You can find my analysis of S∀G∀ here.
As always, this analysis is subjective and you’re free to agree, disagree, or agree only with parts of it and have your own interpretations! I simply like making these and sharing them in hope my musings will be interesting to other fans.
Keep in mind my translation includes some liberties in wording where I could tweak something for rhythm and rhyme, but the meaning should not be affected. I explained my choices in the analysis. Without further ado, let’s discuss edN and it’s:
General themes:
At least some songs from FATE and RAGE are directed at the opposing group (for example, Hit em up is a clear diss at VISTY, and License to Kill has a reference to the conflict between Iori and Hancho as the extension of his history with Zen), and edN can also be interpreted as a message from 1Nm8 to TCW, at least in some parts.
I think some of the verses are directed at each other, and the chorus seems to be a message to Alter Trigger, though.
edN is mostly about 1Nm8’s goal and mission, with the strongest religious references out of their first three songs. However, there is a darker undertone to it.
Finally, I think edN shows contrast between the members the most from their songs so far.
Imagery
There’s a lot of white in the MV. First, it’s a part of the religious imagery - together with pillars, windows and arches reminiscent of a church. White stands for what’s pure, correct and holy.
However, white can also be a reference to the Alter Trigger facility Itsuki and Rokuta were kept at. The facility, in turn, is a symbol for what they’re fighting against. See the irony? I believe it may be intentional, showing them as two sides of a coin, and how easily righteousness can be corrupted - like at the beginning of the MV.
Finally, the white may be a reference to 1Nm8’s slogan of “Return to blank”, destruction to a blank slate to build again.
Then, the imagery in each of the members verses could be interpreted as their unique ways of “rebuilding”. It shows the contrasts between the members but also how they complete each other.
Kei is surrounded by floating broken parts, which means initiates the destruction. He’s the one who has formulated their plan and recruited the others. However, also contributes the ideas and ideals, which is shown by the floating models.
Meanwhile, the background in Itsuki’s verses features spirals, harmonious shapes and regular, flowing movement.
I believe that it shows how he contributes calm and structure. Notice how even the typography in his verses is the most neat and orderly (at least in the beginning), in comparison to Kei’s warying fonts and sizes and quickly moving text, or Rokuta’s floating letters. It appears as if Itsuki was typing the words on a keyboard.
The “typing” might even be a reference to Itsuki seeing himself as a “memory recording machine”.
However, one of 1nm8translation's followers, sugarstar-rabbits interpreted this differently (sharing with permission): that Itsuki typing out his lyrics gave it a cute personal touch. I think that is a good way to look at it too; you could see it as Itsuki being able to communicate better through music.
Finally, Rokuta is the most playful, with what looks like huge building blocks and floating round letters that remind me of a children’s show. While Kei can go to extremes and Itsuki gets cold and uncompromising, Rokuta brings in the warmth. He may use metaphors that are a bit childish, but he's the best at actually appealing to emotions and emotional needs.
Translation and Analysis
Aiight, Okay listen, Okay listen
目を覚ま
せ 時は刻む
キミを導く It's my mission
静かに秘めたambition
Aiight, Okay listen, Okay listen
Open your eyes, the clock is ticking
To lead you is my mission
The quietly hidden away ambition
Just as in the voice drama, Kei declares that he sees changing people’s views of Phantometal is his mission - implied as a mission from God by the imagery. The clock Kei is sitting in front of looks like a clock from a church tower. It also means he’s high up - literally and figuratively “above” the misguided people.
“Quietly hidden away ambition” might refer to Kei having hidden plans related to his objective or, possibly, the way he didn’t go public about Phantometal until Paradox Live gave him the opportunity.
古いシステム全部投げ捨て
躊躇なく壊す and reset
感じないか？
溢れ出した勘違いは
悪しき害さ
Do it right, huh
Throw the old system away
Don’t hesitate, break it and reset
Don’t you feel it?
Misunderstandings slipping out of control
Are an evil influence
Do it right, huh
“溢れ出した勘違いは” literally means “The misunderstandings that overflowed”, like water from a container, but “going out of control” conveys the meaning better in my opinion. The misunderstanding would be rappers thinking that Phantom lives and Phantometal are something good for them - the way TCW refuse to give up on it because of the belief they bring each other and people together with their music.
感情的なるなまずthinking
悪いがもうアラームが鳴るringing
遊びならまたにしてくれ
俺達には時間などない全然
Don’t get emotional, thinking should come first
I’m sorry, but the alarm is already ringing
If you want to play around, do it another day
We don’t have any more time left
I think this is one of the parts of the song that is adressed to TCW, based on the confrontation between Kei, Itsuki and Naoakira and Yohei. In the drama track, Itsuki admitted he can't comprehend the emotional response to their plea and their attachment to Phantom Lives.
This verse gets a completely different ring to it after the SHOWDOWN drama track. There, we see that using Phantometal has adverse effects other than just trap reactions on Rokuta, and based on this verse, it likely affects Itsuki badly in some unusual way as well. Despite this, both Itsuki and Rokuta are determined to further Kei’s ideals.
It makes it even more ominous that Itsuki’s wording here doesn’t promise that they would be here later for the “playing around” - it’s more like he’s saying “don’t waste our limited time”.
In my translation I switched “later” for “another day” for the sake of the rhyme.
繋ぐ点と点を線で
I can see clearly like a レントゲン
Yeah, no pain no gain
Back to the 原点
消し去る幻影
Like connecting the dots with a line
I can see clearly like an X-ray
Yeah, no pain no gain
Back to the Origin
To obliterate the Phantom
The first two lines could be a reference to Itsuki’s abilities, but in the context of edN and the message of the song, I think it's more that he sees the truth behind Paradox Live and Phantometal.
This verse can also be seen as a flash forward to SHOWDOWN. “No pain no gain” is a cliche phrase, but in Itsuki’s and Rokuta’s situation it gains a more specific meaning - without suffering from Phantometal, they can’t accomplish their goal. If they stop out of concern for themselves, or Kei tries to stop them, they will fail.
Notice the black and white contrast. "Obliterate" is in black while "Phantom is in white. It's as if the MV was asking us "is this really the right thing to do?"
Yeah, History is
In the making
We're gonna be
The 1Nm8 King
なんどでもまたbreaking
The fight to try
Yeah, History is
In the making
We're gonna be
The 1Nm8 King
No matter many times, once again breaking
The fight to try
I find it interesting that Rokuta is the one who sings this part first (Kei repeats it later with the same lyrics). It shows how, despite his kindness and easygoing personality, he's just as commited to 1Nm8's goals.
ユルセナイ
そう思わないか？
覚悟を決めろ
地獄から手招きしてるピエロ
It’s unforgiveable,
Don’t you think?
So prepare for the worst
From hell, a pierrot beckons
I believe this part of the chorus adresses Alter Trigger - it's a declaration of war. The "unforgiveable" deeds would be of course their experimentation on the two and the damage the organization inflicted on many others - and continuing to pull strings bedind the scenes.
The phrase 覚悟を決めろ is often used in anime where a character or group challenges their opponent to a fight. It's like saying "prepare to get your ass kicked".
The 'pierrot' is fascinating because there's a few ways to interpret who it is supposed to be. The pierrot went from a sad fool in comedia dell'arte to a symbol of unpriviledged, opressed and misunderstood people in modern culture. Some artists, like Schoenberg, also used the pierrot's painted face as a symbol of hiding one's feelings and opinions.
Who is the pierrot in edN? I think it's either Ryu - Zero, or Kei. Ryu seems like an obvious choice. His cryptic speech and antics conceal sharp observational skills and the ability to see through people. He is also one of the worst affected by Alter Trigger's experiments.
On the other hand, Kei is the one who takes an active role in fighting for the victims of Alter Trigger and Phantometal. However, his arguments are dismissed by most, and he's seen as an unreasonable "fool".
The imagery in this verse shows Kei's silhouette going down a massive flight of stairs all alone - which may reflect that he has no support. He's stepping from the outside into a building which seems to be full of darkness. The only light is shining in from the outside.
Kei once tried to move away from Phantom Lives and even quit music, after he learned what Phantometal research has done to Rokuta, but he is voluntarily walking back into "hell" of Paradox Live for the sake of his mission of ending it once and for all. He "beckons" Itsuki and Rokuta who decide to follow him.
雑音(ノイズ)が付きまとうのさ
Everywhere we go
歪んだ世界から
今すぐ抜け出そう
We’re haunted by noise
Everywhere we go
As soon as we can
Let’s escape this twisted world
The 'noise' doesn't just mean loud sounds, but it can refer to interference or static, or even gossip or irresponsible criticism [1]. The 'noise' would be people trying to get in the way of 1Nm8's plans.
美しい破壊の音色 儚い
悪魔の声に耳を貸さない
恐れる必要はない
No sacrifice
僕たちが導く paradise
The melody of destruction is beautiful yet fleeting
Don’t lend your ear to the whisper of the devil
There’s no need to fear,
There will be no sacrifice
In the paradise we lead you to
This is another part that I feel is adressed to TCW. The lyrics acknowledge that Phantom Lives have their appeal, and may even be beautiful, but it's the devil speaking. 1Nm8's ideal world wouldn't require anyone to risk their health or life for music, hence "no sacrifice".
However, would it really be "paradise"? The sudden switch from white to black here feels ominous. While on the white background, the members have their eyes closed, as if dreaming, while when they open their eyes, the mood changes dramatically. It might be showing the contrast between their 'dream' and the reality of it or what they're doing to achieve it.
If you look closely, there is a round light behind them in both frames (in the second one, it's just very faint). It reminds me of an angel's halo, or perhaps a lamp from a lab.
High, ほら手を取って
連れてくよロケットでトップへ
空は高いけどまぁどうせ
オレとキミが楽しけりゃdon't care
High up, come, take my hand
I’ll take you to the top on a rocket
The sky is so far, but it’s no matter
As long as we enjoy ourselves, I don’t care
I've heard the phrase "the sky is far (lit. high up)" in several Japanese songs. It's a metaphor that refers to your dreams and goals seeming very far away and difficult, or even impossible to reach, like the sky above us.
However, Rokuta isn't going to be bothered by it! It's too far? Let's make a rocket!
At first, I took this verse as an encouragement directed at 1Nm8's listeners, but now, after listening to the SHOWDOWN drama, I think it might actually be meant for Itsuki. I loved how he cheered Itsuki on and looked out for him before they met Kei. It gave more depth to their relationship, and showed it's not just Itsuki taking care of Rokuta, but a give and take.
えーなんで悲しい顔してんの？
悪夢みたいな世界でも
キミにあげるよチケット
そして見届けようジ・エンド
Why are you making a sad face?
Even if this world seems like a nightmare
I will give you a ticket out of here
And see it through till the end
I added "out of here" to the "I will give you a ticket" line because I feel like it's strongly implied by context of the verse and the whole song, like in "Let's escape this twisted world" in the chorus.
Like I mentioned at the start, Rokuta is the one who notices things like sadness and hopelessness and offers comforting words, which is difficult for the other two.
I think this verse is also for Itsuki. It reminds me of how Rokuta immediately noticed Itsuki was in a bad shape after they left the facility, overwhelmed by the outside world.
However, the imagery for the line "And see it through till the end" seems strange to me. It was the basis for my theory about Rokuta's memory loss, which you can read here.
The screen splits into 7 or 8 parts (if you count the one mostly off screen) and both Rokuta's image AND the words are repeated. It's as if the promise itself was repeated many times in the past - which could be because Rokuta kept forgetting it.
運命でも偶然でも一緒
具現化する描いたvision
重点置く重低音は基礎
痛言した数千のdecision
No matter if it was by chance or fate
To embody the vision pictured in our minds
The emphasis from the heavy bass serves as a foundation
For thousands of harsh decisions
I see this verse as Itsuki describing his role in 1Nm8 and his relationship with Kei. In SHOWDOWN, Itsuki says he feels 1Nm8 meeting and Kei's power working on him and Rokuta is fate.
1Nm8 is meant to realize Kei's vision, and he is the one making the "harsh decisions". 低音, bass, can also be translated as "low voice", and Itsuki's voice is the lowest of the three. I interpret this verse as Itsuki declaring he's rapping to support Kei's cause.
正確なリズムに旋律
I'mma show you how
唯一無二テクニック
着実に蝕むtoxic
They need the dope shit
Precise rhythm and melody
I’mma show you how
With one-of-a-kind technique
Steadily eaten away by the toxic
They need the dope shit
The “toxic” is obviously the Phantometal. means "to affect adversely; to spoil; to ruin; to undermine; to gnaw at (one's heart, body, etc.); to eat into; to destroy" [2], which accurately describes the Metal's effects.
Yeah, History is
In the making
We're gonna be
The 1Nm8 King
なんどでもまたbreaking
The fight to try
Yeah, History is
In the making
We're gonna be
The 1Nm8 King
No matter many times, once again breaking
The fight to try
Kei sings the same pre-chorus Rokuta does for the first half of the song, interestingly, with the same background imagery. I think it's meant to show their connection, and maybe hint at Rokuta's identity as Kei's missing brother (back when FATE released, we didn't know for sure).
(Chorus repeats)
必要ならば手に入れる
手っ取り早く we show and prove
無駄な工程はすべて省き
計画通り成し遂げる
Anything we need, we can obtain
Quick and easy, We show and prove
Eliminate all unnecessary steps
Proceed according to the plan
胸躍る事everyday
夢中でもっともっと大気圏まで
宙を舞ったらplay back again
With you, you, you そんなplan
My heart pounds in joy everyday
In a daze, I get closer to the atmosphere
If it flutters down in the wind, play back again
With you, you, you, that’s the plan
While Itsuki's verse is pretty straightforward, reiterating his methods and ambition, Rokuta's is more metaphoric.
I talked about it in my memory loss theory too, but 舞う can mean "whirl in the wind, flutter about, swirl, fly, circle", for example, like cherry blossoms falling. I think here it refers to Rokuta's memories, which scatter once he overused Phantometal again.
Notice that similarly to "See it through to the end", here "You" is repeated. I interpret the lines as Rokuta saying if he ends up losing his memories once more, he wants to "play back" - start over with 1Nm8.
悲しい結末は用意していない
君に正しい世界を見せる
これが道標さ
さぁ行こう
I'm not preparing a sad ending
I will show you what the world should be
This is a signpost
So, let's go
The literal translation of the second line of this verse would be "I will show you a correct (righteous, lawful) world".
This typography in this verse gives it a lot of urgency, and the way the characters rapidly flicker during the lines "This is a signpost / So, let's go" is sinister. It feels like Kei is close to the edge.
What comes next is even more sinister, however.
The chorus repeats again, but muffled, with a gray, staticky filter put over it. The moment where Kei is only partly visible through the kanji for 覚悟 (resolution, preparedness) but without his face now looks legitimately scary.
I found this part of the song unsettling ever since I first saw it, but I still can't quite put a finger on it. The filter makes me think of a feeling of shock after hearing or experiencing something that really rattles you, or numbness from too much pain. It might also evoke the feeling of muted "unrealness" when you are having a nightmare.
Do you have any other ideas? While I can't be sure what this means for Kei and 1Nm8 yet, I can tell it's nothing good.
Then, the second half of the chorus plays as normal, and the MV ends with the members in the same scenery we saw at the beginning. But can we still look at it the same way?
Final thoughts
Based on the muted filter, other symbolism and imagery in the MV: the double meaning of white, the black and white contrast, as well as Kei 'walking into hell' I'd say an important theme in edN is "becoming evil to fight evil" and the dangers of it. It's presented mostly visually, but I think it compliments the atmosphere in the drama track for FATE, especially the latter half. I want to make my own translation of it; I will link it here when it's completed.
Please don't take this analysis wrong! I'm a huge 1Nm8 fan and I voted for them both times. I think the element of darkness makes them more interesting.
We know that Rokuta forgot about his past and family before ending up at the Alter Trigger facility, but I believe Rokuta might have lost his memory more than once. Analysis based on 1Nm8 MV's below!
There's a motif that repeats in Rokuta's verses in 1Nm8 songs - "replaying" or "repeating" something. At first I wasn't sure what it referred to, but I believe it's about making new memories. Let me go over these lyrics first.
While working on my analysis of edN lyrics and MV (terribly sorry for the wait, it's coming soon!) I noticed the verse:
胸躍る事everyday
夢中でもっともっと大気圏まで
宙を舞ったらplay back again
With you, you, you そんなplan
Which could be translated as (taking some liberties with the wording for the sake of the meaning)
My heart pounds in excitement everyday
In a daze, I get closer to the atmosphere
If it flutters down in the wind, play back again
With you, you, you, that’s the plan
舞う can mean "to dance" but it can also mean "whirl in the wind, flutter about, swirl, fly, circle", and in this context, it's used for cherry blossom petals, for example.
However, what if we used it for something else falling slowly down from above? Such as pieces of a rocket - like the one used as a symbol earlier in Rokuta's rap.
I think Rokuta "flying up" into the sky might mean his excitement at rediscovering the world, while what "flutters down" is his memories when he experiences amnesia because of Phantometal's influence.
"Play back" means starting over as a blank slate. This whole verse seems to suggest Rokuta is well aware his memory loss might happen again.
A similar line appears in the lyrics of S∀G∀ (translation is my own, find the rest here)
それナイス 楽しいなら
繰り返すのさ １回よりもtwice
edNって名のparadise 集合みんなで
That's nice, if it's fun
We should do it again, twice is better than once
Everyone, gather in the paradise called edN
Once again, Rokuta raps about repeating fun experiences - which could refer to making new memories to fill the void.
Rokuta refers to his memory in Break Outta Here as well, with the line "This storage is a black hole". It could mean that he would never have enough, but also that his memories are doomed to keep disappearing (like how SHOWDOWN drama hints).
However, that's all stuff we already know. Let me get to the scene that made all of this click and the basis for my theory:
そして見届けようジ・エンド
And see it through till the end
Notice how the screen splits into 7 (or 8, if we count the one that's mostly off screen) identical parts with the same line "And see it through to the end".
Isn't that strange? 1Nm8's story should only have one good "end" that they try to bring about. Unless, this promise was made multiple times (either to Rokuta, or by Rokuta), and he forgot about it every time. Maybe even eight times (which could very well stand for "infinity"...).
Since Rokuta's memory loss occurs as an effect of Phantometal, I think it makes sense that the experiments he was subjected to would trigger it again and again. It would mean that Itsuki probably witnessed it - and in the SHOWDOWN drama, he doesn't seem to be shocked at Rokuta's memory loss per se, more that Rokuta was hiding the severity from him. That's just my personal interpretation, though.
What do you think? If you enjoyed this theory, stay tuned for my full analysis of edN lyrics and MV, which should be done soon! Probably after my exams this week (T⌓T)
