海を渡る者~ 生きゆく街に海を見る DVD Release~ Special Acoustic Live Report

All I could think about before coming to Japan this time were finding a place to live, yesterday acoustic live and Umi wo Miru DVD. I didn't worry about any annoying thing such as openning a bank account or registering for a mobile plan here ( I really miss the quick and super easy services at home). But, it's not something that can suddenly change in the near future. Oh well, I had such a good time at the live so all good!

海を渡る者~ Acoustic Live~

Ken-chan said, as well as the title suggested, 海を渡る者 (Those crossing the sea), is a continuation of 生きゆく街に海を見る (Looking at the sea from where you live). I'm pretty sure my interpretation of the concept is correct but I guess it'll be clearer when I have time to translate the concept story.  The live took place at a small bar with live music performance in Shimokitazawa. Thanks to Google maps I got to the live house where Hitosukui live took place. I went in, gave the ticket, bought my drink ticket, then to the stage where many people were smoking and drinking. Lucky I realized it was a different venue and took another 10 minutes to find the correct bar. Why does Shimokitazawa need to have that many concert venues? I missed only Umi wo Wataru so yay to me who was spinning around holding my phone while trying to figure out the direction (^^;). 

This was my first time to an acoustic live so I was a little surprised at how simple the setting was. Ken-chan with his guitar and mic, Kaoru-kun with two pianos, and Koji-san with his cello-ish bass plus a mic. But the sound turned out to be extremely good. In the past 1.5 years listening to Ken-chan's acoustic version on Niconico and Fresh, I have only ONE problem, the poor sound quality. Leaving that aside, Ken-chan's voice was powerful as always. Most songs were arranged and gave a different feeling. I love アイニイキル (Ai ni Ikiru) and 上昇 (Joushou) soooooooo much. The moment 上昇 was played, I went completely numb. Everything else was blocked except for 上昇. That's how much I love yesterday version of this song. As usual, Ken-chan missed some lyrics of a few song. And, his awkward pose, gesture and hand position when singing without his guitar. I personally thought all those were really cute. I could feel that he was very excited (and perhaps, nervous) so that is why he made more mistakes than other times. He smiled a lot more, he told the story behindメグレ MV making, he joked around with Koji-san and Kaoru-kun. When he came back for the encore and we stopped the chant, he was like "Is that all???" I've never seen him this normal and relax before! The live ended with Diary. For a moment I wondered why he didn't sing 心根・心音 but the reason is that it wasn't a 僕と君が、前を向くための歌 live~ 

After the performance was a quick autograph session. I reserved my copy online to get Umi wo Wataru, so I didn't line up. But instead, I was standing less than 10 steps away from him and was able to watch Ken-chan while waiting for my fellow Ken-chan's fan. 

I was really really really happy, that's all I can say whenever coming back from Ken-chan's live. 

For 90 minutes, I was able to forget all my worries, though my back was killing me from a long day at work orzzz. 

There will be a collaboration live between Ken-chan and Shindou Takatoshi (pianist) in November, but it's all the way in Nagoya so I'm not sure if I can go or not *cry*.

P/s: I'll definitely remember 404 Venue 

As always, please support the artist by purchasing original copy on KK's official Shop, CdJapan, AmazonJapan, or Itunes.

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

Kamikita Ken's Official Fanclub & DVD Release & Live Announcement!!!! (I'm supper excited at the moment)

I haven't been updating the blog for so long and suddenly, all these big news came out so I couldn't just sit back and write nothing!

ココロツドイ～Kamikita Ken's Official Fanclub

Ken-chan has finally created an official fanclub! I'm really happy that now this fandom has a name! ココロツドイ (Kokoro Tsudoi), which can be translated into "Where the hearts gather". 

Sounds just like Ken-chan <3 

ココロツドイWhere the hearts gather

Kokoro Tsudoi's member will have access to special news, presents and Ken-chan's novel! I'm sure it's gonna take me ages before I can actually understand everything he writes though! The member will also have priority for live ticket as well! 

Haven't applied yet so I don't know the process very well but I'll do it soon and might do a tutorial just in case anyone want to know. 

Head over here to join the fanclub 

生きゆく街に海をみる LIVE DVD Release

There is a DVD for April's concert!!!!!!

I was seriously shock when saw this on twitter! I've been complaining so much about how his voice sounds amazingly better singing live in comparison to recorded songs. All I wished for was a CD of his live performance, and now, we're going to have the DVD!!!!

Ken-chan barely reveals his face in front of the public. Except some occasions during live streaming, he made sure to cover his face somehow. However, this time, he's going to release a live DVD. To be honest, I'm not sure how he feels about this, but obviously this and the fanclub, are good signs for his career! 

There will be autograph sessions and mini-live for the DVD as well! 

生きゆく街に海を見る～Ikiyuku Machi ni Umi wo Miru～ 

Release date: 6th September 2017 

You can order it from Ken-chan's official Shop (international shipping is also available) or CdJapan

For the time being, I'm gonna replay the teaser over and over again! 

海を渡る者～Acoustic Live in September

海を渡る者～Umi wo Wataru Mono～A special acoustic live will be held on 1st September to celebrate the release of Ken-chan's first live DVD. 

And, finally...I'll be living in Japan once again pretty soon, and I'll be able to attend all these events so let's me know if any of you want to go to any of them, we can probably go together~

As always, please support the artist by purchasing original copy on KK's official Shop, CdJapan, AmazonJapan, or Itunes.

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

心分け by Kamikita Ken~ Translation

Feel like this is the come back season for all my favourite mangaka so I decided to make a comeback with translating KK's song too :)))
From the moment I listened to Layered's cross-fade, 心分け somehow drew me to it lyrics, though it wasn't like I understood it completely back then, or even now (~~')
It's just my own interpretation of this song, but it seems to me that 心分け tells a story of two souls existing inside one body. Similar to how Ken-chan mentioned 'you' and 'me' in ゆらぎ (you can find the translation here), I don't think the 'you' was an external existence, but more like one's past and present self.

That feelings when you look back at your past, and realise yourself from those days are telling you not to hold on to the past anymore. However, no matter how ugly do you and your past think of it, you can neither ignore or forget it; and at the same time, you don't want it to disappear. Both of you, trying to exist, trying to recognise each other's existence, because both of you, are you. You in the past wishes for your happiness and do its best to completely disappear. While you, who doesn't want to deny the path you have been through, are trying your best not to let the 'past you' go.

At least that's what I feel from the song, though it might be completely rubbish :))
If you also like 心分け , let me know what you think of the lyrics.

Kokoro Wake

Written and composed by Kamikita Ken (KK)

English translation by Makoto 

One day, I was gone
Then you was born, in place of me.
I'll leave this heart to you, so live freely from now on.

I'm an imitation, that's why I could no longer stay here.
I can't put these into words, so I'll leave in silent.

Two will be unnecessary. Either will do.
In that case, I will,
No longer needing this name nor this face, from tomorrow onward.
Please paint over me with your unclean self,
And truly become who you want to be.

Looking back at the memory of the old days
Was that clouded sky shaded in white or green?
Gazing down from the glass windows
All that came into my vision was a black ocean,
That looks like a big big eye,
Waiting to swallow me.
But then, you suddenly hugged me over the shoulders,
I could feel your warmth through the touch on my cheeks.
That feelings when your round, slightly wrinkle fingers gently brushed my hair
Is what they call 'safe and sound'
I was so closed to burst into tears.
And realised
'This is where I belong'
'This person is who I can trust'

The deep dark sea, seemingly to know just anything,
Has come to take the present me away
Even though it has already come,
It was you who tell me
'Don't go and vanish just yet'
'Together, we can go back'
You are mine, you are me.

One day, I was gone.
Then you was born, in place of me.
If you could take part of this heart, it'd be fine to loose a place to return to.

It's my fault that
No matter how far we move forward, we can't become neither 'you' or 'me'
This name, face and heart are all important.
Even the me, who want to become you, is equally important.
Please also love the unclean me.

It's alright being an unwanted imitation
Because I no longer have any doubt that who I'm now is (the real) me.

That's my decision, and the answer I have from making such decision.

(There were only 3-5 words I didn't know but it still took me more than an hour (maybe more) to translate this. Gj Ken-chan!!)


3rd song from Kamikita Ken's 2nd Mini Album, Layered
Cross-fade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHWjvxlVYXM
Please support the artist by purchasing original copy on CdJapan, AmazonJapan, or Itunes.
Visit KK's official site and Youtube channel for more information

僕と君が、前を向くための歌～生きゆく街に海を見る。上北健 HALL LIVE IN TOKYO 2017~ Report

Just realised I havent been updating this blog for so long already. Cant remember how many times I told myself to write one about KK's new mini album Layered, which was released on the 12th April. I'll put the link to his new album and stuffs like that at of this article. But first, let's have a quick report of his live at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall last night!*

                                     

                               "僕と君が、前を向くための歌"
　                                                                  生きゆく街に海を見る。

I have to say, it was totally worth it, spending money, time and effort to fly all the way to Japan, just to see KK's live this year. As I thought, my parents did complain a bit when I told them I'd go to Japan to see KK''s live. But in the end, it was my money and my hobby so they respected it! I guess as I grow older, they start to understand more about my decision in life, although this decision was simply spontaneous~ So yea, I booked a flight in late Feb and came to Japan the day before the live. 

Done with background information, now let's move to the real deal~~~~
My seat was right in the middle in the first row of the fixed seats, so I could see the stage without any obstruction! I think I prefer it than siting in the areana area. 

If I counted the 2016's live that I watched on Nico Nico, this would be the 3rd time I watched KK's live. Amazing? Fantastic? Wonderful? My English vocab doesnt allow me to describe it correctly. The live was, as always, not perfect but perfect! 

Ken-chan's voice was beautiful as ever. I'm glad they didnt make the BGM too loud so we could listen to his voice in such a big hall. He started with the concept song of this live, followed by Yuragi and Cross street, and it was too much for my heart! I have talked about my personal obsession with Yuragi so finding out he included it in this time, I was just filled with happiness. Together with the concept song, he also wrote a concept story especially for yesterday's live (I'll try to translate it later on), and actually read it out loud! Anyone who follows him would know he doesnt talk alot. Even on namahousou, Ken-chan usually sings and only tells important information. However yesterday, he stepped out his comfort zone and told us the story in his beautiful voice. Each phrase was read with emotion and wonderful acting skill, as if he wasnt a singer, but a story-teller. In some sense, Ken-chan is a story-teller, isnt he! Through music, he conveys the story of what he has been encountered in life, the story that portrays his feeling, thought and emotion. It's not always a pretty story, it's not always a happy story, but they are all real, and that's what draw me to his music. 

Talking about comfort zone, it was a rare sight seeing Ken-chan sings without his guitar. In this 1.5 years, I have never saw him without it, regardless using it or not. But yesterday, in front of everyone, he did it! To be honest, it was awk af!!!! But at the same time, seeing him trying his best, I almost bursted into tears. The awk movement and position he placed his hands were just too cute <3. 

What amazed me the most is that the audiences were speechless during the first 3 songs. No one was able to clap or whatsoever, like the hall was frozen by his voice. That feeling when you want to clap hands and show how great the performance was, but couldn't because you dont want to disturb the flow of it. It was simply amazing!

Thank you all the staffs, band members and the two dancers who played an irreplaceable role in creating such beautiful performance last night.
And Ken-chan, thanks so much for being there, for singing with your heart.
スタッフの皆さん、バンドメンバーの皆さん、ダンサーのお二人、本当にありがとうございます。
健さん、いつもいつもありがとうございます。
これからもずっと応援します。
いつまでも健さんの素敵な音楽を続けますように、
いつか世界中に広げますように。

I still havent listened to Layered since I dont have a cd driver atm, but I got to listen to the songs in yesterday's live so all good! 

I'm really really glad I came all the way to watch it. 

Can we just have DVDs of the lives? CDs would be good as well though! Just give us something plsss.

Kamikita Ken's 2nd Mini Album~ Layered
Cross-fade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHWjvxlVYXM

For those who want a hard copy no matter what (like me ^^) CdJapan or AmazonJapan

Those who don't have a cd driver and hate waiting for the physical copy to be shipped, you can now buy it on Itunes
I was able to access it from overseas so shouldn't have any problem on buying outside of Japan.

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

*I wrote this on 17th though didnt have time to publish it and cbs fixing the date now lol

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