上昇 by Kamikita Ken~ Translation

Have been in love with this song since I first heard it from his live in April. Listening to it for the first time, I couldn't quite get the lyrics but I was drawn to these two lines
"Please never let your heart grows cold 
Even a fallen flower has a soul"

And once I understood the lyrics (according to my own interpretation), I cried.
I guess I shouldn't be saying all these songs describe my life, but if you are going through many things in life, I hope this song could be somewhat of a light, brightening even just a tiny little bit of your day like how it is to me

Joushou

Written and composed by Kamikita Ken (KK)

English translation by Makoto 

Just now, a dream had come to the end, scattering on the ground.
It was such a charming ending.
When this rain stops,
Will it make a rainbow crossing across the sky?

Please keep moving forward.
Even if you get lost and end up directionless,
Accept the challenge in front of you and take a step forward.
Fighting against (the challenges one faces in life) is an opportunity to grow up.
Until the day we could meet the not-yet-to-be-known tomorrow.
Fly high. Fly high. Fly high.
What you'll be able to find
Under layers of your memory
Is the stair, which will lead to your future.

The ones who wish for a peaceful tomorrow
The ones who continue to live on while being chased by something.
Please never let your heart grows cold
Even a fallen flower has a soul

On the pitch black east side of the sky
A sixth magnitude star, trying its best to shine
Although it can only emit a pale light.
Just like how that pale light is still visible
There must be someone who will find you and your light.
And someday, even this place will definitely turn into a beautiful memory.

Please keep moving forward.
Even if you get lost and end up directionless,
Accept the challenge in front of you and take a step forward.
Fighting against (the challenges one faces in life) is an opportunity to grow up.
Until the day we could meet the not-yet-to-be-known tomorrow.
Fly high. Fly high. Fly high.
The memories within your heart
Will show you a way to your future.

4th song from KK's mini album, TIDE
Cross-fade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yleMFsZ_eeo
Please support the artist by purchasing original copy on Amazon Japan or CdJapan
Visit KK's official site and Youtube channel for more information

罰ゲーム by Mafumafu~ Translation

So many things that needed to be done in the last few months orz. I was going to finish editing the translation for KK's Joushou but life happened and the draft just remained in my notebook forever. But not long ago Mafumafu uploaded his new original song, which got me totally addicted to it. I really love Mafumafu's voice, his song choice and his amazing song writing skill! Then I went ahead and translated it before completing the draft for Joushou~
The song is indeed my type and it describes my life so well so please enjoy it!
You can find the song here

Batsu Game
(Punishment Game)

Written and composed by Mafumafu

English translation by Makoto 

Looking down from the top floor

The end is beckoning 

Singing the song of a life-sized love 

Pretending not to see all the violence and discrimination acts around 

We, a fellow of people who just gone with the flow

Getting together with someone and fleet away

Yearning to be loved

Becoming obsequious to just anyone 

Can't you see that twisted face of your? 

Just disappear already! 

Hate! I hate you!

I really hate you! Hate you!

You, who smile with him, with anyone

Who is that? 

Hate! I hate you! 

In the end, all I get is betrayal, right? 

Life, or should I say, a punishment game

Looking down from the top floor

One more step closer to the invitation to the end 

Standing in front of the station shutter door

Trying to catch (some) breath

Teacher, I'm also like that

I also pretended to look other way, pretended not to see

It's too thin a hole is created.

Seems like (having) a sense of justice can't help anyone 

So I stopped

Hate! I hate myself!

Pride and idiocy will become one, you know? 

I'm talking about you,  my dear self! 

Hate! I hate you!

But more than anyone, I hate myself the most

Life, or should I say, a punishment game.

Even rubbing your sleepy eyes

Things you have learnt from a text book

Are in fact, nonsense and completely opposite in real life

I only want to end this game (life)

Hate! I hate you! 

I really hate you, hate you! 

As if I'm filled with hatred

Such a great song of life

Hate! I hate you! 

I hate myself, I hate everyone! 

Don't want to die but it's not like I want to live either

This whole thing is nothing more than a punishment game 

Please set me free. 

Visit Mafumafu's Official Youtube channel or Nico Nico  for more! 

KK's release in Summer Comiket (C90)

   As many of you must have known, Comiket is the biggest event for doujin related goods, hence, many utaites are going to sell their works in the event. Despite the event is held twice a year, summer one is considered the main event, which much more circles and individuals participate.

   This summer, Ken-chan is going to have two collaborations, one with Harry and one with Riot of Color. 

HarryP ft.  KK~ Back of the Eyelid 

All songs composed and written by HarryP, and 

Vocal and Chorus are performed by KK, and

Arranged by Eddy Tanahashi!

Track list: 

1. ぼくらのレットイットビー (Bokura no Let It be)
2. 地球の空き地 (Chikyuu no Akichi)
3. HEAVEN
4. ジーニアス (Genius) 
5. NightGale
6. SUN

Cross fade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHlpY36s1yc

Only Sun is a new song to me but apparently, all these songs were written by Harry a while ago.

The new arrangement of Heaven is simply perfect. I've been listening to Heaven for 2 years but I never get tired of this song, not mention there is a ballad ver going to be released soon!

Not only his talent in story telling through his songs, the songs he chooses to cover are just beautiful. I can't describe how good his sense is anymore! 

The cd will be sold at comiket (prob the 3rd day) for 1000 yen, otherwise, it can be purchased from amazon for 1500 yen 

There is one more release, which is from Riot of Color (ROC). The album is called Shuffle, which literally means that they shuffle to see who is singing what.

Riot of Color~ Shuffle 

Track list:

・破獄伝エクソダス －kradness COVER.ver－
・風来 －ゆりん COVER.ver－
・diary －S!N COVER.ver－
・5:04 －Eve COVER.ver－
・sister －夏代孝明 COVER.ver－
・Left behind －KK COVER.ver－
・最終回 －Eve & ゆりん－
・Unfair －kradness & S!N－
・ENDING TELLER － KK & 夏代孝明－

Cross fae: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm29425903

S!N covers KK's Diary!!!! Yep, S!N 

S!N is famous for singing more energetic songs, those he can scream a lot. So hearing his ver of Diary is quite refreshing. 

Ken-chan covers Left Behind (written by tilt-six), which is originally covered by kradness. Havent heard the original yet so can't really say anything, but as always, it's super super nice! 

Moreover, Ken-chan has a duet with Natsushiro...a new song called Ending Teller, which is composed by Natsushiro and written by KK! 

How to say it, this is the first time I listened to his duet and it was just stunning! I have absolutely no word to describe how beautiful this song is! 

The album will be sold at comiket for 1500 yen and at Tsutaya for 2160 yen.

Please support the artists by purchasing original copy on amazon and/or Tsutaya

I'm going to get Back of the eyelid for sure, but don't know if I can get ROC's one since they are selling it through Tsutaya....

Please do think of overseas fan like me and put everything on amazon or cdjapan...which is way better in term of shipping. 

Too many in just one summer, beside, Ken-chan's live tour is coming up. Hope he has chance to rest properly! 

緑閃光 by KK～Transaltion

Not long to go until the release of Tide *clap clap*. But I'll have to wait quite a bit for my copies to arrive. I decided to grab both the cd (w/ bonus disc from Tower records) and the concept book so double the excitment! Well, in the meantime, there are heap of stuffs need to be done, for example, tranlsating songs from Scoop~ 

Ryokusenkou wasn't my favorite when I first listened to the album. But the moment I was able to hear the 5th part of this song (and the 8th), ryokusenkou jumped all the way to the top of my playlist! 

Ryokusenkou

(Green flash) 

Written and composed by Kamikita Ken (KK)

English translation by Makoto (with BIG help from jisho ^^)

‘If it’s too painful, stop these fingers’

There was a voice whispering that, in the classroom at the end of the day.

As if wanting to invite people with its light, the sun poured down incessantly.

In that very moment, I realized I’d be the only one left behind.

A new day began.

There is no limit to the problem that one faces in life.

Day by day, those problems just keep on increasing.

Despite how much people suffer every day, this town still looks the same.

There must be a lot more things that I could do.

And it feels like this world would become a much more beautiful place, when I’m able to change.

You know, even someone like me have tried to become a better person.

I wonder if you’d smile, seeing the way things are now.

If you have wounds that could never be healed

Never think of the scars left behind as something ugly or shameful.

The scars, which remain forever in your heart 

Are the proof that you’ve been fighting until today

And one day, they may become the reason for your existence.

Time moves in an endless circle by its momentum.

The only thing that changes from yesterday is how the sky looks today.

Though the wind is strong, doesn’t look like it’s gonna rain.

If all you do is taking one step forward, then back

You’ll just go through the same-old everyday

Without achieving anything

And end up thinking that every moment goes by is meaningless.

How are our values and believes shaped? 

Based on appearances, impressions; or how good we are at hiding ugly parts of ourselves? 

However, I could never be able to say these things out-loud 

Instead, I'm here, just waiting for the day to finish.

The reason we feel regret about those days we could no longer return to,

Is because we still carry the passions we used to have with us.

Please don't leave behind the pains, grieves, and all that you have been through,

I hope one day, these emotions would reach your heart. 

When the sky turns into a deep blue colour,

A flock of birds flies towards the west.

You guys can go wherever you want to 

Because I'm sure one day, I'll reach your place.

To be able to see the scenery you wish for,

You must accept and cherish your past 

No matter how much you want to hide it.

Things that remain in you heart

The proofs that you've been fighting

I hope one day, they could become the reason for your existence.

And one day, turn into the direction to your tomorrow. 

7th song from KK's latest album, SCOOP

Cross-fade: https://youtu.be/qi_OZmkGUKI 

Please support the artist by purchasing original copy on Amazon Japan or CdJapan

Visit KK's official site and Youtube channel for more information

心音 by KK~ Translation

I didn't have that much interest in this song at first but as I gradually picked up the lyrics, the song became something I couldn't get out of my head. To me, 心音 is like the next part of 心根, the next chapter in a long journey that young man in 心根 has started. If you haven't listened to 心根, I highly recommend you to do so first~ The translation of 心根's lyrics can be found here

Kokorone

Written and composed by Kamikita Ken (KK)

English translation by Makoto (and jisho)

In this fast changing scenery, things that one wants to leave behind.
Keep moving forwards. Never let go of your hands.
(Keep on moving also means never let go of your hands)

Have you decided where you are heading to?
How about that bad habit of your, have you fixed it yet?

Is that miserable man finally able to shed a real tear?

All of us continuously making mistakes, continue to live on with endless fears.
Even so, the reason we still wish for tomorrow to come
Is because we don’t want to lose in the battle against this world, right?

Even to someone like me, there is a reason for my existence,
I wonder if I’m able to say that the path continues behind my back isn’t that bad.

Just a little bit, I feel like I can try to have faith (in this world) again.
As well as accepting (it).

Like how our regrets fluttered into the sky, one small ephemeral step forwards
May result in the acknowledgement of your efforts.  

As long as this sound remains in your heart,
Everything you have been through will definitely be rewarded.

*the following part isn't in the original song in, but the extended ver he wrote later on

Those things that are left unacknowledged are going to pave your path.
Although who I'm right now can only tell you this much

I hope this song will support both of us in our life journey.

16th track from KK's first album 心音 (Kokorone)
You can listen to the song here
Please support the artist by purchasing original copy on Amazon Japan or CdJapan
Visit KK's official site and Youtube channel for more information

Kamikita Ken's 1st Mini-Album TIDE!!!!

OMG Yessssssss, finally YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

I have been waiting for the info on his upcoming album since April! It totally worth the wait!
I was going to do a live report for the April live but well, things happened and I got so tired with assignments and final exams so yea....
Anw, except for his beautiful and powerful voice, and all the meaningful songs from Scoop, there were 3 important news in the live.

1. Three new songs were performed
上昇 (Joushou)
ブルータウン (Blue town)
フラワーパズル (Flower puzzle)

Personally I love the first two new songs so much. As usual, the songs Ken-chan wrote are full of messages. Listening to his music isn't just about listening to a song, as once you understand the lyrics, all of them will turn into a somewhat painful memory, or a story about one's life. And like I said before with Sekaowa's music, anyone who can't seem to understand Ken-chan and Sekaowa's music should be happy. There is no need to be ashamed, because your life is much brighter than ppl who get the messages behind those words. Although these 3 songs have a much happier vibe compared to the previous one.

2. Release tour in summer (in Japan, ofc ToT)
I hope he will broadcast it on nico nico again, because I'm pretty sure he already knew that there is a number of overseas fans. The Korean fan base seems to be quite strong~

3. 1st mini-album release!!!!!!
He told us the date, time and venues for live tour but nothing about the album back in April. But finally this morning, it has been announced that the album, called TIDE, will be released on 3rd August 2016 *clap clap clap*

The moment I saw his twitter, I rushed to cdjapan to order mine (although there is no reason for that lol).
The album consists of 7 tracks, which you can find more information on (and perhaps get your copies because I'm sure you'd fall in love with his music) cdjapan, amazon japan or Ken-chan's official site.
For now, you can listen to Blue town on youtube or nico nico
Can't wait for full lyrics of these songs to be published.

Oh btw, Ken-chan created a facebook account at last! I think Japanese netizens are slowly adapting to facebook. So many good news today!

Please support the artist by purchasing original copy on Amazon Japan or CdJapan
Visit KK's official site and Youtube channel for more information

生物学的幻想曲 (Seibutsugaku teki gensoukyoku) by Sekai no Owari (Sekaowa)~ Translation

I have finished my exchange year in Japan and came back home. Things have been a little busy recently so I couldn't do anything (lol in fact I spent hours watching Durarara on my TV ^^). My friend was looking for Seibutsugaku teki gensoukyoku but she couldn't find one so I told her to leave it to me. 

Seibutsugaku teki gensoukyoku

Written and composed by Fukase

English translation by Makoto (with BIG help from jisho)

‘To breed the next generation’

That’s the reason why I was born

The reason why I’m nothing more than a part of the cycle of life.

Even so we enjoy, get angry, become happy, feel sad and die

I was born only to avoid humanity extinction, right?

The eternal life cycle that going round and round beautifully,

Going round and round, repeats endlessly.

The eternal life cycle that going round and round beautifully,

Going round and round, and shouldn’t be stopped.

Is there such thing called ‘meaning of life’ for those amoeba,

Coming to life from the division of its parent cells?

Is there a need for me to be ‘me’ when I’m only a part of the repeating breeding process of humanity?

The eternal life cycle that going round and round beautifully,

Going round and round, repeats endlessly.

The eternal life cycle that going round and round beautifully,

Going round and round, and shouldn’t be stopped.

Staying inside this cycle, sooner or later,

I’ll come to understand that even my existence has no meaning at all

Then, I’ll definitely bear a child

Go round and round beautifully in this cycle of life.

The eternal life cycle that going round and round beautifully,

Going round and round, repeats endlessly.

The eternal life cycle that going round and round beautifully,

Going round and round, and shouldn’t be stopped.

6th track from album 'Earth', which was released in 2010.

Please support the artist by purchasing original copy Cdjapan

P/s: One of my acquaintance once told me she couldn't understand Sekaowa's music, especially this song. It wasn't like she didn't understand Japanese or the translation but she simply was unable to understand what is this song about. Later on I posted a status saying people who do not understand Sekaowa's music should be happy because they have a less messed up life. So if you don't really get this song, lucky you~  

Wagakki Band live report!

I had a chance to attend Wagakki Band's live at Nippon Budokan a few days ago and it was amazing. (Sorry for my limited vocabulary as I'm sure I have used the same word for all the live reports)

New Year Party in Nippon Budokan

~Akatsuki no Utage ~

Many vocaloid and J-rock fans might have heard of Wagakki Band before. First of all, they have a great visual. Wagakki is means Japanese traditional musical instrument but guess what, they are a rock band! That's what make them unique. I knew Wagakki Band before knowing vocaloid and was in love with their verson of the famous Senbonzakura. At that time I actually thought Wagakki Band's one was the original until I found out about vocaloid. As I have said before, I don't like rock. I'm more on the ballad side of music but oh well, there are always certain exceptions, right? The main reason for me to like Wagakki Band is because of they combine the tradition and modern smoothly together. Japanese culture in general is something like that, so there is no way I wouldn't love a band who make use of both of Japan's traditional and modern culture. Beside, their music is very appealing. I love Yuko's voice so much I don't really care if they were playing rock or ballad or vocaloid.
Before attending the live, I love Wagakki Band as an artist, which means I only listen to their music.
I didn't know much about the member but

I love Yuko's voice (of course). If you had a chance to listen to any of their songs, you will know why many people fall in love with her beautiful voice. Her voice when singing live is a little soft, but only for rock songs which have pretty loud bgm. When singing a ballad or my favorite Yoshiwara Lament, my heart went doki doki so many time. Her choreography was also so charming for a moment I forgot that she is a singer.

 Wasabi's coolness. I have been following Wagakki Band for a year now and my reaction every single time watching their MVs is 'OMG Wasabi is soo cool. Such an ikemen <3 <3 <3'. While in the MVs, it is hard to see his drum techniques so I didn't really focus on that. But after the live, I know that Wasabi has wayyyy more than just his look!

Together with Kurona, who plays wadaiko (Japanese drum), these two drummers showed us the most passionate and hardcore (lol) drumming techniques  ever! I absolutely love their duet drum performance during the live.

Kurona may be the coolest man in the world while playing wadaiko but his characteristic is simply baka! And wayy tooo cute!

Asa-san's unique charms. For some reason I have been attracted to Asa-san since knowing the band. I think I finally know why after the live. He is amazing! His passion for music and the way he performs on the stage. And just recently I figured out he wrote Yoshiwara Lament, one of my favorite song on Niconico.

Wagakki Band isn't complete without Kiyoshi, playing the koto. He looked so different in hakama so I couldn't recognize him at first.

Shamisen, played by Beni Ninagawa.

Shakuhachi, performed by Daisuke Kaminaga (the fan and I call him Dai-san in short). My favorite Japanese musical instrument must be shakuhachi. And similar to what Dai-san said "I never thought playing shakuachi on stage in a rock band like this". But I strongly believe, without shakuhachi, Wagakki Band's music will sound very different. 

Machiya, the main guitar and second vocalist of Wagakki Band. The lyric of his solo song 郷愁の空 (Kyoshu no sora) is touching that I would have busted in tears if I didn't go to the concert with my friends. Beside he was the only one who goes on stage with bare feet. 

I love how the whole Budokan stadium turned into Wagakki Band's purple, and the encore chant that their fans known by heart. The last song, Senbonzakura was like a peak. A perfect way to finish such a wonderful live. I think many people know Wagakki Band through their version of Senbonzakura. That maybe why when that song was performed, the audience seemed to be a little more excited than other songs.

Thank you for such an unforgettable night! As Yuko-san said, 'Wagakki Band will always be this 8 people'. And please, don't forget that although the fan base might not be large enough, there are many fans waiting for Wagakki Band in Australia and Vietnam too!

P/s: I wish I could get the fan or keychain too but they were sold out so only got the must-have in all live in Japan, towel!

All stage photo is provided by CoFesta.