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

Tide on Spotify

Just found out that you can listen to Ken-chan's 1st mini album TIDE on Spotify (for free).
Please follow Ken-chan's spotify as well ^^
I guess Coronoid Records does have a more international view compared to other music recording companies in Japan *claps claps*
Ken-chan even puts his albums up on Itunes so you can save shipping time and money.
Although I prefer a hard copy, I'm having so much trouble putting them on iphone.
Putting these tracks on my walkman is just VERY SIMPLE.
And there are ppl who say android is complicate or difficult to use....

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

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!