One of the EDs to AKIBA’S TRIP The Animation, an anime I haven’t seen, but have been told that the music was the only good thing about. The title of this song is referring to a phenomenon where the CPU is able to react faster than would be humanly possible to the player’s movements. The song has a lot of fighting game lingo that I couldn’t really figure out, but the general vibe should be communicated at least!
超反応ガール | Hyper Reaction Girl
Lyrics: NAGAE
Composition: Minami Naohiro
Spotify | Apple Music/iTunes
WATAAAAA!!!!
I’ll beat you black and blue with my dazzling technique
A no-touching all out attack, ah, even if I button mash it’s useless
On this innocent chick, you unleashed a fierce rampage
My heart is throbbing, aching, this is almost like…. A set-up for a love story!!!
I want to be loved by someone stronger than me
If that is you, then very well
I won’t forgive second choices
Discipline yourself and come at me
Ahem!
My fingers tap out an infinite combo unconsciously (forever!)
For all eternity, against these intense hadou, my guard is use….less!
Sorry for playing hard to get
Show me your heart in-the-nude!
If you’re really serious input command HUG
Next is a kiss? Or a slap? Hyper-fast Reaction!!!
UNGUUUUU!!!
Your expression when you’re holding back at the critical moment is too cute
For just a moment, I’m petrified, Ah, I’ve been pierced, how embarrassing, how frustrating
Should I cancel and just continue, or read you and stay quiet?
In love this would be impossible. Don’t wait for a decision, just come at me!
The main point is just one thing: Never give up
That will call forth a miracle
If you don’t aim for undefeated
There’s nothing for you!
Ooh! Ahh!
Even if this world is a totally ridiculous impossible game (do-kan!)
Bring out your fighting spirit, and awaken my absent body with a BOOM… hah?
I’ll definitely get the true end
Even if I burn to ash, I’ll dash out
The last boss is my own weakness in falling for you
The rebound is too strong, Hyper Finishing Move!
On the verge of tears, my feelings suddenly change
Even if I try to tell you by the hems of my sleeves
Well, the fact you’re dense enough not to notice
Will be your undoing!
Ahem!
My fingers tap out an infinite combo unconsciously (forever!)
For all eternity, against these intense hadou, my guard is use….less!
Sorry for playing hard to get
Show me your heart in-the-nude!
If you’re really serious input command HUG
Next is a kiss? Or a slap? Hyper Reaction!!!
I'll give you a one-pixel opening
So show me what you got and take full advantage
The truth is I've already fallen
I'm weak to you...Hyper Reaction!
This was the B-side to Kibou TRAVELER, which was the opening to the anime Time Travel Girl: Mari, Waka, and the Eight Scientists. Like the A-side, it’s about time travelling, but is a slightly more interesting song. Sadly while Kibou TRAVELER was a live staple, I only know of this song being performed once.
愛と勇気とフィロソフィ | Love, Courage, and Philosophy
Lyrics & Composition: Hosoi Ryosuke
Spotify | Apple Music/iTunes
Jumping beyond the boundaries of time, ready, now here we go
To the day I fell in love with you, my dearly beloved
I’ll transcend time and go to meet you right now
Ah, swimming smoothly smoothly, through the river of time
Searching for you, wherever you may be
A phantom embrace, life is ephemeral like a bubble
This precious moment, too, will burst and disappear
All things are transient, life is like a raging river
What’s important is love, courage, and philosophy
If I could go back to that day, what would I tell you?
Even if I understand that “now is most important”, my feelings overflow and I can’t stop them
I’m going to meet you
Jumping beyond the boundaries of time, now here we go
My burning feelings transcend time and space
The furious flow of time is like nothing to me
Carrying heroic passion in my hands, I go forward
Let us meet by chance once again, my dearly beloved
I’ll transcend time and go to meet you right now
Ah, swimming smoothly smoothly, through the river of time
Where are you? Where? I’m searching for you
Like an eternity, a life full of unchanging days
I thought it would continue forever, but
All worldly things are impermanent, life is like a fragile flower
What’s important is love, courage, and philosophy
If I could go forward to that day, what would I tell you?
I just want this to be a world where you smile. My wish for that is overflowing and I can’t stop it.
I’m going to meet you
Jumping beyond the boundaries of time, now here we go
To a day we have not yet seen, I wonder what kind of world it is
I will swim through the river of time to find out
Unease, fear, breakdown! Now, let’s go out
You’re irreplaceable, my dearly beloved
I’ll transcend time and go to meet you right now
Ah, swimming smoothly smoothly, through the river of time
Where are you? Where? I’m searching for you
I’m going to meet you
Jumping beyond the boundaries of time, now here we go
My burning feelings transcend time and space
The furious flow of time is like nothing
Bye bye, present time. Now off I go
To the day I fell in love with you, my dearly beloved
I’ll transcend time and go to meet you right now
This is the B-side to “Ano ne, Kimi Dake ni”, the OP theme to the anime 12-sai Chicchana Mune no Tokimeki. It’s a romantic and depressing take on the phenomenon of being in love with a fictional character.
揺れるマイファンタジー | Wavering, My Fantasy
Lyrics & Composition: Sasakura Yuugo
Spotify | Apple Music/iTunes
Even if everything in this world broke into pieces
All the light sealed away deep in the sky
If you're here, I'll be fine
That's what I thought and yet…
With a rusted-over compass
I can’t tell any direction
The past and present are linked together
I could fly high, or end up crying
Which way do I go?
Bring color to this space-time
And sweetly carry me away
Let me love you for eternity
Always, endlessly satisfy me
Wavering, my fantasy
Everyday every night
But the real world is a world without you
Your smile from that day
Was supposed to be sealed deep in the starry sky
But I keep looping that same spot over and over
I'm still dreaming of the future
Ah, I'm hopeless
My daily life is full of excuses
Even now I close my eyes and take a trip with you
You make me happy but I'm still single
Which way should I go?
Make this space-time bloom
And love me dramatically
Are you ready? I'm always waiting for you
Aching, my fantasy
Everyday, every night, make my heart beat
Endlessly, constantly, forever
Let this feeling spread
Break this reality
This is the world I drew for myself
Just a pure wish
By the words “good night”, this day will come to an end
By the words “good morning”, will I become a new me?
Bring color to this space-time
And sweetly carry me away
Let me love you forever
Always, endlessly satisfy me
After 8 and a half years, AOP has officially disbanded as of March 31, 2021. They were yet another group that couldn’t survive the COVID-19 pandemic, but they will live on through their music, performances, and the still active members, like Hirose Yuuki, dancing this song in the video above.
This is the B-side to Another World, the OP theme for Isekai wa Smartphone to Tomo ni. It’s one of my favorite songs of theirs, a perfectly crafted denpa song.
Alone together? No way, no way, seriously? What's going on!?
I didn't hear about this, God!
~Tonight is a moonless night. Paper lanterns sway in the wind, burning scarlet
I've been summoned back, to the space between this world and a parallel universe~
....not. I've got to distract my heart with this chuunibyou plot
Because in this situation I can't even breath
I spent 3 days and nights sleepless picking out my yukata
But you don't meet my eyes at all, I'm safe even if I make a weird face
I don't want this!
It's love's forefront, at the festival, the strongest psychic
We're almost at the final battle, look over here!
I'm watching your back in the flickering lights, please save this goldfish
I don't know if it's the taiko drums, or the fireworks, or my own heartbeat
This booming reverberation is about to split my heart open, I want to leave
Whwhwhwhwhat should I do...God?
I want to always be light and fluffy like cotton candy
Let's cleanse my sweaty worries with cold soda
At the fortune telling booth, I pulled a red string
If you’re at the other end, this was an inevitable conclusion
When I look up, I see fireworks
Oh woah woah, this might be the big reversal, I can't wait for the next episode
Give me a spoiler!! (Please!)
Rush☆sudden approach, sudden rise, sudden growth, sudden circulation
My fantasies are evolving and I wanna run away
Your troubled face in the flickering lights is too cute
I can't tell if it's the taiko, or the fireworks, or my heartbeat
Cuz this romantic festival adventure just won't stop
I hate hate hate you… God! (Hmph!)
"....No, but... I can't say it!!"
"Why isn't anyone else showing up!!"
"But, a chance like this... there probably won't be another..."
"Could this be the famous 'finding fulfilment in real life' that normies have!?"
"Ahhh, I wanna run away!!"
"What are you saying?! What?!"
"My hands are getting sweaty..."
"AHHHHH, it's impossible after all!!!"
Zen philosophy at love's frontline, sensei help! All of America will cry so please look over here
I'm watching your back in the flickering lights, please save this goldfish
I don't know if it's the taiko drums, or the fireworks, or my own heartbeat
This booming reverberation is about to split my heart open, I want to leave
I was requested this a long time ago, and frankly, forgot. Sorry about that.
PASSION
Lyrics: MARiA
Composition: toku
Original Lyrics & Romaji
Spotify | Apple Music
You were dyed in darkness
The crimson moon illuminates you with a bewitching glow
Two more centimeters to your lips
I’m done with just looking
Come closer, blame it all on the moon
It’s the right time and the right place
When you touch me, I get led astray
It’s as if we’ve reached the next world, and we can’t get out anymore
This passion is impossible to control.
Your body heat torments me like a curse
No matter when, no matter where, I can’t get away from you
Loud and resounding warning bell.
Give me love, enough to break me
No matter when, no matter where, I won’t let go of you
Keeping my distance, and just looking
I was afraid of being hurt
I couldn’t do anything, I wouldn’t say anything
I can’t stand the person I was anymore
Nobody else can imitate or interrupt
This pure, unblemished love that only I have
This passion is impossible to control.
Your body heat torments me like a curse
No matter when, no matter where, I can’t get away from you
Loud and resounding warning bell.
Give me love, enough to break me
No matter when, no matter where, I won’t let go of you
You threw a wink (WIN) Wink (WIN)
Right at me, right? A Wink (WIN WIN)
It starts from here, all matter is void
All right, this is Osomatsu-san
When I went to the fishing hole, I caught a mermaid (Mermaid!)
I threw a stone at the sky and a meteor came crashing down (Meteor!)
The sun overslept so the moon came out early
And the Earth started spinning backwards, every day is a surprise
You threw a
Wink (WIN) Wink (WIN)
Right at me, right? A Wink (WIN WIN)
It's definitely not a dream this time (Real!)
A wink (SHAKE) A wink(SHAKE)
You gave me a wink (Sheeh Sheeh~)
Bubbles of hope are dancing through the air
You threw a wink (YOU) Wink (ME)
Right at me, a wink (YOU & ME)
The 12 o'clock bell is a miracle
Illusionary wink (A tricky blink)
Illusionary wink (In the end it wasn't a dream)
That’s right, it's not an illusionary wink
When I cracked an egg, a gold coin came out (Treasure!)
I rode the last train and ended up in Egypt (Mysterious!)
Spring, summer, and fall passed, and then summer came again
God’s a sore loser and keeps pulling pranks
I am a
Prince (WIN) Prince (WIN)
I managed to become a Prince (WIN WIN)
Pinch my cheek, this isn't a dream (Real)
Prince (SHAKE) Prince (SHAKE)
I've become a prince (Sheeh Sheeh~)
I'm connected to all living creatures
Prince (YOU) Prince (ME)
I've become a prince (YOU & ME)
A 6-color rainbow stretches past
Illusionary prince (Unexpected magic)
Illusionary prince (In the end it wasn't a trip)
All right, it's so colorful
Ready or not? Still not ready
Ready or not? Just a little longer
Ready or not? Do whatever you want
You threw a
Wink (WIN) Wink (WIN)
Right at me, right? A Wink (WIN WIN)
It's like a dream but it's not a dream (Real)
A wink (SHAKE) Wink (SHAKE)
You gave me a wink (Sheeh Sheeh~)
Bubbles of the future dance through the air
A wink (YOU) Wink (ME)
You threw me a wink (YOU & ME)
Our hearts are in sync, it's a miracle
Illusionary wink (A tricky blink)
Illusionary wink (Unexpected magic)
Illusionary wink (Everyday is wonderful)
Illusionary wink (In the end it wasn't a dream)
All right, this is Osomatsu-san
Osomatsu-san season 3 has aired and with it a new AOP x Osomatsu-san OP! I want to post a translation of it as soon as I can, but first I thought I’d post this translation of the 3rd OP that I’ve been sitting on for too long.
Like the first OP, Hanamaru Pippi, the lyrics are written by Asaki and are full of unclear double meanings and wordplay. Even the title is a play on an idiom “Kunshi ayauki ni chikayorazu”, “a wise man never courts danger”. I tried to explain some of it under the translation.
Apparently when asked the meaning of the lyrics by AOP member Hirose Yuuki, Asaki said that this song is meant to be a message from the adult Matsus to their childhood (Osomatsu-kun) selves.
君氏危うくも近うよれ | Wise Man, Draw Near Even if it’s Dangerous
Lyrics: Asaki
Composition: Mafumafu
Original Lyrics | Romaji
Spotify | Apple Music/iTunes
I’m sorry said while passing right through
Though I don’t really feel that way
In the end, isn’t that how it goes?
Dawn breaks into 6 flatterologies
You may be lost but that’s just how you always are!
I’m not trying to be rude, but you know (1)
Even if you jump out with 100% confidence
There’s a hierarchy to things (2)
You’re great, unsteady as you are
“The curtain rises, one full powered shot! Load, a huge ○ (break)!”
All we do is wait for the time to leave its mark (3)
Vague and fluffy is the absolute minimum
Face to face, transparent, our backs to the flowers. It’s dull
So we always just play the highlights
You could say that was to be expected (4)
I want to see you. In the words of young Hanayadori (5)
We mustn’t let ourselves be deluded in the face of danger. La-da-da-da (6)
This volume might just be top tier
A complete face turn, you will never!
We’ll keep flying far out forever (7)
You could say we’re fine without a propeller
Don't you dare ask how long this has gone on
Perfect form until we’re satisfied!
It’s just like you said
Though I don't really mean that (8)
In the end, isn’t it that all it is?
Night closes into 6 favorologies
Just like that, stay natural and relaxed!
I don’t hate you but
I have no confidence. The truth is
There’s a hierarchy to things, isn’t there?
You’re great fluttering back and forth too
“Barrage, adjustment, coming towards you… reload, a little ×(break)!”
We do nothing but wait for the sound of the bell (9)
Embrace it, boy! You’re not what I thought
Vague and transparent, you have no boundary. Diligently
Run forward, at top level
You could say it was a challenge
That’s right, I wanted to become an adult
So I made other people deal with danger for me. I’m sorry
You had to bear the worst of it
Your response was a circle with your fingers (OK!)
From morning to night
“Break through that wall!”
And ding dong dang
Pummel me right here in the heart
Swaying high in the sky, throbbing
Raise the curtain○△□×(bleep bleep) Super jamming GOOD!
“We’ll keep flying all the way to the end of the universe!”
Subtracting dreams to maintain entropy
The long awaited antiphase super development!
Vague and fluffy is the absolute minimum
Face to face, transparent, our backs to the flowers. It’s dull
So we always just play the highlights
You could say that that was natural
Boy! You’re not what I thought
Vague and transparent, you have no boundary. La-da-da-da
Run forward, at top level
You could say it was a challenge
We’re always flying far out
You could say we’re fine without a propeller
Don't you dare ask how long this has gone on
Perfect form until we’re satisfied!
There’s no such thing as completion!
Hope you liked it!
Notes:
0. The title, besides making the negative form into a command, changes the “shi” in “kunshi” from 子 (child) to 氏 (a more formal honorific for a person, usually used for people you’ve never met and have no connection to). Since the latter shi is more “adult”, this could be considered an indicator of how the Matsu-kuns grew up into Matsu-sans.
1. “Trying to be rude” is specifically “Iyami”, so this line could also be interpreted as “I/You’re not Iyami, but...”
2. The “hierarchy” is specifically the 3-part hierarchy 松竹梅 shouchikubai, pine, bamboo and plum; with the first kanji for pine being of course our beloved Matsu.
3. The kanji used for time in this case is not the typical 時 but 刻, which means to carve or leave a mark. “Wait” is pronounced as “matsu”, so you could also interpret the “All we do is wait” part of the line as “nothing but Matsus”
4. This chorus is as vague as its first line, even though that line could also mean “We keep vagueness to a minimum”. For the “flowers to our back” part (which is also an unsure translation because it’s written in all hiragana), “flowers” could refer to generally anything colorful or enjoyable in life. The last line could also be “I was able to say that’s natural/to be expected”
5. The only result you get when searching for “Hanayadori-kun” is this song, so I have no idea who it could possibly be. Because it’s right before a line referencing the same “a wise man...” as the title, I thought it might be the wise man in question, though -kun also suggests a young man or boy. The name probably means something like “flower lodging” with the same metaphor of flower=beauty and fun as before.
6. This is a combination of the idiom from the title and a line from a famous Japanese poem called Iroha.
7. “Tonderu“ means both “flying/jumping“ and an outdated generally positive adjective like “groovy”, so this could be like “we’ll keep flying forever“ or “we’ll be groovy forever“. I tried to get both with “flying far out“
8. This could also be “It’s just like you said, this isn’t my true feelings”
9. Another “nothing but Matsus” line. This time “oto” for “sound” is written with 鐘 rather than the usual 音. 鐘 is a bell, but specifically a huge bell that’s used in Buddhist and Shinto ceremonies. For what it’s worth, the opening animation of this song does have references to Buddhism and an intense Buddhist interpretation exists in Japanese, but I don’t feel like translating it :)
A fun song by AOP, who just released their newest Osomatsu-san OP.
MISSION→
Lyrics: Honda Koshiro
Composition: Honda Koshiro
Original Lyrics | Romaji/Color code
Spotify | Apple Music/iTunes | YouTube Music
"AOP, AOP, please respond!"
What? What? What? What?
What is that?
(An encounter with the unknown)
Just now! Just now! See! Look! It... moved...
Totally impossible, unsolvable things are just part of daily life
(Even a second from now is a mystery)
Eventually, we might make it to a planet in another galaxy
(Potential)
Three, two, one, starting from above^ the atmosphere
We'll take over the world of your heart
Up the speed of your telepathy, burn away any hesitations
(If you hold back on enjoying things, it's boring)
This century's greatest sympathy!
Come together! HIGH! HIGH! HIGH! The vibrations
A high energy emotion
It's still not enough, make it reach all the way to space
Let's go! HIGH! HIGH! HIGH! With decorations
Feel your imagination!
Not losing to anyone, go full speed on your own path!
Forgive me for being selfish sometimes
Always challenging ourselves is our mission
Concentrate, aim, direct hit, blow away the meteorite
(All in pieces)
Great man, old man, and hermit alike came from far and wide to see the alien
After all x 3 anyone would want to touch it
(Just out of curiosity)
One more time x3 I want to meet you again, mysterious creature
(Unidenitified and unconfirmed)
Three, two, one, from way below the underground city
I'm declaring the joy of my love for you
Up the speed of my heartbeats
Drown out and annihilate your worries
(Let your tears wash away the sadness)
The greatest upset of the century
Come together! HIGH! HIGH! HIGH! Make a revolution!
The horn of celebration!
It's still not enough! Burn hotter than the sun
Let's go! HIGH! HIGH! HIGH! Our generation!
Feel your satisfaction!
It's not for anyone else, we're aiming to polish ourselves
And even if we become too polished, forgive us okay?
Always challenging is our mission
"Mayday! Mayday! Can you hear me?"
"Yes. Roger that! Additional support incoming"
"Alright then, shall we get going!!!"
Yesterday Tomoe Kei, who has been with the group since its inception in 2012, left AOP. Her graduation concert was pretty enjoyable and is still on YouTube until August 5 Japan time. It’s only an hour long, so check it out if you’re interested in the group.
With that in mind, I do still really like AOP and feel that I want to help English speaking fans know about them and their music. So I’ve translated their self introduction song! I wanna make a proper intro post for them one of these days too, but for now, take this. Minus Kei-chan, it’s the current lineup.
First up is the leader, Non-chan (Non-chan!)
She looks cool but she's burning with passion
She's clumsy but straightforward
And she loves cats "Meow~"
Everyone depends on Non-chan (Non-chan!)
Next up is the tallest member
She looks mature and smart but
She laughs a lot, cries a lot, and eats a lot
Leave dancing up to her "Leave it to me!"
Spreading sparkle everywhere, Asahi Yuna! (Asashi Yuna!)
A princess who doesn't need a knight
Accompanied by little rabbits
A lovely rose, s'il vous plaît
"Am I cute today, too~?" (So cute!)
Our pink princess, Kei-chan (Kei-chan!)
A light and flighty little fairy
Easy-going, healing (Hinaki)
She has extensive knowledge, and is properly "I'm thinking about it!"
Please take some happiness
(The truth is...) She's like a big sister, Hinaki (Hinaki!)
Do you know about AOP?
Let's Introduce AOP!!
We're the Anime Cheering Project
<Though no one asked us to do it!>
Battle-> Idol->
Cute Girls-> Fantasy
Keeping up with anime, that excitement before watching a new series
I want it to continue forever
"I'm sorry!" "I'm sorry!"
She says that all the time, does she even know any other words~? "I do!!"
She's got amazing reflexes
And her dance is super sharp "I'm sorry~"
Get done in by her gap, Kojima Rin (Kojima Rin!)
Out of this world ideas! Completely unpredictable? (Hirose!)
Her sparkling smile is dazzling
She's a scatterbrain and it worries us "Where's my phone~?"
With her warm heart
She can make sunflowers bloom, Hirose (Hirose!)
Having the same faves as her is "No way!"
An all-rounder who can do anything well
But she's a fragile hearted crybaby who worries too much
She's great at singing "Aaaah~"
Moodmaker, Hoshiki Seena (Hoshika Seena!)
The sword lover (Yukina)
She loves swords and admires them nonstop "I love you"
Sometimes you see her clumsy side, and it's cute
She's got a youngest child's personality "Tehe!"
Smiling today too, Yukina (Yukina!)
Do you know about AOP?
Let's Introduce AOP!!
We're the Anime Cheering Project
<Though no one asked us to do it!>
School life -> Mystery ->
Sports -> Superpowers
Keeping up with anime, the heartpounding feeling before watching the continuation
Do you know about AOP?
Let's Introduce AOP!!
We're the Anime Cheering Project
<Though no one asked us to do it!>
We're AOP! Nice to meet you~
AOP are all otaku
If possible, could you let us be in a little corner of your daily life
And stay there forever?
A request for @okashinara! This is the most recent single from Junjou no Afilia, formerly known as Afilia Saga, an idol group made of maids working at the Afilia Kingdom maid cafes.
This song has a slight KPop feel, but in the end, yep, it’s J-Pop.
A sudden uneasiness is the signal
It’s always capricious, mean, and heart pounding
In conclusion, that’s right, I’m talking about love
My sense of distance from you at a handshake
Just 5+α more people, if only there could be a daring plot twist like in a movie
My selfish fantasy
I can’t stop
My contract has a love ban, but I have no intention of following it, you know?
Everyone feels that way, right? NO! NO!
You’re just pretending you don’t know, right? NO! NO!
What if it’s a 100% secret love? YES!!
Do you Like? or Love? A-Ha, I’m nervous but I want you to choose
They resemble each other but are completely different dimensions, milk chocolate versus a black hole
The distance between us, A-Ha, rapid approach until we both break out of our shells
Look into my eyes, I wanna hear it no matter how many times. Two feelings in one “L”
My brakes won’t work, it’s thrilling
Don’t stop this feeling. This selfish and straightforward
Private love story
The first to fall in love loses
Someone said that once, but that kind of theory has no worth to me
I’m firmly positive
It’s so mysterious
I don’t just like you, and it’s not “really like” either, this must be Love
Doesn’t everyone feel that way? NO! NO!
About someone…? NO! NO!
What if it’s a love with 100% stealth? YES!!
Do you Like? or Love? A-Ha, I have no doubt in myself anymore
A small change of nuance in your answer is the difference between milk chocolate and black hole
If only the two of us, A-Ha, were in a situation where we could call each other lovers
If I can dream about that, I want to keep sleeping. Two feelings in one “L”
Someday, nobody will get hurt. If that day comes
Will you watch over our love that was bound together with purity?
Do you Like? or Love? A-Ha, I’m nervous but I want you to choose
They resemble each other but are completely different dimensions, milk chocolate versus a black hole
The distance between us, A-Ha, rapid approach until we both break out of our shells
Look into my eyes, I wanna hear it no matter how many times. Two feelings in one “L”
A lesser known AOP Osomatsu song, the theme song of the Damematsu browser game.
This song’s title has 2 cultural references. Firstly, it’s a pun on the folktale Hanasaka Jii-san. It’s also a reference to Ee ja nai ka, a weird nihilistic religious protest-party that took place at the end of the Edo period.
There’s a couple other idol songs that have this phrase featured heavily, including Johnny’s WEST’s representative song Eejanaika and Kobushi Factory’s Ee Ja Nai Ka Ninja Nai ka. Because anti-foreigner sentiments were a big part of the original protests, I think it’s interesting that the phrase ends up being used in songs by idols, which are an example of Japan fully adopting foreign influence. But in the end, that foreign influence was turned into something quite unique to Japan.
I digress. This song is really catchy and has really fun and super Matsu-like lyrics!
花咲か人生ええじゃないか | A Flower Blooming Life, Ain't It Fine
Lyrics: Ikenami Anju
Composition: Ikenami Anju
Original Lyrics
Spotify | Apple Music/iTunes | Google Play
English Lyrics
If the wall ahead is too high to pass, I'll just draw on it
If I trip over, I'll fall asleep right there
When waves of discord appear, I’ll go surfing
Forgot my umbrella? A free shower
What shall we do, what shall we do,
These troublesome little sheep
Are too soft,
I can't bring myself to let them free
Ain't it just fine, like this?
Life is just one time, so
We should have fun and take it easy
I want to laugh as much as I can!
Here we go,
One, two, three, four
Five, six, "fall down seven get up eight!"
Well then, thanks for coming!
Burnt food is my personal gourmet
If I take one wrong turn I'll walk all the way around the world
Nights when I can't sleep are parties
I have a gold medal for my speed in running away
What should I do, what should I do?
I was late on accident
I really was hurrying, but
There's a beautiful girl around every corner...
Ain't it just fine? Your troubles
Will work themselves out somehow
If you just leave things alone, tomorrow will still come
So let's be optimistic!
Or so they say!
One, two, three, four
Five, six good-for-nothings
I stayed cozy in my house all winter
And I didn't catch a cold once
If I just keep relaxing like this
The cherry blossoms outside the window look beautiful...
Ain't it just fine, the way it is?
After all, life is just once
I wanna live and love without committing
And laugh as much as I can
Ain't it it fine, just like this!
This way, life is a flowery path
Doing only things that are easy and fun
I'll push forward just like this
Here we go,
One, two, three, four
Five, six, "A seven-colored future"?
You probably know how to find it. Until then, thanks for coming!
The OP to Chou-Kadou Girl 1/6 and one of AOP's best recent songs.
それゆけ！恋ゴコロ | Onward! Awaken to Love
Lyrics: Makoto Asano
Composition: James Panda Jr.
Original Lyrics & Romaji
Spotify | Apple Music/iTunes | Google Play
It begins, I awaken to love. You catch my gaze
A smile comes to my face. Can you solve the mystery?
Girls will never let go of
The one gaze that makes them feel that way
I'm the one who decides how fast my heart beats
Do you think of me?
Boys act stronger than they are
They try to look cool and end up self-destructing
Don't regret what's already happened
Keep your eyes on me!
With all these thrilling, heart-pounding happenings
Forgive me for being fickle
Onward! Awaken, my love, before it becomes just a rumor
A sweet secret that keeps growing bigger, so much it might burst
Don't lose! My heart in love
Break through common sense
I can even make dreams come true, if it's for you
Don't call me a doll
Don't try to decide what my character is
Do you want to know the real me?
Tell me how to love
I want an even more happy and exciting everyday
Let's bring this romance to life
Onward! Awaken, my love
Chase his heart
Don't think about the future, just be by my side right now
Don't lose! My heart in love
I won't cry and I won't hesitate
You know how I feel, right? Now, tell me
Everlasting sparkle, light, fluffy and endless
Let's create a miracle
Onward! Awaken, my love, before it becomes just a rumor
A sweet secret that keeps growing bigger, so much it might burst
Don't lose! My heart in love
Break through common sense
I can even make dreams come true, if it's for you
Of course, the idol group with “philosophy” in its name also has a song about the philosophy of being an idol. It’s a weird industry, but there’s love in it.
アイドル・フィロソフィー | Idol Philosophy
Lyrics: Yamamoto Shou
Composition: Miyano Gento
Spotify | iTunes/Apple Music | Google Play Music
Hey, how do you view me?
(Everybody) This is a strange world
But we’ve become completely at home in it
(Everybody) So I have something to say
Ah, is there really a need to make that kind of face?
(Everybody) 10 storeys underground
I put up my hair in two
(Everybody) And pretend to look troubled
(But you know) When girls say stuff like
(So be it) You’re cute and so on
(The truth is) I can’t seem to trust it
Forgive me, because I’m an idol
It’s fine as long as there’s a philosophy behind it, right?
I’ve noticed, because I’m an idol
That there needs to be love there
So, how will I change from now on?
(Everybody) This world that's been decided
Is already enough for me
(Everybody) All the faces look alike
(But you know) It’s like we’re playing a betting game
(So be it) But wagering our whole lives
(The truth is) That it’s super fun
Only an idol can forgive it
It’s fine as long as there’s a philosophy behind it, right?
Only an idol will understand
The love that you can find there
I just can’t quit!
The same clothes, the same words
I glance beside me to check
You’ll never get too used to me, and I’ll never be the same
So just keep looking at me
(But you know) It’s like we’re playing a betting game
(So be it) But wagering our whole lives
(The truth is) That it’s super fun
Forgive me, because I’m an idol
It’s fine as long as there’s a philosophy behind it, right?
I’ve noticed, because I’m an idol
It’s fine as long as there’s truth behind it, right
Only an idol can forgive it
It’s fine as long as there’s a philosophy behind it, right?
Only an idol will understand
The love that you can find there
Another song by the philosophy-themed funk idol group Philosophy no Dance.
If you like this song, please stream it on Spotify, or buy it on iTunes or Google Play!
This song actually uses some philosophical jargon that I don’t think is widely known, so I’ll post the explanations here before the lyrics:
Heuristic: encouraging a person to learn, discover, understand, or solve problems on his or her own, as by experimenting, evaluating possible answers or solutions, or by trial and error. (Dictionary.com)
Abduction: Abductive reasoning typically begins with an incomplete set of observations and proceeds to the likeliest possible explanation for the set. (Butte College)
Deduction: Deductive reasoning starts with the assertion of a general rule and proceeds from there to a guaranteed specific conclusion. (Butte College)
ヒューリスティック・シティ | Heuristic City
Lyrics: Yamamoto Shou
Composition: Miyano Genta
I give you my farewell
In the moment I’m able to say I love you
Let’s go on to the next era
I’ll remember now for you
There are loves where saying farewell
Isn’t so bad
Just kidding, I’m making excuses
It’s a natural abduction
Experience calls to the next love
(any logic is heuristic)
Our old meeting place
Has the scent of memories
You changed the name you call me by
In other words, this is the end
You’ll walk on the side closer to the road
And take me to that shop
Just like always, right?
I was taught that that was everything
Which must be why it’s inevitable
I give you my farewell
In the moment I’m able to say I love you
Let’s go on to the next era
I’ll remember now for you
There are loves where saying farewell
Isn’t so bad
Just kidding, I’m making excuses
It’s a natural abduction
Experience calls to the next love
I thought I hated
The differences between us
But as long as there was a third choice
It was no big deal at all
People always act
As though everything occurs in clear succession
As though it’s obvious
I don’t know the next one’s name yet
But that’s fine
I give you my farewell
So that I can know that I love you
Let’s meet at the next place
Because I’ll remember here
There are times
when saying farewell isn’t so bad
Just kidding, there’s no excuse, huh?
There’s no coincidences, only deductions
This is a heuristic city
(any logic is heuristic)
The future that never came to be
And the logic I didn’t understand
And my forgotten dreams too
I give you my farewell
In the moment I’m able to say I love you
Let’s go on to the next era
Because I’ll remember now for you
There are loves where saying farewell
Isn’t so bad
Just kidding, I think I’m making excuses
It’s a natural abduction
This is a heuristic city
The representative song of a fantastic funk-inspired idol group called Philosophy no Dance (abbreviated Philo no Su in Japanese) or The Dance for Philosophy (abbreviated DFP). Their concept is “funky but chic”, and their lyrics often deal with philosophical concepts.
If you want to learn more about the group, you can check this Twitter!!
Some, but sadly not all of their music is on Spotify, including this song!! But be sure to watch the music video too, because it’s amazing!
ダンス・ファウンダー | Dance Founder
Lyrics: Yamamoto Shou
Composition: Miyano Gento
We've been hearing it for millions of years
This on-beat pierces through our DNA
But right here and now, I want to drum out a little something else
No matter how many thousand times it plays
This off-beat is pleasant in any occasion
Wherever you are right now, that's the center of everything!
If you put your ear
To the broken manual
The sound will resonate, you understand right? This is it
The starting impulse for the two of us
I'll let you dance a brand new dance
You can still keep going, right?
That nostalgic dance isn't enough anymore
There's no wrong steps here
Dance in a way that belongs to no one
Everything changed in just half a century
A question eats up the CPU
I want to leave a mark somewhere besides here
In this century it's super important
To have a philosophy that goes beyond ABC
This idea will live on forever, that's the foundation
Where is the floor?
What is the stage?
We should just break it all, at this point we don't need
Borders on the world!
I'll let you dance a brand new dance
Because I can still keep going
The same old dance isn't enough anymore
It's not "only in the good old days"
Dance in a world nobody knows yet
A brand new dance for you
A brand new dance for you
I'll let you dance a brand new dance
Because I can still keep going
The same old dance isn't enough anymore
I'll let you dance a brand new dance
You can still keep going, right?
That nostalgic dance isn't enough anymore
There's no wrong steps here
Dance in a way that belongs to no one
I don't care what anyone says about me.
Right now, I am simply in love.
I've fallen in love with a few men before this
It's not that I've come to hate them, but the seasons pass
Choosing my outfit, adding the limited edition scarf
That's right, you definitely will never betray me, my beloved
Ah, right in my ears
Ah, you whisper sweet words
I'm so happy, I just
I can't even breathe
I love you, I love you, I love you, I truly love you
I'll give you my everything
In class, while eating, while commuting, always
I'm looking right at you
That hair, those arms, that mischeivous smile
Even if I can't touch them
My feelings grow even more passionate
Listen...
"I love you."
There are lots of other girls aiming for you
Of course I know that, but I don't feel like I'm losing. How strange
That episode is forever in my memories, I watch it over and over
Your figure as you overcame your weakness was brilliant
Ah, the day
Ah, disappears into fog
You don't know about
How our story is limited by the passing time
Common sense, appearances, or anything else, have nothing to do with it
I am simply in love
Even though you're close to me, you're not by my side
Once again, my tears won't stop
My birthday, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Halloween
The whole year sparkles
Overcoming space and time, love connects us
But...but...
"You've always told me
So many words I needed to hear
So just this once, let me say this
Thank you, truly,
For always being by my side.
Because I have you, I'm not lonely anymore.
But you know, if I could be selfish just once...
No, never mind. It's impossible anyway.
It's fine like this. Hey, listen.
I truly love you."
Looking at my smart phone, I cry and laugh
Love can take on more than one form
Even if I can't go to the 2nd dimension
This pain is three-dimensional
Aah,
I love you, I love you, I love you, I truly love you
I'll give you my everything
In class, while eating, while commuting, always
I'm looking right at you
That hair, those arms, that mischeivous smile
Even if I can't touch them
My feelings grow even more passionate
Listen...
"I love you."
