#Lyricist: Tsunku

[redfreesias03]

Koi no Jubaku (“Love’s Spell”)

“Stop acting like you’re an adult, stop it with that earnest look on your face, I know for a fact that my friend likes you.”

OR: A girl decides to bow out gracefully and let her friend pursue their mutual crush only for their crush to mess everything up by confessing to her instead.

kokuhaku nante    shinaide yo tsukiai kata mo    shiranai kuse douyatte    watashi mamoru no yo konkyo mo nan mo nai kuse ni

Don’t you dare confess your love for me When you don’t know the first thing about going out How in the world are you going to “protect” me When you haven’t got a solid foundation or anything¹

otona buru no yamete majime kao mo yamete tomodachi ga kimi no koto suki da to    shitteru no yo    watashi

Stop acting like you’re an adult Stop it with that earnest face I know for a fact that My friend likes you

kyoushitsu ni wa    nani mo nai wa sonna tsuyoku    semaranaide onna doushi    yuujou tte konna koto de    hakanaku kudakeru no koi no jubaku

There’s nothing in this classroom Don’t pressure me so insistently Friendship between women Is easily broken over something like this Love’s spell

kokuhaku nante    shinaide yo onnagokoro mo    shiranai no ni ima nara    zenbu wasureru wa nanni mo iwazu    kaette yo

Don’t you dare confess to me Despite not knowing a thing about a girl’s heart If you stop now, we can still forget everything Don’t say another word and just go home

akirame kaketa no yuujou toru    tame yo zutto    zutto    suki datta nando datte    namida shita    watashi

I was ready to give up on my feelings for you So I could choose friendship over you I’ve always, always loved you I cried so many times over it

kyoushitsu ni wa    yuuhi ga sasu kimi to watashi    futari dake de tomodachi ni wa    nante iu no yappa koko de    unazukenai    aa koi no jubaku

The sun is setting in the classroom Just you and me together, alone What do I tell my friend? Right, there’s no way I can say yes here, ah Love’s spell

kyoushitsu ni wa    nani mo nai wa sonna tsuyoku    semaranaide onna doushi    yuujou tte konna koto de    hakanaku kudakeru no koi no jubaku

There’s nothing in this classroom Don’t pressure me so insistently Friendship between women Is easily broken over something like this Love’s spell

kyoushitsu ni wa    yuuhi ga sasu kimi to watashi    futari dake de tomodachi ni wa    nante iu no yappa koko de    unazukenai    aa koi no jubaku

The sun is setting in the classroom Just you and me together, alone What do I tell my friend? Right, there’s no way I can say yes here, ah Love’s spell

---

¹ One of the fancier Japanese euphemisms for guys when declaring their love is “I’ll protect you”, much like how in English you get statements like “I’ll always keep you safe” or “I’ll always be there for you”. The singer in this case is just like UGH YOU ARE A SCHOOLKID HOW DO YOU EVEN PLAN ON DOING THAT in a slightly hilarious and panicked attempt to cover up her feelings.

[koinodancesite]

“Joshi Kashimashi Monagatari”

Release date: July 22, 2004

Oricon Weekly placement: 3rd

B-side: “Ganbare Nippon Soccer Fight!”

Members: Ai Kago, Ai Takahashi, Asami Konno, Eri Kamei, Hitomi Yoshizawa, Kaori Iida, Mokoto Ogawa, Mari Yaguchi, Miki Fujimoto, Nozomi Tsuji, Reina Tanaka, Rika Ishikawa, Risa Niigaki, Sayumi Michishige

The Wikipedia entry of “Joshi Kashimashi Monagatari” lists nine different versions of the song. The single’s home album, Ai No Dai 6 Kan, includes two different ones in the same record; the group’s most recent album, 15 Thank You Too, features a 2017 version. It’s designed to be endlessly edited and updated: it’s a group roll call as a single, easily adaptable to suit the line-up of any Morning Musume era.

Morning Musume in 2004 boasted six generations within their lineup in exception of Maki Goto, the sole member from the third generation, who graduated back in 2002. Many have come and left, but the group still counted a whopping amount of 14 members when they released “Joshi Kashimashi Monagatari.” Perhaps they’ve been due for a re-introduction, especially with the recent addition of Eri Kamei, Miki Fujimoto, Reina Tanaka and Sayumi Michishige.

Each member gets four bars of lines based on her personality or background trivia, though the quality of information varies from idol to idol. Some can be insightful: a star idol who would eventually take leader duties, Ai Takahashi is revealed to let her native dialect slip when caught off guard. Others prioritize a laugh over substance: all of Sayumi Michishige’s part is dedicated to the fact she looks so cute without makeup that she’s the subject of envy from her seniors. A few are simply underwhelming: the only noteworthy fact of Moko Ogawa seems to be that she’s always happy.

Kaori Iida’s section particularly draws some dark humor in expense of her age as well as the fact she’s the only one left from the original five. “Your old friends, one by one/ are getting married, that’s the reality,” the group sings. It’s hard to decide whether it’s slightly mean or it points to the fact that Morning Musume (as well as Tsunku, the producer and the song’s lyricist) are that tight-knit of a group, enough to get a little personal with the jokes.

“Joshi Kashimashi Monagatari” does present a closeness, however true it may actually be, between the members. A lot of the song’s humor comes from petty yet friendly bickering concerning details only noticeable by people who spend almost too much time together: Asami Konno gets teased about her constant obsession of fixing her hair; everyone is tired at Risa Niigaki’s habit of fishing for compliments whenever she cuts her bangs.

The single does well to re-establish the image of Morning Musume for those who may have been struggling to keep up with them over the years. It’s also a fun shortcut for anyone curious to know who’s who in the group. With multiple entries updated almost yearly to accommodate a new line-up, that introduction function of “Joshi Kashimashi Monogatari” is yet to be lost.

Strictly as a song, however, it depends a lot on one’s personal investment with the group. The loud horn riff provides a fine hook, and the top line is a hummable joy, but the catchiness of both comes almost out of necessity to hold a listener’s attention for 14 consecutive introductions. They can be the song’s saving grace when the jokes don’t hit as well as intended. “Joshi Kashimashi Monagatari” is a neat introduction to Morning Musume when it comes to content, but the group has provided better entry points when it comes to the actual music.

[6]

[arbitrarygreay]

This article touches upon Tsunku's recent tweet that he was in New York talking to the lyricist for his daughter's music in Rhythm Heaven (Paradise), and how he revolutionized the music game genre. Rhythm games before he thought of Rhythm Heaven gave higher scores to pushing buttons to musical notes (or what he thought was random pushing by eye) versus having good internal rhythm, which frustrated Tsunku. Thus, he brought the idea of Rhythm Heaven to Nintendo. The mini game that pushes this concept the most is "Karate Man," where instead of objects falling down, going from left to right, or towards you, the objects go away from the screen. This essentially makes "pushing by eye" much more difficult. Tsunku adds to the retweet that "hopefully this will connect to the next project!," but there's no explicit announcement of a new Rhythm Heaven game from neither him nor Nintendo.

And then the games go further with this concept by outright obscuring the visuals, forcing you to play by ear instead of by eye, but also imbuing the game with a really distinct personality, since these obscuring visuals are often used to humorous effect. The DDR/Guitar Hero/Taiko no Tatsujin/Project Diva style games leave me cold, because they give you no sense of how the rhythms relate to each other on a structural level (measure/phrase/section), and the highest difficulties for those kinds of games often outright abandon the rhythm adherence, such as with Stepmania dump file. The increase in difficulty simply comes from spam, rather than doing more complex rhythms. I feel that actual musicians often do worse at these kind of "notes coming at you!" games because there's no structural sense of space. Even if the flying frets in Guitar Hero/Rock Band supposedly give you the measure starts, the lack of notation for note length or rest length makes it all feel weightless. Therefore you have to think visually to match the cues on screen, punished for getting in the groove, if you can even find it. Now, Rhythm Heaven doesn't do anything so complex as, say, teach players to tackle 5/8 or 7/8, and mostly relies on "do you remember the specific combos to these minigames from a while ago?" for difficulty, but it does way more than most rhythm games to teach the player to navigate syncopation and polyrhythms, to actually learn the relationship to the down beat. Another key element is that, instead of the anxiety-inducing endless streams of Things flying at you (how will this arbitrary spacing translate to an actual rhythm? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯), the game is fastidious about previewing the upcoming rhythms, with most of its minigames utilizing a call-and-response mechanism. Actual effective educational technique! Plus, as I've posted before, I really appreciate it offering introductory rhythm primers to various genres (waltz, bossa nova, tango, early rock 'n' roll). (Sure, DDR has the freestyle category, but that's a case of people who already know rhythm going in, never someone learning rhythm through it. And none of the dance games teach you where the down beat is, either.)

[officialotakudome]

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Sentai Filmworks Licenses Huge List of Anime

Sentai Filmworks has announced a large list of anime it has licensed:

HOUSTON, TX, September 25, 2017 – Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its newest addition to the Fall 2017 anime simulcast season: UQ HOLDER!, a shonen action series based on the manga by Ken Akamatsu (Love Hina, Negima!). The series will be available on Anime Strike with Amazon Channels—a service that gives Prime members the ability to watch over 100 on-demand channels—no cable required, cancel anytime, and no additional apps to download.

Set in the same universe as Akamatsu’s Negima! series, the story begins decades later with a young boy named Tōta Konoe being struck down while protecting his guardian, Yukihime, against a ruthless bounty hunter. Though his wounds should have been fatal, Tōta not only survives, he learns the reason behind his limited memories – Yukihime is actually a sorceress and 700-year-old vampire who saved his life two years ago by making him a vampire as well. With his powers awakened, Tōta’s life will only get more interesting when he joins a secret society for outcasts and fellow immortals: UQ Holder.

The series will be directed by Yohei Suzuki (The “Hentai” Prince and the Stony Cat., Sword Oratoria: Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? On the Side, Urara Meirocho). Series composition will be handled by Shogo Yasukawa (Chivalry of a Failed Knight, Food Wars!, Alderamin in the Sky) and original manga creator Ken Akamatsu.

UQ HOLDER! is scheduled for an October 2017 release in Japan. It will soon be available to stream on Anime Strike for $4.99 per month after a 7-day free trial, and available in non-US territories through select digital outlets for the Fall 2017 simulcast season, with a home video release to follow.

entai Filmworks is proud to announce its acquisition of Girls’ Last Tour for the Fall 2017 anime simulcast season. The series will soon be available to stream in the U.S. on Anime Strike, the curated on-demand anime subscription from Amazon Channels.

In a future where most of humanity has perished, two young girls named Chito and Yuuri explore the ruins of civilization on their Kettenkrad gun tractor, looking for food and fuel. Despite their bleak existence, the two find meaning in their simple, shared experiences. With Chito behind the wheel and Yuuri handling gun duties, these two set out to salvage what’s left of their post-apocalyptic world.

Animation production for the series will be handled by WHITE FOX (Akame ga Kill!, Grimoire of Zero, The Devil is a Part-Timer!). Takaharu Ozaki (Persona 5 the Animation -The Day Breakers-) directs the series, with series composition by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu (Is the Order a Rabbit?, Monster Musume: Everyday Life of Monster Girls, Hetalia The Beautiful World).

Girls’ Last Tour is scheduled for an October 2017 release in Japan. It will soon be available to stream on Anime Strike for $4.99 per month after a 7-day free trial, and available in non-US territories through select digital outlets for the Fall 2017 simulcast season, with a home video release to follow.

Sentai Filmworks delves into a mysterious new land in their newest acquisition for the Fall 2017 season: Land of the Lustrous. The series will soon be available to stream in the U.S. on Anime Strike, the curated on-demand anime subscription from Amazon Channels.

In the distant future, microscopic organisms have left the planet desolate and given way to a new life form: Houseki. However, all is not peaceful. The 28 Houseki must fight against the Moon Dwellers, beings who attack them without discrimination and use their shattered bodies as decorations. For this reason, each Houseki is assigned a role, whether it be a fighter or a medic. Phosphophyllite, or Phos, is the youngest of their kin, and has not been given an assignment due to a lack of skill. Everything changes when Kongou, the leader of the Houseki, assigns Phos the task of creating an encyclopedia of natural history.

Animation Production will be handled by Orange (Dimension W, Ginga Kikotai Majestic Prince Movie). Takahiko Kyogoku (GATE, Love Live! School Idol Project) will direct the series, with series composition by Toshiya Ono (Gatchman Crowds, Perfect Insider).

Land of the Lustrous will soon be available to stream on Anime Strike for $4.99 per month after a 7-day free trial, and available in non-US territories through select digital outlets for the October 2017 simulcast season, with a home video release to follow.

Grab a refill of cola and strap in for another season of our favorite hamster-hooded, snack-loving menace! Sentai Filmworks is proud to license Himouto! Umaru-chan R, the second season of the wildly popular comedy series, Himouto! Umaru-chan. The series will soon be available to stream in the U.S. on Anime Strike, the curated on-demand anime subscription from Amazon Channels.

Umaru Doma has a secret: in public, she’s a reserved and perfect beauty. At home, she devolves into a junk food connoisseur whose talents include video games, reading manga, watching anime, and annoying her big brother, Taihei. This season reunites Umaru with her friends: busty country girl Nana, quiet Kirie, and closet nerd Sylphynford. What adventures await Umaru-chan now?

Masahiko Ohta, director of the first season of Himouto! Umaru-chan, returns to direct the second season, along with original series composition writer Takashi Aoshima. Doga Kobo (New Game!, Majestic Prince, Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun) is once again in charge of animation production.

Himouto! Umaru-chan R is scheduled for an October 2017 release in Japan. It will soon be available to stream on Anime Strike for $4.99 per month after a 7-day free trial, and in non-US territories through select digital outlets for the Fall 2017 simulcast season with a home video release to follow.

Dare to tread into Hell for a second time with Sentai Filmworks’ newest addition to the Fall 2017 simulcast lineup: Hozuki’s Coolheadedness 2.

The second season of the supernatural comedy Hozuki’s Coolheadedness thrusts viewers back into Eternal Hell! Just as in this life, the afterlife needs a calm troubleshooter to deal with the bureaucratic headaches that come from keeping things in order. After all, Lord Enma is a very busy (and kind of incompetent) overlord, and he needs the help of his most charismatic shadow hero to keep Hell from calling into chaos. Enter Hozuki: a cool and collected demon who’s badly in need of a vacation.

Kazuhiro Yoneda (Kabukibu!, Yona of the Dawn, Hozuki’s Coolheadedness OAV 2) acts as director for the second season. Midori Gotou (Clean Freak! Aoyama-kun), who was in charge of script writing for the first season, returns for the same role. Studio DEEN (Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto, Rurouni Kenshin) will handle animation production for the second season.

Hozuki’s Coolheadness 2 is scheduled for an October 2017 broadcast in Japan. It will soon be available to stream on select digital outlets for the Fall 2017 simulcast season, with a home video release to follow.

Sentai Filmworks is proud to welcome back Motz, Beet-san, Cho-chan, and the rest of our favorite musical masters in ClassicaLoid 2!

The second season of the slapstick comedy ClassicaLoid reunites normal high school girl Kanae with her least favorite house guests. There’s Beet-san (otherwise known as Ludwig van Beethoven) and free-spirited Motz (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), as well as fellow squatters Chopin, Liszt, and Schubert. These maestros have already proven they have the skill to save the world with their explosive melodies called “Musik,” but with the addition of two new Classicaloids  – Richard Wagner and Antonin Dvorak – Kanae is sure to be at her wits’ end. What new realities will these Classicaloids compose with their Musik?

Kei Umabiki takes over as director for the second season ClassicaLoid. First season director Yoichi Fujita will act as story supervisor, with Michihiro Tsuchiya returning for series composition. The show was created by NHK & BN Pictures..

The person involved with the music for works like Final Fantasy X and more, Masashi Hamauzu, is in charge of BGM creation, with “mujik” contributions by Japanese electronic producers and rock musicians, including Tomoyasu Hotei (Transformers Live Action), Daisuke Asakura (producer of T.M. Revolution), Tsunku (composer and lyricist for Morning Musume), and MTV Video Music Award nominee tofubeats. ClassicaLoid 2 proudly adds two additions to the musical staff: Chisato (from rock band, Penicillin) and Kouchi Tsutaya (music producer of groups like Ikimono-gakari and more).

ClassicaLoid 2 is scheduled for an October 2017 broadcast in Japan. It will soon be available to stream on select digital outlets for the Fall 2017 simulcast season, with a home video release to follow.

Sentai Filmworks’ announced its newest acquisition for the Fall 2017 season: My Girlfriend is Shobitch. The series will soon be available to stream in the U.S. on Anime Strike, the curated on-demand anime subscription from Amazon Channels.

When high school student Haruka Shinozaki confesses his feelings to the beautiful and aloof class representative, Akiho Kosaka, the last thing he expected was for her to say “yes.” Like everything else in her diligent life, Kosaka takes dating quite seriously. In an effort to be a good girlfriend, Kosaka decides to meticulously study (and bluntly suggest) all manner of ways to keep Shinozaki sexually satisfied… in the theoretical sense, that is. This innocently lewd relationship is only just beginning!

Animation production for the series will be helmed by diomedea (Aho-Girl, Girlish Number, Squid Girl) and Studio Blanc. Nobuyoshi Nagayama directs the series, with Hideki Shirane (Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?) in charge of series composition.

My Girlfriend is Shobitch is scheduled for an October 2017 release in Japan. It will soon be available to stream on Anime Strike for $4.99 per month after a 7-day free trial, and available in non-US territories through select digital outlets for the Fall 2017 simulcast season, with a home video release to follow.

Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its newest acquisition for the Fall 2017 season: Just Because! The series will soon be available to stream in the U.S. on Anime Strike, the curated on-demand anime subscription from Amazon Channels.

For a group of high school seniors, a chance reunion with a transfer student will change the course of their final year. Eita Izumi has come back to his hometown after four years and encounters some unlikely acquaintances: Haruto Soma, Eita’s childhood friend; Ena Komiya, the photography student who witnesses Eita and Haruto’s reunion; Mio Natsume, whose feelings for her middle school crush still linger; and Hazuki Morikawa, a girl who seems uninterested in romantic relationships. When the paths of these five cross, their fates turn in a way none of them could have seen coming.

The series will be helmed by Atsushi Kobayashi in his directorial debut, with scripts by Hajime Kamoshida and original character design by Kiseki Himura. Animation production will be handled by PINE JAM (GAMERS!, Mahou Shoujo Nante Mouiidesukara).

Just Because! will soon be available to stream on Anime Strike for $4.99 per month after a 7-day free trial, and available to non-US territories through select digital outlets for the October 2017 simulcast season, with a home video release to follow.

Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its newest addition to the Fall 2017 simulcast season: DYNAMIC CHORD.

This anime adaptation of the otome game by Honeybee Black follows the professional and personal lives of four hot boy bands under the “DYNAMIC CHORD” agency and music label. There’s progressive rock band rêve parfait; newcomer Liar-S; veteran rock band KYOHSO; and international sensation, apple-polisher.

Shigenori Kageyama (Himawari!) will both direct and handle series composition duties. Character designs will be helmed by Yasuomi Umetsu (Kite, Kite Liberator, Wizard Barristers: Benmashi Cecil). The show’s art director will be Shinji Katahira (Hellsing, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, Restaurant to Another World), with animation production courtesy of Pierrot (Naruto, Tokyo Ghoul, Black Clover).

DYNAMIC CHORD is scheduled for an October 2017 broadcast in Japan. It will soon be available to stream on HIDIVE and select digital outlets for the Fall 2017 simulcast season, with a home video release to follow.

For Sentai Filmworks’ latest announcements regarding this and other great titles, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

About Sentai Filmworks, LLC

Sentai Filmworks is a leading global supplier of anime and official anime merchandise, distributing, and curating one of the industry’s most diverse libraries of top trending and classic titles. Offering thousands of hours of content across both traditional and digital platforms, Sentai is dedicated to bringing captivating stories and iconic characters directly from Japan. With hit series that include Parasyte –the maxim–, No Game, No Life, Food Wars!, Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, and Akame ga Kill!, Sentai’s catalog continues to grow with new favorites likeHimouto! Umaru-chan and Monster Musume: Everyday Life with Monster Girls, as well as classic anime series such as Legend of the Galactic Heroes. For more information, visitwww.sentaifilmworks.com.

[recentanimenews]

Sentai Filmworks Licenses "ClassicaLoid" Anime Season 2

Sentai Filmworks has announced its newest addition to the Fall 2017 simulcast lineup: ClassicaLoid 2. The anime is scheduled for an October 2017 broadcast in Japan. It will soon be available to stream on select digital outlets for the Fall 2017 simulcast season, with a home video release to follow.

  They describe the show

The second season of the slapstick comedy ClassicaLoid reunites normal high school girl Kanae with her least favorite house guests. There’s Beet-san (otherwise known as Ludwig van Beethoven) and free-spirited Motz (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), as well as fellow squatters Chopin, Liszt, and Schubert. These maestros have already proven they have the skill to save the world with their explosive melodies called "Musik," but with the addition of two new Classicaloids  – Richard Wagner and Antonin Dvorak – Kanae is sure to be at her wits' end. What new realities will these Classicaloids compose with their Musik?

  Kei Umabiki takes over as director for the second season ClassicaLoid. First season director Yoichi Fujita will act as story supervisor, with Michihiro Tsuchiya returning for series composition. The show was created by NHK & BN Pictures..

The person involved with the music for works like Final Fantasy X and more, Masashi Hamauzu, is in charge of BGM creation, with “mujik” contributions by Japanese electronic producers and rock musicians, including Tomoyasu Hotei (Transformers Live Action), Daisuke Asakura (producer of T.M. Revolution), Tsunku (composer and lyricist for Morning Musume), and MTV Video Music Award nominee tofubeats. ClassicaLoid 2 proudly adds two additions to the musical staff: Chisato (from rock band, Penicillin) and Kouchi Tsutaya (music producer of groups like Ikimono-gakari and more).

  ------ Follow on Twitter at @aicnanime

By: news+feed@crunchyroll.com

[redfreesias03]

Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru (“An Adolescent Boy is Crying”)

“So get rid of your anxiousness as well. Yes, because when you’re in trouble, you’ll surely just plant your feet and stand firm, over and over—so get rid of it.”

OR: Teenage woes are real but not permanent.

saigo wa kimi no ude shidai saigo wa kimi no ude shidai

In the end, it all comes down to your skill In the end, it all comes down to your skill

dakara watashi waratte ageru sou    donna toki datte anshin shite iru yo watashi

That’s why I’ll Smile for you Yes, because I feel at ease At all times

dakara kimi mo jishin wo motte sou    nando nankai mo yarinaoseru dakara kimi ga

So you too Have more self-confidence as well Right, because you can start over    over and over again So have more

ironna ironna yatsu ga iru ironna ironna michi ga aru ironna ironna yatsu ga iru ironna ironna michi ga aru

There’s lots and lots of different kinds of people Lots and lots of different paths There’s lots and lots of different kinds of people Lots and lots of different paths

iro wa nioi edo chirinuru wo waga yo dare zo tsunenaramu

The flower’s colors are fragrant but they Will eventually scatter Who in this world Is unchanging?

seishun kozou ga kyou mo naiteiru ren’ai beta tte kao ni kaite aru AH kuratto kichatte seishun da ne kuratto kichatte seishun da ne YO    dare zo

An adolescent boy is crying yet again today With the words “clumsy at love” written all over his face Ah, going weak at the knees is what youth is Going weak at the knees is what youth is YO, who-?

AH kuratto kichatte seishun da ne kuratto kichatte seishun da ne waga yo dare zo

Ah, going weak at the knees is what youth is Going weak at the knees is what youth is Who in this world-?

saigo wa kimi no ude shidai saigo wa kimi no ude shidai

In the end, it all comes down to your skill In the end, it all comes down to your skill

dakara watashi kawatte ageru sou    donna yume datte kanshin ari aru yo watashi

That’s why I’ll Stand in for you Yup, I’m interested in any kind of dream I am

dakara kimi mo fuan wo keshite sou    kitto nankai mo funbaru dake dakara kimi ga

So you too Get rid of that anxiousness of yours as well Yes, because when the time comes, you’ll surely just plant your feet and stand firm, over and over So get rid of it

ironna ironna asu ga aru ironna ironna hoshi ga aru ironna ironna asu ga aru ironna ironna hoshi ga aru

There’s lots and lots of different tomorrows Lots and lots of stars There’s lots and lots of different tomorrows Lots and lots of stars

ui no okuyama kyou koete asaki yume miji yoi mo sezu

Crossing the deep recesses of The mountains of vicissitudes today, We shall not dream shallow dreams Nor be drunk on pleasure

seishun kozou ga kyou mo naiteiru kore ga saigo tte kyou mo naiteiru Ah kuratto kichatte seishun da ne kuratto kichatte seishun da ne YO   dare zo

An adolescent boy is crying yet again today Crying and saying “This is the last time” yet again today Ah, going weak at the knees is what youth is Going weak at the knees is what youth is YO, who-?

AH kuratto kichatte seishun da ne kuratto kichatte seishun da ne waga yo dare zo

Ah, going weak at the knees is what youth is Going weak at the knees is what youth is Who in this world-?

seishun kozou ga kyou mo naiteiru ren’ai beta tte kao ni kaite aru AH kuratto kichatte seishun da ne kuratto kichatte seishun da ne YO    dare zo

An adolescent boy is crying yet again today With the words “clumsy at love” written all over his face Ah, going weak at the knees is what youth is Going weak at the knees is what youth is YO, who-?

AH kuratto kichatte seishun da ne kuratto kichatte seishun da ne waga yo dare zo

Ah, going weak at the knees is what youth is Going weak at the knees is what youth is Who in this world-?

---

Took slight liberties with this one, as some of the lines dakara kimi ga are clearly trailing trains of thoughts. As for what the waga yo dare zo is supposed to refer to, my (totally unfounded and completely amateur!) theory is that it’s actually supposed to reference the iroha poem quoted throughout the song. Much like how the iroha says, “Even the most fragrant flower will eventually scatter–likewise, who in the world is unchanging?”, the lyrics here sound like they’re saying “Look, a teenager is a mess over love–likewise, who is the teenager?” (More like, who isn’t that teenager, amirite? >>;)

Kozou is also a relatively old-sounding term for boy (like “youngster” or “lad” I’d suppose), in line with using the iroha.

As for the kuratto, it literally just means to be dizzy or lose bearings, which is why Momusu does a “swooning” gesture during the dance. I thought ‘a teenage boy is swooning’ sounded a little too mean, though, so I substituted a similar substitute. 

I won’t translate Tsunku’s liner notes in full this time, just my favorite bit:

"In the end when everything's said and done, it's all you" is the theme for this one. Going through all sorts of things is what life is–crying and laughter, meetings and goodbyes.

It's alright to cry, alright! And, thinking "this is the last time I'll cry!" each time you cry is alright too! That's what the song says.

Someone being there for you gives a sense of security and relief. It might be a universal feeling, but even so, it's absolutely a precious feeling.

The singer being comforting in the gruffest of ways is also hilarious, and this is probably one of my favorite “EDM” style Momusu songs, so it’s a bit of a shame it’s not more popular.

[redfreesias03]

Chou HAPPY SONG (“Super HAPPY SONG”)

“Hey, let’s take each other by the hand, (I’m just a tiny bit selfish, but) let’s walk this road together (nurturing our love).”

OR: Because Happiness meets Shiawase no Tochuu.

nee   yume wo mitanda yo    massugu shinjiteiru no ni watashi okotteta    ai wo kakuninshichau demo   suki dakara    MOTEchau kimi ni YES   shizen na koudou to   yakimochi yaiteta DAARIN   yurushite

Hey, I had a dream about you    even though I straight up trust you It got me mad    I end up trying to verify your love It’s just, I like you, so    seeing how popular you were Made me jealous, it was a natural instinct Darling, please forgive me for it

nee   tama ni fuan da yo   CHIRARI to ano ko mita desho dakara KISU wo shite   ochikonjau yo nn   amaeteru   amaeteru no wa NO   ijiwaru mo   wakatteiru kedo ai no ichibu

Hey, I get anxious sometimes    You were sneaking looks at that girl, weren’t you So give me a kiss    I’m depressed Mmm, even though I know   (I’m acting childish) That I’m acting spoiled (This pettiness is also) A part of love

Because happiness    juubun na hodo More happiness    shiawase na no yo sekaiichi    sasai na koto datte    waratteru

Because happiness    This is enough More happiness    Happiness With you, I laugh at the littlest things, laugh more than anyone in the whole world

Because happiness    tayori ni shiteru More happiness    sonkei shiteru kono mama    na no ni tama ni komarasechau Ah Endless Woo Ah

Because happiness    I depend on you More happiness    I respect you Even though it’s like this, I’ll still end up causing you trouble occasionally Ah Endless Woo Ah

nee    uta wo utatta yo    me to me de aizu shinagara kimi no suki na uta    kokyuu mo awase yappa   watashitachi    onaji tokoro de YES niteru kana    kashi ni tsumaru kedo DAARIN    dou omou?

Hey, I started singing a song    As we communicate with our eyes It was a song you also like    Even our breathing syncs up As expected, it looks like you and I    (At the same spot in the song) YES, we match well    (We forgot the lyrics) What do you think, darling?

nee   futari te wo totte   shoushou wagamama desu ga kono michi wo yuku no   ai wo hagukunde Let’s go    daijoubu   DAME na tokoro wa SO   tokoton made   shikatte ii kara hanarenai

Hey, let’s take each other by the hand    I’m just a tiny bit selfish, but Let’s walk this road together    Nurturing our love Let’s go! It’ll be alright    (Go ahead and scold me) To the bitter end (On my bad points) I won’t leave your side

Because happiness   juubun na hodo More happiness   shiawase na no yo sekaiichi    anna ni ookina   yume ga aru shi

Because happiness    This is enough More happiness    Happiness We’ve got such big dreams, the biggest in the world

Because happiness   nani wo tabete mo More happiness   oishisou na kao futari wa   kocchi made egao ni naru na Ah Endless Ah Ah

Because happiness    The blissful look on your face More happiness    When you eat any kind of food The two of us    Makes me smile too Ah Endless Ah Ah

Because happiness   juubun na hodo More happiness   shiawase na no yo sekaiichi    anna ni ookina   yume ga aru shi

Because happiness    This is enough More happiness    Happiness We’ve got such big dreams, the biggest in the world

Because happiness   nani wo tabete mo More happiness   oishisou na kao futari wa   kocchi made egao ni naru na Ah Endless Ah Ah

Because happiness    The blissful look on your face More happiness    When you eat any kind of food The two of us    Makes me smile too Ah Endless Ah Ah

[redfreesias03]

SOME BOYS! TOUCH

“The scent fills the air, our fire reaches its peak. Save the talking for later.”

OR: Possibly Gomaki’s most innuendo-laden song while with H!P.

namida    nuredasu    hitomi    yasashiku TOUCH CATCH TOUCH CATCH COME ON TOGETHER yubi ni    KISU shite    mimi ni    yasashiku TOUCH CATCH TOUCH CATCH COME ON TOGETHER

Eyes that start    becoming wet    with tears,    tenderly TOUCH CATCH TOUCH CATCH COME ON TOGETHER Kiss my    fingers,    ear,    tenderly TOUCH CATCH TOUCH CATCH COME ON TOGETHER

ushiromuki nara    kao mienu DESIRE yokubari na no    watashi tte

If I turn my back, you won’t see my face, DESIRE I’m greedy, I am

aisatsu desho    KISU kurai wa jouzu ni dekiru desho? moeru you ni    ESUCOOTO shite yo koibito ni wa    hayai kedo    daiji ni shite ageru SABO tte naide    ai wo sasayaite SOME BOYS

Hey, it’s a way of saying hello, you can at least handle Kissing well, can’t you? Take the lead and guide me into it so I can burn with passion¹ It’s too soon to be lovers, but I’ll cherish you Don’t slack off, whisper love to me SOME BOYS

chibusa    yuredasu    kodou    hageshiku TOUCH CATCH TOUCH CATCH COME ON TOGETHER mabuta    KISU shite    kami ni    hageshiku TOUCH CATCH TOUCH CATCH COME ON TOGETHER

My breasts start shaking, my heart beats violently TOUCH CATCH TOUCH CATCH COME ON TOGETHER 
Kiss my     eyelids,    my hair    intensely
 TOUCH CATCH TOUCH CATCH COME ON TOGETHER

kaori ga suru wa    noboritsumeru FIRE kaiwa suru nara ato de ii

The scent fills the air    Our fire reaches its peak Save the talking for later

joushiki da wa    SORE kurai wa torekechau kurai ni odoru you ni    ESUKOOTO shite yo chotto yasashiku    toki ni GYUtto kowasanaide ageru tsuyogatte    koboshichau　SOME BOYS SOME BOYS

This much should be basic common sense Take the lead and guide me as if we were dancing Until I melt. A little tenderly, sometimes forcefully– I won’t break you I act tough and my feelings slip through, SOME BOYS SOME BOYS

joushiki da wa    SORE kurai wa torekechau kurai ni odoru you ni    ESUKOOTO shite yo chotto yasashiku    toki ni GYUtto kowasanaide ageru tsuyogatte    koboshichau　SOME BOYS SOME BOYS

This much should be basic common sense Take the lead and guide me as if we were dancing Until I melt A little tenderly, sometimes forcefully– I won’t break you I act tough and my feelings slip through, SOME BOYS SOME BOYS

---

¹ It’s literally “escort me as if dancing” but escorting as a verb sounded so awkward that I figured I’d translate the nuances of it instead.

This is also one of those songs that gets its shares of Hello!Project covers, but my absolute favorite is still Takahashi Ai’s.

[redfreesias03]

Because happiness

“Because happiness, more happiness. The two of us are ah, endless.”

OR: The little ups and downs of a relationship that’s ultimately happy.

nee    massugu shinjiteiru no ni ai wo kakuninshichau demo   suki dakara YES    shizen na koudou to DAARIN    yurushite

Hey, even though I straight up trust you, I end up trying to verify your love But I love you, so YES, it’s a natural instinct Darling, please forgive me for it

nee    CHIRARI to ano ko mita desho ochikonjau yo nn    amaeteru NO    ijiwaru mo ai no ichibu

Hey, you were sneaking looks at that girl, weren’t you Now I’m depressed Mm, I’m being childish NO    Pettiness is also A part of love

Because happiness More happiness sekaiichi    waratteru

Because happiness More happiness We laugh more than anyone in the whole world

Because happiness More happiness kono mama Ah Endless Woo Ah

Because happiness More happiness Just like this, Ah Endless Woo Ah

nee    me to me de aizu shinagara kokyuu mo awase yappa    watashitachi YES    niteru kana DAARIN    dou omou?

Hey, as we communicate with our eyes Even our breathing syncs up It looks like we YES, match well after all What do you think, darling?

nee   shoushou wagamama desu ga ai wo hagukunde Let’s go    daijoubu SO    tokoton made hanarenai

Hey, I’m just a tiny bit selfish, but Let’s nurture our love Let’s go! It’ll be alright SO, to the bitter end, I won’t leave your side

Because happiness More happiness sekaiichi    yume ga aru shi

Because happiness More happiness We’ve got the biggest dreams in the world

Because happiness More happiness futari wa Ah Endless Ah Ah

Because happiness More happiness The two of us are Ah Endless Ah Ah

[redfreesias03]

Koibito wa Kokoro no Ouendan (“A Sweetheart is A Heart’s Cheerleader”)

“If you’re there, I wind up getting hyper! I wind up trying my best! A woman in love is incredibly strong!!”

OR: No real notes, but please note that a ‘ouendan’ cheerleader is more like a ‘cheer squad’.

konna    watashi wo marugoto    aishite (FAITO!)

Love all of me, just as I am (Fight!)

kimi wa itsumo 「ganbaree!」 tte iu dakara watashi funbatte koreta honto iu to fuan na no yo    nanka shoujiki kowai wa (FAITO!)

You always tell me, “Do your best!” That’s why I’ve been able to hang on and make it this far To be honest, I’m anxious, kind of? Actually, I’m terrified (Fight!)

watashi watashi konna fuu ni zenkai hisshi nante ima made nakatta 「douse watashi nante」 sonna kanji SUNEte ikiteta (FAITO!)

I, I’ve never tried this Desperately, full-throttle, at anything before “Oh well—figures, I’m me, after all” 
I used to live sulkishly like that (Fight!)

Ah~ watashi no koibito

Ah, my sweetheart

danjo kagirazu shiriai no ooi hito na no ni    MOTEru no ni doushite doshite watashi nante eranda no? (Yeah!)

You’re friendly with boys and girls alike, And yet…you’re so popular, and yet…. Why, why did you pick Someone like me? (Yeah!)

kimi ga ireba harikicchau    harikicchau ganbacchau    ganbacchau koishiteru    onna tte    sugoku tsuyoinda

If you’re there, I wind up getting hyper, getting hyper I wind up trying my best, trying my best A woman in love is incredibly strong!

kimi ga ireba tanoshikute    harikicchau tanoshikute    ganbacchau sukisugite    nakidashichau koto mo aru kedo

If you’re there, I have so much fun I wind up getting hyper I have so much fun I wind up trying my best There are also times that I end up bursting into tears Because I love you too much, but

nante    chokusetsu kao mite    ienai (FAITO!)

Somehow, I can’t look you in the face and directly just say it (Fight!)

kimi wa itsumo nattoku suru made donna koto mo hanashite kureru wa wakaru you ni chanto kantan na tatoebanashi de (FAITO!)

You always talk things over with me—no matter what it is, You explain it until I’m satisfied Using easy, just-right examples So I can understand it (Fight!)

dakedo kimi ga ochikonderu toki nani wo sureba ii ka wakaranai watashi bakari hagemasaretetanda~... sontoki kidzuita (FAITO!)

But when you’re the one that’s down I don’t know what to do That’s when I realized It’s always only been me receiving the encouragement (Fight!)

Ah~ watashi no koibito

Ah, my sweetheart

otoko tomodachi to atsui hanashi shiteru toki    betsujin ne yokoccho suwatte nantonaku kiku no suki! (Yeah!)

When you’re talking passionately with Your guy friends, you’re a different person I love sitting to the side and Just listening! (Yeah!)

kimi ga ireba harikicchau    harikicchau norikicchau    norikicchau kore kara wa    otagai ni    ouen shiaou

If you’re there I wind up getting hyper, getting hyper I end up pulling through, I end up pulling through From now on, let’s cheer each other on    mutually!

kimi ga ireba nande darou    harikicchau nande darou    norikicchau yarisugite    DOJI shichau toki mo aru kedo

If you’re there, I wind up getting hyper, I wonder why I end up pulling through, I wonder why There are also times when I overdo it and wind up Messing it all up, but

konna    watashi wo marugoto    aishite

Love all of me, just as I am (Fight!)

kimi ga ireba harikicchau    harikicchau ganbacchau    ganbacchau koishiteru    onna tte    sugoku tsuyoinda

If you’re there, I wind up getting hyper, getting hyper I wind up trying my best, trying my best A woman in love is incredibly strong!

kimi ga ireba tanoshikute    harikicchau tanoshikute    ganbacchau sukisugite    nakidashichau koto mo aru kedo

If you’re there, I have so much fun I end up getting hyper I have so much fun I end up trying my best There are also times that I end up bursting into tears Because I love you too much, but

nante    chokusetsu kao mite    ienai (FAITO!)

Somehow, I can’t look you in the face and directly just say it (Fight!)

konna    watashi wo marugoto    aishite

Love all of me, just as I am

---

Okay I said no notes, but two things:

1) The twirling and arm-straight hand motions (along with the pin-straight jumps and punching) in the original choreography are 100% based off actual typical cheer squad choreography.

2) S/mileage recorded a cover of this as their b-side to Dot Bikini in 2012 and it’s become the “official” concert arrangement ever since.

[redfreesias03]

Special Generation

“Special generation love—I wanna believe in destiny: even after a gazillion years, this love won’t waver.”

OR: The only reason the singer is so fussy with her boyfriend is because she’s in this for the long haul.

doutara    koutara iiwake shiteru IRA    IRA    kuru naa

You say this and that, Just making excuses I’m getting ticked off!

ano ko ga ii nara socchi    yukeba ii jan

If that girl’s so great, Then why don’t you go over there?

CHARACHARA    CHARACHARA SHIRUBAA tsukete FURA    FURA    shiteru dare ni APItteru no?

You totter around Wearing jingly, jangly Silver– Who exactly are you trying to impress?

yosomi nante yurusanai wa yo suki to    suki to    suki to suki to    iinasai sou    kono ba de

I won’t allow Any straying eyes Tell me you love me You love me, you love me, you love me That’s right, say it right here

SUPPESHARU    JENEREESHON    LOVE unmei wo shinjitai hyakumannen sugitatte kono ai wa    yu・ru・gi・nai

Special generation love I wanna believe in destiny Even after a gazillion years, This love won’t waver

SUPPESHARU    JENEREESHON    LOVE kirai ni mo narenai wa chikatetsu no naka datte kako yori mo   a・i・shi・te!

Special generation love I can’t hate you Even when we’re riding on the subway, Love me even more than you did before!

attara    atta de doko ni yuku demo DARA    DARA    shiteru

If and where we meet, You drag your feet Wherever we go

watashi ga kimenakya nan mo    hajimannai

If I didn’t take it upon myself to decide things Nothing would ever get done

oshitari    hiitari nante kiyou ni suru    koto    dekinai massugu yuku dake yo

Pushing, pulling, I can’t pull that off Smoothly I’ll just tackle this head-on

dare mo    kare mo odoroku you na atsui   ai de watashi    watashi dakishimete An! Hold on my love

Hold Me, hold me With a passionate love That would shock Anyone An! Hold on my love

SUPPESHARU    JENEREESHON    LOVE kodoku nado kanjinai ikebukuro    sugitatte kono ai wa    e・i・e・n

Special generation love I don’t feel the slightest bit lonely Even after we pass through Ikebukuro Station, This love is forever

SUPPESHARU    JENEREESHON    LOVE hanarenai    hanasanai kinou yori mo    ima yori mo mata asu mo    a・i・shi・te!

Special generation love We won’t leave each other, we won’t separate Love me all over again tomorrow Even more than you did yesterday and today

SUPPESHARU    JENEREESHON    LOVE kodoku nado kanjinai ikebukuro    sugitatte kono ai wa    e・i・e・n

Special generation love I don’t feel the slightest bit lonely Even after we pass through Ikebukuro Station, This love is forever

SUPPESHARU    JENEREESHON    LOVE hanarenai    hanasanai kinou yori mo    ima yori mo mata asu mo    a・i・shi・te!

Special generation love We won’t leave each other, we won’t separate Love me all over again tomorrow Even more than you did yesterday and today

[redfreesias03]

ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL!

“Let’s hurry on ahead, without panicking—without waiting for someone else to open up the path. Everybody, let’s go! There’s still time, c’mon, get on board. The world is ‘one for all and all for one.’”

OR: all of Hello! Project, singing a song about coming together, circa 2004.

awatezu ni saki wo isogou kirihiraku no sa dareka ga suru no wo matazu ni

Let’s hurry on ahead Without panicking— Without waiting for Someone else To open up the path

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) mada    ma ni au ze saa    norikome sekai wa 「ONE for ALL!」

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) We can still make it Come on, get on board The world is “one for all!”

ima kara sa (GO!) mirai wo tsukamou furuki ni manabi kenkyuu shita bun koujou suru kara

From here on out (GO!) Let’s seize the future Let’s learn from the old Because we’ll only progress Just as much as what we’ve studied

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) mada    ma ni au ze saa    norikome sekai wa 「ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL!」

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) We can still make it Come on, get on board The world = “all for one and one for all!”

yume wo idake dare ni mo iu na

Hold onto your dreams And don’t tell them to anyone

kuchi ni sureba kanawanu rashii sore ga yume nanda

If you say them out loud It seems like they won’t come true Because that’s what dreams are

mokuhyou kakage kakujitsu ni susumou!

Fly your goals proudly, like a flag And let’s move ahead With certainty!

Nihon nya    kirei na kawa ga aru sa sono utsukushisa wo KEEP ON KEEP ON mamorou!

Japan has clear, pure rivers— That beauty, let’s KEEP ON, KEEP ON Protecting it!

ima kara sa (GO!) mirai wo tsukamou furuki ni manabi kenkyuu shita bun koujou suru kara

From here on out (GO!) Let’s seize the future Let’s learn from the old Because we’ll only progress Just as much as what we’ve studied

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) mada    ma ni au ze saa    norikome sekai wa 「ONE for ALL!」

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) We can still make it Come on, get on board The world is “one for all!”

katare    katare minna de katarou

Talk, talk Let’s all talk together

honki naraba tsutawaru hazu sa kotoba chigaedo

If we put our all into it, It’ll definitely be communicated Even if our words are different

mokuhyou aeba minna shite HERE WE GO!

If we unite our goals All together, HERE WE GO!

jakuten ja nakute    kosei dakara tataeaimashou sungoi    sungoi    ii bubun

It’s not “weakness”, it’s individuality So let’s praise that about each other It’s a super, super great part of you

awatezu ni (GO!) saki wo isogou kirihiraku no sa dareka ga suru no wo matazu ni

Let’s hurry on ahead Without panicking— Without waiting for Someone else To open up the path

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) mada    ma ni au ze saa    norikome sekai wa 「ALL for ONE!」

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) We can still make it Come on, get on board The world is “all for one!”

awatezu ni (GO!) saki wo isogou kirihiraku no sa dareka ga suru no wo matazu ni

Let’s hurry on ahead Without panicking— Without waiting for Someone else To open up the path

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) mada    ma ni au ze saa    norikome sekai wa 「ONE for ALL!」

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) We can still make it Come on, get on board The world is “one for all!”

ima kara sa (GO!) mirai wo tsukamou furuki ni manabi kenkyuu shita bun koujou suru kara

From here on out (GO!) Let’s seize the future Let’s learn from the old Because we’ll only progress Just as much as what we’ve studied

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) mada    ma ni au ze saa    norikome sekai wa 「ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL!」

EVERYBODY GO! (GO!) We can still make it Come on, get on board The world is “one for all!”

[redfreesias03]

cha cha sing

“I’m a dancing fool but I’m not stupid. Cha cha la cha cha~ I shout my love and pray for peace—may it ring out throughout the world! Sing a song!”

OR: A cute, outgoing cover of ‘Row mah Sing’.

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ odoru aho dakedo    tada no BAKA ja nai

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ I’m a dancing fool but I’m not stupid

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ ai sakebi    heiwa negau    sekai ni hibike SING A SONG

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ I shout my love and pray for peace—may it ring out throughout the world! Sing a song

doshita? genki ga nai ja nai ka shinpai na NYUUSU ga ooi kara? chotto futotta no ga ki ni naru no? kimi rashiku nai na

What’s wrong? You’re so listless right now! Is it because there’s so much worrying news? Are you concerned about the tiny bit of weight you put on? It’s not like you

doshita? kowai yume mitanka amai hanashi nya ki wo tsuke na kimi no koto ga shinpai dakara tsui osekkai bakari

What’s wrong? Did you have a scary dream? Watch out for stories that sound too good to be true I worry about you, so I’m always meddling without realizing it

koyoi wa    koko wo nukedashite tanoshii toko yukou yo tachidomattetara keizai datte hatten mo nanni mo nai jan

Let’s slip away from here tonight And go somewhere fun If we stop and stand still, even the economy Won’t show any growth, right?!

PAJAMA nuide icchoura ni kigaete    LET’S GO

Take off those pajamas Put on your best outfit, and let’s go!

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ odoru aho dakedo    tada no BAKA ja nai

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ I’m a dancing fool but I’m not stupid

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ ai sakebi    heiwa negau    sekai ni hibike SING A SONG

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ I shout my love and pray for peace—may it ring out throughout the world! Sing a song

doshita? mou akirameru no ka iiwake nante suru n ja nai hara ga hettara choto kyuukei akiramecha naranee

What’s wrong? Giving in already? Don’t make excuses! If you’re working with an empty stomach, take a short break No giving up!

koyoi wa    koko wo nukedashite himitsu no basho yukou yo ookina ana umeru keikaku wo honki de kangaeyou ja nai ka

Let’s slip away from here tonight And go somewhere secret Why don’t we think hard about a plan To fill the huge gap?

PAJAMA nuide icchoura ni kigaete    LET’S GO

Take off those pajamas Put on your best outfit, and let’s go!

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ odoru aho dakedo    mirai wa watasanai

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ I’m a dancing fool but I won’t give up my future

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ ai sakebi    heiwa negau    sekai wa hitotsu SING A SONG

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ I shout my love and pray for peace—the world is one! Sing a song

ichinenjuu    ichinenjuu hyakunen saki    hyakunen saki kyou mo asu mo    kyou mo asu mo hora    egao de kurasou yo

All throughout the year    all throughout the year A hundred years from now    a hundred years from now Today and tomorrow    today and tomorrow Look! Let’s live with smiles

otonari-san    otonari-san gokinjo-san    gokinjo-san enkyori-san    enkyori-san hora    minna ga jimotomin

Hey, people next door! People next door! People from around the neighborhood! People from around the neighborhood! People far away! People far away! Look, all of us are locals!

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ odoru aho dakedo    tada no BAKA ja nai

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ I’m a dancing fool but I’m not stupid

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ ai sakebi    heiwa negau    sekai ni hibike SING A SONG

cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ cha cha la cha cha    cha la la    cha cha la cha cha~ I shout my love and pray for peace—may it ring out throughout the world! Sing a song

[redfreesias03]

Shiawase no Tochuu (“In the Middle of Happiness”)

“This is happiness enough. We’ve got such big dreams, and the blissful look on your face when you eat any kind of food puts a smile on my face too.”

OR: Even when they hit the occasional rough patch, the singer is happy with the guy she loves.

yume wo mitanda yo watashi okotteta MOTEchau kimi ni yakimochi yaiteta

I had a dream It got me mad I was jealous of how Popular you were there

tama ni fuan da yo dakara KISU wo shite amaeteru no wa wakatteiru kedo

I get anxious sometimes, So give me a kiss Even though I know That I’m acting spoiled

juubun na hodo    shiawase na no yo sasai na koto datte waratteru tayori ni shiteru    sonkei shiteru na no ni tama ni komarasechau    Ah

This is enough happiness We laugh at the littlest of things I depend on you and I respect you But I still end up causing you trouble occasionally, ah

uta wo utatta yo kimi mo suki na uta onaji tokoro de kashi ni tsumaru kedo

We sang a song A song that you also like But we both forgot the lyrics At the same line

futari te wo totte kono michi wo yuku no dame na tokoro wa shikatte ii kara

Let’s take each other by the hand And walk this road together Go ahead and scold me On my bad points

juubun na hodo    shiawase na no yo anna ni ooki na yume ga arushi nani wo tabete mo    oishi sou na kao kocchi made egao ni naru na    Ah

This is enough happiness We’ve got such big dreams The blissful look on your face when you eat any kind of food Makes me smile too, ah

juubun na hodo    shiawase na no yo anna ni ooki na yume ga arushi nani wo tabete mo    oishi sou na kao kocchi made egao ni naru na    Ah

This is enough happiness We’ve got such big dreams The blissful look on your face when you eat any kind of food Makes me smile too, ah

[redfreesias03]

Seishun Gekijou (“Youth Theater”)

“We’ll grow old in time, but our spirits will never die. We’ll never be parted, so hold your head high and let them stare if they will. Glory to the future!”

OR: The certainty that youth possesses, throughout time.

machigau koto nante nani mo hajiru koto wa nai sa

Making mistakes isn’t Something you should feel any shame about

aseru na yo    muri wo suru na tada    shinnen wo motte

Don’t be impatient, don’t overdo it Simply hold on to your convictions

dare ni mo    mamoru beki hito ga iru hazu sa

Everyone has someone They must protect

yagate    oiteku kedo tamashii wa shinanai sa zutto    hanasanaideiru kara hito me ki ni sezu mune wo hare sono mirai ni    eikou are!

We’ll grow old in time, but Our spirits will never die We’ll never be parted, so Let them stare if they will, hold your head high Glory to the future!

aisare sugiteite sore ga atarimae ni natte

Being showered with so much love That love becomes something expected

yokubou ni owari wa nashi zeitaku ni KIRInashi

There’s no end to desire Continuously in luxury

kimi ni mo    mamoru beki hito ga matteiru

You too have someone waiting That you must protect

tatoe    sabishii hi demo kokoro made yowaru na kimi ga omotteru yori zutto mina no aijou de tsutsumareteru sono mirai ni eikou are!

Even if there’s lonely days Don’t let your heart break down You’ll always be more enveloped In love from everyone     than you think Glory to the future!

yagate    oiteku kedo tamashii wa shinanai sa zutto    hanasanaideiru kara hito me ki ni sezu mune wo hare sono mirai ni    eikou are!

We’ll grow old in time, but Our spirits will never die We’ll never be parted, so Let them stare if they will, hold your head high Glory to the future!

sono mirai ni    eikou are!

Glory to the future!

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This song was originally released as a joint digital single (arranged by Yuasa Kouichi)  by Berryz Koubou and C-ute for their joint stage play Sengoku Jieitai, which later got remade as a Berryz-only musical. However, both groups later released a physical copy of the song in their respective albums (Berryz’s album arrangement was by Uesugi Hiroshi and C-ute’s by Takahashi Yuichi), hence the sheer number of credit tags.

[redfreesias03]

Souda! We’re ALIVE (“That’s Right! We’re ALIVE”)

“I want to be happy, I want to protect you. Even ordinary old me should be able to do that.”

OR: When you think about it, all of us living our life for the most part peacefully is really kind of beautiful.

doryoku    mirai    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    Ah HA    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    zenshin    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    heiwa    A BEAUTIFUL STAR

Hard work    the future    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    ah ha    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    progress    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    peace    A BEAUTIFUL STAR

DOKKIDOKKI shite mitai na DANCIN' THROUGH THE NIGHT

I want to have my heart RACE DANCIN’ THROUGH THE NIGHT

FUNKY FUNKY shite mitai na FUNKY! DISCOTHEQUE

I wanna try bein’ funky, funky FUNKY! DISCOTHEQUE

We're ALIVE    SO    ikiteiru THE ningen    sou sou    THE ningen

We’re ALIVE, so we live our lives— Humankind    yes, that’s right, the humankind

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM PUMP IT UP

YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH PUMP IT UP

We're ALIVE    datte    kangaeru THE ningen   　YES YES　   THE ningen

We’re ALIVE, and so we think about things— Humankind    yes, yes, the humankind

AIDORU    RIIMAN    GYARUko    GYARUo-kun touchan mo kaachan mo minna minna OGYAA tto kono yo ni umareta toki wa maruhadaka sa GO! GO! GO! GO!

Idol, salaryman, gyaru girl, gyaru boy Dad and mom alike, every, everyone When we were born “waah”-ing into this world, We were stark-naked! GO!  GO! GO! GO!

doryoku    mirai    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    Ah HA    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    zenshin    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    heiwa    A BEAUTIFUL STAR

Hard work    the future    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    ah ha    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    progress    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    peace    A BEAUTIFUL STAR

doryoku    mirai    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    Ah HA    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    zenshin    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    heiwa    A BEAUTIFUL STAR

Hard work    the future    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    ah ha    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    progress    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    peace    A BEAUTIFUL STAR

GO! GO! GO! GO! shiawase ni naritai    anata wo mamotte agetai hontou no kimochi wa kitto tsutawaru hazu GO! GO! GO! GO! We're ALIVE

GO! GO! GO! GO! I want to be happy, I want to protect you We definitely need to communicate our true feelings, GO! GO! GO! GO! We’re ALIVE

yatta~! yatta~! shite mitai na HAPPY! THROUGH THE NIGHT

I wanna go “Yay! Yay!” HAPPY! THROUGH THE NIGHT

DISCO DISCO shite mitai na FUNKY! DISCOTHEQUE

I wanna disco, disco FUNKY! DISCOTHEQUE

We're ALIVE    SO    koi wo suru THE ningen    HEY HEY    THE ningen

We’re ALIVE, so we fall in love— Humankind    hey, hey, the humankind

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM x6 BOOM BOOM PUMP IT UP

YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH x6 YEAH YEAH PUMP IT UP

We're ALIVE    datte    nayanderu THE ningen   　YES YES　   THE ningen

We’re ALIVE, and so we worry— Humankind    hey, hey, the humankind

daiji ni shiteita rusuden no koe BOTAN machigatte    keshichimatta GAKU~tte itsumade kuyanderu yori kobushi agete! GO! GO! GO! GO!

The voice recorded on my answering machine that I treasured so much— I hit the wrong button and accidentally deleted it Instead of always slumping over, dwelling in regret Raise your fist! GO! GO! GO! GO!

doryoku    mirai    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    Ah HA    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    zenshin    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    heiwa    A BEAUTIFUL STAR

Hard work    the future    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    ah ha    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    progress    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    peace    A BEAUTIFUL STAR

HEY! GO! GO! GO! GO! shiawase ni naritai    anata wo mamotte agetai heibon na watashi ni datte dekiru hazu GO! GO! GO! GO!

HEY! GO! GO! GO! GO! I want to be happy, I want to protect you Even ordinary old me should be able to do that— GO! GO! GO! GO!

shiawase ni naritai    aijou de tsutsunde agetai ikutsu ni natte mo    WOW    seishun da yo GO! GO! GO! GO! We're ALIVE

I want to be happy, I want to wrap you up in affection No matter how old we are, WOW, we’re young GO! GO! GO! GO! We’re ALIVE

doryoku    mirai    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    Ah HA    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    zenshin    A BEAUTIFUL STAR doryoku    heiwa    A BEAUTIFUL STAR

Hard work    the future    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    ah ha    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    progress    A BEAUTIFUL STAR Hard work    peace    A BEAUTIFUL STAR

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Not really a note and I’m sure 99% of the fanbase knows, but since I know it didn’t click for me as a fan until I started learning Japanese:

奇麗な星 (what Tsunku was thinking when he wrote “a beautiful star” in English) is basically “a beautiful planet” and refers to the Earth. (If you’re interested in the explanation as to why,  星 is used poetically to refer to any shiny celestial object, stars and planets alike. It’s sort of like how in English we call Venus the “morning star”.)

So the chorus you hear across the song is basically “Hard work, a future, a beautiful planet—hard work, uh huh, a beautiful planet. Hard work, progress, a beautiful planet. Hard work, peace, a beautiful planet.”

This also explains why the MV has all sorts of earth “environments” (farms, cities, mountains, plains) and the CD cover has the girls standing with the Earth in the backdrop.

Also, much like a much more recent single, Koko ni Iruzee samples traditional folk music in its dance break: Kalinka, a Russian song written in 1860.

On an unrelated note, this song had several tie-ins, including to a karaoke mic, but also as the TBS theme song for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics (Nacchi was a co-host for the show!), and as TV Tokyo’s opening theme song for Idol wo Sagase! It was also the last of the Morning Musume singles arranged by the legendary Dance Man, and thus sort of an end of an era.