嵐 - Sugar [Eng Translation]

(Translation Index: Here)

嵐 - Sugar

You've got me feeling now, baby
You've got me on my knees, baby
Put it down on me

素気(すげ)無い言葉と裏腹のKissに　きっと深い意味はない
饒舌(じょうぜつ)な言い訳を嫌う君に　抗(あらが)えぬ　Only lonely love

There is definitely no deeper meaning behind your cold words, yet contradictory kiss.
I won't fight against you, who hates such long-winded excuses, there's only lonely love.

月明かり　君は素敵に纏(まと)って　悔しいくらい上手に笑う
何もかも幻だよ、みたいに　嘯(うそぶ)いたその瞳が愛しいんだ

In the moonlight you were dressed so beautifully, and laughed so good it hurt.
Those eyes which seemed to deem everything an illusion, I loved them.

物憂げなUpturned eyes　蔑(さげす)みのCold eyes
翻弄されればされるほど　No way out
君の渦　飲まれてく　Prisoner
There's nothing I can do

Those sombre upturned eyes, and those scornful cold eyes,
The more you toyed around with me, the more there was no way out.
I'm a prisoner, being swallowed up by your vortex.
There's nothing I can do

だから　その指で　唇でSugar　刹那の夢でいい　さあ　もう一度
壊れるほど抱きしめてMy love　言葉はいらない　C'mon
Fall into your trap, fall into your trap　構いやしない
Nothing but a loser　戻れなくたって
甘い香りに誘われるまま　理性溶かしてくよ　Sugar

That's why with those fingers and those lips let's create Sugar. It's fine just as a fleeting dream, come on let's do it one more time.
I'll hold you until I break, my love, we don't need any words, c'mon.
Fall into your trap, fall into your trap, I don't even care.
Nothing but a loser, I can't go back.
As your sweet scent invites me, my reasoning melts away, Sugar.

形ある物などもう要らないって　ちょっと寂しげなSigh
手に光る指輪を眺めては　弄(もてあそ)ぶ
Only lonely, lonely, lonely love

You said you don't need anything solid anymore with a slightly lonely sigh.
Staring at the sparkling ring on your finger, you were just playing around.
Only lonely, lonely, lonely love

剌すようなPrivate eyes　それさえもFeel so nice
まるで心まで見透かされるよう
いっそ強く焼き付けて　Flashback
So gimme one more kiss

Even with those piercing private eyes, it feels so nice.
It's like you are seeing through right into my heart.
I'd rather this be burned strongly into your memories as a flashback,
So gimme one more kiss.

そうさ　その吐息で　眼差しでSugar　目眩(めくるめ)くような時をもう一度
身体中駆け巡るMy love　衝動が止まらない　C'mon
I'm a fool for your lies, I'm a fool for your lies　今はまだ
Don't stop my feeling　終わりにしないで
成す術もない哀れな僕を　嘲笑(あざわら)ってくれよ　Sugar

That's right, with that sigh and that gaze let's create Sugar, let's have one more dazzling moment.
Coursing through my body is my love, my desires can't be stopped, c'mon.
I'm a fool for your lies, I'm a fool for your lies, not just yet.
Don't stop my feeling, don't let this be the end.
A pitiful guy like me with no ability to grow, please ridicule me, Sugar.

明日のことなんて　Forget now
そう　分かってるのは　もうすぐ今日が　終わるってことだけさ
「いつかは2人も　星屑になるの」
そんな駆け引きは　月と太陽に預けて　ただ僕を見つめて

The things about tomorrow, just forget now.
That's right, all we need to understand is that soon, today is going to end.
"When will the two of us become stardust?"
We'll leave those sorts of dealings with the moon and sun, just look at me.

だから　その指で　唇でSugar　刹那の夢でいい　さあ　もう一度
壊れるほど抱きしめてMy love　言葉は要らない　C'mon
Fall into your trap. fall into your trap　構いやしない
Nothing but a loser　戻れなくたって
甘い香りに誘われるまま　理性溶かしてくよ　Sugar

That's why, with those fingers and those lips let's create Sugar. It's fine just as a fleeting dream, come on let's do it one more time.
I'll hold you until I break, my love, we don't need any words, c'mon.
Fall into your trap, fall into your trap, I don't even care.
Nothing but a loser, I can't go back.
As your sweet scent invites me, my reasoning melts away, Sugar.

嵐 - 夜の影 [Eng Translation]

(Translation Index: Here)

夜の影 - Shadows of the Night
(Matsumoto Jun, Ninomiya Kazunari, Ohno Satoshi)

Hey heah um Here we go
Clap Clap Clap Clap Let me feel your heart beat
Clap Clap Clap Clap

Grind　揺らぐ予感　導くMidnight secret
もう待てない　Countin' down
コトバより　ほらカラダでSeek
あまく　擦れた香り　誘うがまま
滴る汗さえも　気にしない　Try to find
甘美なShape　哂してよ
オーバーヒート寸前の　欲望のパノラマ

Grind, wavering feelings guiding midnight secrets,
I can't wait any longer, Countin' down.
Rather than with words, come on, let's seek with our bodies
This scent gently washing over me, how inviting.
Without even a care to the dripping sweat, try to find,
Your sweet shape is being exposed,
in a panorama of lust that appears just before I overheat.

Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Just begin
沈黙消した　First touch
まさにShut down　秩序やルール
上書きさせてよ Wanna make you mine

Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Just begin
Our first touch which erased the silence,
A perfect shut down of orders and rules.
Let me overwrite them, wanna make you mine.

夜の隙間に　踊ろう　Hurry！ Hurry！
Oh girl 0h girl Can't stop me now
ただイタズラに　過ぎ去ってく　瞬間(いま)なら
確かめ合おう　Physically
Neon の Lightが　奏でたFascinate
溶けてく　ふたつのシルエット
そうさ　Easy Easy　かなり大胆に
No more　キミを感じたいよ

In the cracks of night, let's dance, hurry! Hurry!
Oh girl, oh girl, can't stop me now.
With just our flirting we've gone too far, now.
Let's check each other, physically
The neon lights play, they fascinate,
Our two silhouettes melted.
That's right, easy, easy, so boldly,
No more, I want to feel you.

Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap You and I
Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Here we go

Sleep　浅い眠り　繰り返すよりは
何度でも　その海で彷徨っていたい　鼓動も濡らして

Sleep, rather than constantly having these shallow rests,
I want to roam these oceans endlessly, soaking in the beats.

Drop Drop Drop Drop Drop Drop Just begin
雫の音(ね)　Surround して
ローラーコースターみたいにFallin'
逆さまで　ふたり Wanna know you

Drop Drop Drop Drop Drop Drop Just begin
The sound of dripping water surrounds us,
And we're fallin' like a roller coaster.
The two of us are upside down, wanna know you.

続くセメギアイ　もっと　Diggin'！ Diggin'！
Oh girl 0h girl Can't stop you now
でもウラハラに　愛(いと)しさも溢れて
アンバランスなMy heart and soul
息もできないほど　限界までPassionate
1秒1秒がIn fact
もっと Gimme Gimme　Kissの合図に
どんどん　アツくNegotiation

Continuing to fight each other, more, diggin'! Diggin'!
Oh girl, oh girl, can't stop you now.
But behind all that my love is also overflowing,
My unbalanced heart and soul.
Until we can't even breath, we're passionate to the limits.
Each second by second are in fact.
More, gimme gimme, at the signal of a kiss,
this negotiation gets more and more heated.

強く抱いても　満たされはしない
Can't get enough
意識の向こうで　空回りして　Time is up
ささやく唇　幾度　奪えど
Can't get enough
見え隠れする　微かな戸惑いも Precious
あと少しそばで…

No matter how strongly I embrace you, I won't be satisfied.
Can't get enough,
Beyond my awareness I'm just idling, time is up.
Your whispering lips, how many times have they been snatched away,
Can't get enough,
Appearing and disappearing, this slight confusion is also precious.
Just a little bit more beside your side...

夜の隙間に　踊ろう　Hurry！ Hurry！
Oh girl 0h girl Can't stop me now
ただイタズラに　過ぎ去ってく　瞬間(いま)なら
確かめ合おう　Physically
Neon の Lightが　奏でたFascinate
溶けてく　ふたつのシルエット
そうさ　Easy Easy　かなり大胆に
No more　キミを感じたいよ

In the cracks of night, let's dance, hurry! Hurry!
Oh girl, oh girl, can't stop me now.
With just our flirting we've gone too far, now.
Let's check each other, physically
The neon lights played, fascinate,
Our two silhouettes melted.
That's right, easy, easy, quite boldly,
No more, I want to feel you.

Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap…

Arashi - 「Untitled」 [review]

It's that time of year again! A new Arashi album has been released! My thoughts?

嵐 - Miles Away [Eng translation]

(Translation Index: Here) 

嵐 - Miles Away

遥か未来へのDreamer 走り出した日のBeliever
はじまりを祝うFreedom 確かに聞こえるほら
生命の音 刻もうよ もっと
君へ送るEndless beat 巡り巡るSeason

A dreamer heading in to the distant future, a believer on the day I started running.
A freedom that celebrates beginnings, you can definitely hear it--see.
The sounds of life, let's engrave them even more deeply,
As an endless beat I'm sending you, the seasons going round and round.

諦めないYesterdayと 選んできたEverydayを
繋ぎ合わせたTomorrow 風は未来へと吹いて
エピソード 紡ごうよ もっと
手に愛を持って漕ぎ出すWith you

A yesterday I can't give up on, and the every day which I'd chosen.
Are tied with tomorrow, and the winds blowing in to the future.
This episode, let's spin it even further,
Holding love in my hands, I begin to row with you.

明日へのPromises 繰り返してくMy life
それぞれのOne way 生まれてゆくMy story
たとえMiles away いいさFaraway
放たれた光の果て 共にSailing days

Promises towards tomorrow, my life repeating itself
Each one way, giving birth to my story.
Even if you're miles away, it's ok being so far away.
At the end of this radiating light, we'll be together on our sailing days.

重なるフレーズ… 幾千の夢

Overlapping phrases, thousands of dreams.

風が歌うメロディーを 空に響くハーモニーを
僕らは感じるJoyful 時に流す涙を
何重奏も 奏でよう もっと
永遠を祈って All my love is you

A melody sung by the wind, a harmony that echoes in the sky,
The joyful that we feel, and the tears that occasionally fall,
These endless amounts of instruments, lets play them even more.
Praying for eternity, all my love is you.

君へのPromises 時を越えてくMy wish
このままOn your way 喜び描くStory
今日にSay good night 願うMorning light
まだ知らないその先へ 行こうSailing days

My promises to you, and my wish that transcends time.
Going on your way just like this, painting a story of happiness.
I'll say good night to today, and wish for the morning light.
To what's still unknown ahead of us, let's go towards our sailing days.

重なるフレーズ…
夢のほうへ…
届くまで…

Overlapping phrases...
To our dreams...
Until we reach them.

遥か未来へのDreamer 走り出した日のBeliever
はじまりを祝うFreedom 巡り会うためのPromise
繰り返してゆくMy life

A dreamer heading in to the distant future, a believer on the day I started running.
A freedom that celebrates beginnings, a promise to meet once again.
My life repeating itself.

松本潤 - Baby Blue [Eng translation]

(Translation Index: Here) 

松本潤 - Baby Blue

Oh Baby blue 泣き出しそうな空が見てる どんなことだって全て知ってる
出会いと別れを繰り返しながら 回り続けてる

Oh Baby blue, the sky is overflowing with tears while looking down on you, knowing everything there is to know.
Going over our many meetings and farewells, again and again and again.

Everyday いろんなことがあるけれど
Everywhere 笑顔は消えはしない
Oh my life だからひとつひとつ瞳に 焼き付けよう

Every day, many things happen, but
Everywhere there are countless smiles that will never disappear
Oh my life, so let's engrave each and every one of them into our memories.

Oh Baby blue 愛しき日々よ いつまでも幸せ溢れて
Maybe true 泣かないで ほら 君だけが君らしいから

Oh Baby blue, those beloved days are forever overflowing with happiness.
Maybe true, so don't cry. See--only you can be you.

Oh Baby blue 頬を濡らすほどに分かる 花の美しさに気づく
光と影が寄り添い合いながら 世界はできてる

Oh Baby blue, the wetter my cheeks become the more I begin to understand the beauty of flowers.
As light and shadow meld together, the world is created.

Everyday ひとりぼっちの夜を抜けて
Everywhere 明日へと夢見たい
Oh my life だから心のあるがままに 生きてゆこう

Every day, I pass the nights all alone.
Everywhere, I want to dream of tomorrow.
Oh my life, so that's why I'll keep on living with the heart I have now. 

Oh Baby blue 愛しき人よ いつかまた巡り会う日まで
Maybe true 今はさよなら 見上げれば変わらぬ空

Oh Baby blue, to my beloved, until the day we can meet again
Maybe true, for now it's goodbye, but if you look up you'll see it's the very same sky.

さよなら涙

Goodbye, tears.

くすんだ雲の向こう側 ずっと青が広がって
君に繋がっているから 歩き続けよう Oh

Beyond those dark clouds is an ever-expanding sea of blue.
We're connected, so let's keep walking forward, oh.

Oh Baby blue 愛しき日々よ いつまでも幸せ溢れて
Maybe true 泣かないで ほら 君だけが君らしいから

Oh Baby blue, those beloved days are forever overflowing with happiness.
Maybe true, so don't cry. See--only you can be you.

嵐 - 復活LOVE [Eng translation]

(Translation Index: Here) 

復活LOVE - Reviving Love

横殴りの雨の中　この部屋を飛び出した君は
二人の愛を試すみたいに　さよならさえも言わないまま
永すぎた春に　別れを告げた
あの日からずっと　僕はまるで抜け殻さ

You ran out of this room in the pouring rain,
As if testing our love, without saying a word of goodbye.
This announced the end to our everlasting spring.
and ever since that day, I have become but a shell of my previous self.

Baby, don't you go　行かないで！　叫んでも　聞こえない
君は乗せた taxi が　水しぶきあげ遠ざかる
Never leave me here　哀しみに　崩れてゆく　一人きり
見失って恋人を諦めきれないのさ　まだ
どんなことがあっても　待ち続けるよ　僕は　
「I miss you」

Baby, don't you go, don't go! Even though I'm yelling this, you can't hear me.
The taxi you stepped in to left behind a spray of rain as it took you further away.
Never leave me here, I'm broken by my grief, all alone.
I won't give up on my beloved, just because I've lost sight of them.
I'll continue to wait for you, no matter what happens.
"I miss you"

二人でいられるだけで　足りないものなどはないと
思い込んでは君の淋しさ　知らずにいたこと悔やむだけ
言葉に出したら　壊れてしまう
そんな危うさ　きっと君は気づいてた

I believed that if it was just the two of us, there would be nothing else we'd need
But these thoughts led to your loneliness, and I can only regret not having noticed sooner.
If you had voiced this out, everything would have fallen apart.
And you had surely realized how dangerous that would have been.

Baby, where are you?　 どこにいる？　メールさえも　届かない
優しさに甘えすぎた　僕を許して　ごめんね
Come back to my heart　お願いさ　今すぐにも　会いたいよ
その胸に寄り添いながら　眠りにつける日々を
取り戻せるのならば　他に何もいらないさ

Baby, where are you? Where are you? Not even my texts are reaching you.
Please forgive me for being so spoiled by your kindness, I'm sorry.
Come back to my heart, I'm begging you. If I could, I wish I could see you right now.
If I could return to those days, where I slept nestled close to your heart
Then, I wouldn't need anything else.

ある晴れた　月の満ちる夜
微笑み浮かべて　舞い戻った angel
長い孤独の果てから　たどり着いた　この場所へ

During a clear night with a full moon
Wearing a gentle smile, my angel returned to me.
At the ends of my long period of loneliness, you've finally returned back to this place.

Baby, welcome back　おかえりと　抱きしめた　僕の瞳に
溢れる涙　懐かしい唇で受け止めて
Never let you go　もう二度と　離れないと　誓い合う
愛が再び蘇る愛しいこの瞬間
二人で探し当てた　本当の宝物さ
朝の光の中で　僕らはひとつになる

Baby, welcome back. Welcoming you back, I hold you tightly,
and your lips which I've missed so much catch the tears which have spilled down my face.
Never let you go, I promise we'll never be apart again.
This cherished moment in which our love is rekindled,
Is the true treasure that we've been searching for.
And in to the morning light, we become one.

"My love, 離さないよ"

"My love, I'll never let you go"

「おかえり」

"Welcome home"

 ---

T/N: I did these a long time ago, just posting them now for storage sake. 

Arashi - Are You Happy DVD [liveblog]

I literally wrote these notes as I was watching it so... bare with me ^^;;

Opening: Nino's giggle after singing his mini song about Aiba is so cute <3

• Live band right on stage, nice!
• Jun has slowly moved from taking 50% of the Penlight to control to like... 95% between Digitalian and now xD
• I am loving how they did the carts, making it see-through but with changeable lights. So nice.

Love so Sweet: I've just hit LSS and this concert does feel very "HAPPY" ^^

• MATSUMIYAAAAA
• Also can I just say - I love how they haven't really edited their voices this time around. THANK YOU.

Member Intro: What is this rad tune the band is playing for their intros? SO HAPPY :D

• How did Sho even say TOKYOOOOOOO for that long? I ran out of breath waiting for him to stop.
• Going from arena to this... they look so tiny even on DVD. Oh dear. 

Thoughts on Sho's Solo: Um. It's nice. I'm not a fan of Sho's solo on the album either so... ^^;;

• The background visuals for To my Homies is so cute ^^
• TENNEN <3333333

Drive: I am laughing imagining Jun actually driving while jamming out to music like this.

• Sakumoto parents w/ Takoyaki gang kids? Sho is the trophy wife.
• Holy fuck the penlight effect for Drive. WHAT A NICE TOUCH. This is already turning in to one of my most favourite performances of theirs, PERIOD.
• Aiba just lying on Ohmiya's laps.
• SERIOUSLY THE PENLIGHTS..

Step and Go/DYGI: Aw the ending of Drive w/ their overlapping hands leading into Step and Go is so cute <3

• JUNTOSSSSSHI. TOUCH THE BUTTTT
• This whole part in the car is SO CUTE
• "Forever feel my soul" is forever one of my most favourite English lines of theirs in a song, WTF
• Junba and Sakumiya <3
• Also whooooa Ohno's voice cracking and going off, whaaat.
• OMG JUN FISHING OHNO <33333
• This honestly just seems like such a fun concert. It's nice after how structured their past couple concerts have been - they finally get a chance to just let go and be super silly.
• Small Matsumiya during DYGI <3

Thoughts on Bad Boy: The opening talk in to Bad Boy is SO CUTE
I like it, but I expected a bit more to it. I expected it to be more intense dancing wise. But I like the mime movements a lot and to be honest, I think the silliness actually matches the overall tone of the concert so within the context of the whole show I don't mind. But dance-wise it is still a bit lacklustre for me. It's not bad, but like I said, I expected a bit more intensity.

Two to Tango -> Fight Song: Ohno really likes adding fluttery hands to his choreos

• Two to Tango looked a lot more interesting in the AYH documentary rehearsals ^^;; (but I also blame the way they're cutting the angles? Like wtf)
• the penlights *___*
• AoKimi is potentially seizure inducing, like... wow flashy lights
• Seriously their carts for this con are so cute <3
• Juntoshi fishing in fight song, omfg that's so cute <3
• THE ENDING TO FIGHT SONG WTF

MC: Sho's boot's that he's wearing for the MC - hot damn.

• I find it so amusing how confident and excited Arashi were for Aiba hosting Kouhaku.

Thoughts on Baby Blue:
This is really life. How long has it been since we've heard Jun's voice completely edited and nasally? I feel like I'm back in 2004 watching this concert honestly with how unedited the sound is. Also, I feel cheated that Jun isn't wearing a hideous baby blue suit, but to be fair he looks gorgeous like this. Also this performance is just so cute with all the pics with Jun and his friends. ALSO ALL THE PICS WITH BABIES. AWWWW. Please let him get married and have kids one day. Jun is so cute. I love him for shit like this. Singing a song like this and showing all his friends and uggggh T-T /bias af. SO CUTE.

Miles Away: MILESSSS AWAY FUCKING MINDBLOWN AND THE WAY THEY ENDED UP FUUUUUUUCK.

• CAN THE CONCERT JUST END RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW? CUZ SO PRETTY *___* 

Wonder Love: Oh damn, Wonder Love is also amazing. Another favourite of this concert.

Thoughts on Maya Kyou:
Oh poor Nino. This is easily the best solo performance of the concert though. Too be we can't see half of it. Especially if you have subs on. To be fair...  think if you have a really big TV and turn the subs off, it's not that bad? xD (No, it's still pretty bad, oh poor Nino). With that being said - and this is the same during Wonder Love as well. I looooved the lighting effects in the back. But you know. I would've also liked to see Nino?

Thoughts on Amore:
Aiba looks so good during this song. Why is he so good looking. Seriously, Aiba during concerts is like... fuck. He's so great. I love him. Stole my damn heart during arena and stealing my heart during AYH. ALSO ABS. Also I love how Aiba does shit like this. I feel like Aiba has joined Jun in the ranks of making super entertaining solos. I'm not even talking dance-wise, but just flat out entertainment and being an absolute blast to watch. What a guy. I love Jun, but Amore is definitely my second most favourite solo performance of this concert. Aw <3. I love how they specifically found fans with Aiba uchiwas to pinpoint on. Seriously this whole performance is so cute. I love this.

Seishun Boogie: Omfg the opening to Seishun Boogie. I love this so much, I haven't laughed so hard in such a long time. JUN SEX NOISES YA'LL. LOOK AT HIS DUMB SMILE AT THE END HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING. I AM DYING.

• I honestly love how silly this concert is. T-T

Happy Medley: Happiness with bongo drums? Never knew I needed this in my life until  now.

• Aw the penlights are spelling out Arashi <3
• More Matsumiya <33333
• This remix with Love Rainbow/Troublemaker is so great. I fucking love this. 

Encore: I seriously love Arashi's costumes for their encore. Could we have Sho and Aiba's jackets?

• MATSUMIYAAAAAA
• MATSUMIYAAAAAAAAAAAAA
• Ugh I can't take all the matsumiya, they're fucking married.
• MARRIED
• I AM SO BIAS I AM SORRY

Final Thoughts

Hands down, one of my most favourite concerts ever. It's so fun. Also - the fact that the sound isn't edited makes it so much better. I feel like I haven't heard Jun be this nasally, or Ohno fuck up in so long. And it's great! I love it. I love hearing Arashi singing again. But going back to how fun this concert was, don't get me wrong, Popcorn, Love, Digitalian, Japonism (dome), all great in their own way but I feel due to their themes (except popcorn), they were often very stiff. ESPECIALLY for Japonism. There wasn't much room to fool around, have fun, but in AYH you actually see the members smiling and laughing during their songs. Definitely a great concert for a great album. Well done Arashi.  

嵐 - Unknown [Eng translation]

(Translation Index: Here)

嵐 - Unknown

満ちてゆくNight　捉えようもない
我儘だけどほら　持て余した想い
(Oh-Oh　飾らないで　Oh-Oh　手渡すから)
意外そうなFace　こぼれ出すWord
嘘でも本当でも構いやしないさ
(Oh-Oh　確かな温度)　伝わってるから

The night is coming to an end, with no way to keep a hold of it
It's selfish but hey, these feelings just couldn't be controlled.
(Oh-Oh, don't put up a front, Oh-Oh, because I'll hand it over myself)
An unexpected face, a word that spills out,
It doesn't matter whether it's the truth or a lie,
(Oh-Oh, the exact degree) because it's understood anyway.

静かに打つ鼓動…
ふたりだけ分かる　色づき始めた合図
どこに辿り着くだろう…
カタチを失くして　ずっと向こうで　囁いてる愛へ

My pulse beats silently...
A signal that only the two of us understand, begins to change colours.
Where will things end up, I wonder...
Having lost it's shape, off into the distance, to our murmuring love.

決して叶わぬ夢　甘美にして
またリピートしてるRhythmが
Feeling inside, Feeling inside, Oh-Oh…　そのまま
まるで世界中に忘れられている
今夜だけの鍵を探そう
Feeling inside, Feeling inside, Oh-Oh…　ここから

This rhythm that's still repeating,
Turning a dream that will never be fulfilled, into something sweet.
Feeling inside, feeling inside, oh-oh... just like that.
Let's search for a key that's only for tonight,
which the entire world seems to have forgotten about.

触れてるだけ　崩れそうなTime
空白に今　何を描いてくだろう？
(Oh-Oh　委ねてBaby　Oh-Oh　見つかるまで)
ちっぽけなHeart　寄り添ったBeat
手探り　少しずつ優しさ重ねた
(Oh-Oh　溶け出す空気)　もうこのまま　包み込んで

Time, which seems like it will break with just a touch,
Right now, in this empty space, what will be drawn?
(Oh-oh, devoting myself baby, oh-oh, until I find it)
This tiny heart, a beat that comes ever closer,
Fumbling, bit by bit, a gentleness builds up.
(Oh-Oh, dissolving air) wrapping us up, just as we are.

I wanna feel you baby　脆く儚く
エゴイスティックなほど輝いて
深く迷い込んでゆくよ

I wanna feel you baby, fragile, fleeting,
Shining almost egotistically,
While deeply lost.

何を語っているの　その視線いま
理解しているようで　すれ違う
Feeling inside, Feeling inside, Oh-Oh…　そのまま
身体中巡ってる　このRhythmを
なくさないで今日の匂いを
Feeling inside, Feeling inside, Oh-Oh…　ここから

That look just now, what is it saying?
We disagreed while pretending to understand.
Feeling inside, feeling inside, oh-oh... just like that,
This rhythm, circulating throughout my body,
The smell of today that I don't want to lose.

浮ついた言葉なんて仕舞って
まだ知らない宇宙へ
Feeling inside, Feeling inside, Oh-Oh…　yeah
時の隙間に入り込んだみたいに
静寂へと　そうEscape
見えないモノ　見えないままで…

To end on such fickle words,
Heading into a universe we still know nothing about,
Feeling inside, feeling inside, oh-oh...yeah.
It's like we've stepped into a gap in time,
Escaping into the stillness
Until we're finally unable to see the things which cannot be seen.

明けゆく空もまだ
靄の中
果て見えぬ洞穴
こだま
散らかるモラルの殼
no matter
ah 保たない…

The dawning sky is once again,
covered in a haze,
This cave which we can't see the end of,
echoes,
with the remnants of our scattered morals.
No matter.
Ah, it won't last.

疼ぐのカラダが　未だ貴方が
何も変わらない　何も分からない
一つ定かな　あからさまなsaga
はなから　叶わないの我儘

This aching body, even now, you
haven't changed at all, and still don't understand anything at all.
One thing that is for sure, this straightforward saga,
from start to end, cannot bear such selfishness.

浮ついた言葉なんて仕舞って
まだ知らない宇宙へ
Feeling inside, Feeling inside, Oh-Oh…　yeah
時の隙間に入り込んだみたいに
静寂へと　そうEscape
見えないモノ　見えないままで…

To end on such fickle words,
Heading into a universe we still know nothing about,
Feeling inside, feeling inside, oh-oh...yeah.
It's like we've stepped into a gap in time,
Escaping into the stillness
Until we're finally unable to see the things which cannot be seen.

Arashi - Are You Happy [review]

It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing, the weather is getting cold, and what is this? A new Arashi album being released? Unfortunately I am not in Japan anymore to bask in the amazingness that is this album (and if I was, I would've picked up this album instantly). But, thanks to the internet, I've still got a copy of the songs and now it's time to give my review. And if you haven't noticed... for once I'm not starting off sounding like a total downer!

Arashi - Don't You Get It PV + Making

I don't think I can say enough about Don't You Get It. As a song it's not the best thing in the world - I like it, but it's no Fukkatsu Love or Ai no Collection, but it's pretty good. No - for Don't You Get It, it's not the song that is the part I love - it's everything that has come with the song. The performance, the PV, the making - all of these things that Arashi appear in are the reason I fell in love with Arashi. All these things are exactly what I feel Arashi is.

Concert Reports: Japonism dome + arena

Hi,

For the people who have come to my blog but don't know my tumblr... I actually went to Arashi's Japonism concert last year in November, and earlier this year in July and I wrote reports for both occasions. Again, you may have seen these on tumblr already, but cross-referencing them here anyway.

Feel free to check out the reports. The reason I'm posting them now? Because... I forgot to do it earlier. Also, the Japonism DVD came out and I'm still debating if I should "review" it considering I've already reviewed the concert in my report. Well, I guess if you see a "Japonism DVD review"  you'll know my answer to that question. Anyway, enough rambling.

Japonism @ Nagoya - 2015.11.07

Part 1 - Part 2

Japonism in Arena @ Shizuoka - 2016.07.24 (Noon showing)

Full Report

Enjoy :)

Arashi - I seek / Daylight [review]

Here we are, Arashi's 49th single and their first double A-side in 4 years? 5 years? I don't remember, but it's been a while. Not surprising to anyone, these two songs are the themes to two Arashi dramas, Sekai Ichi Muzukashii Koi and 99.9. I am watching both so I've heard both songs.

Truthfully, I didn't really have an opinion of either song before the singles came out. From what I could from the dramas, I liked I Seek a lot more than Daylight... but now that the single has come out? I am really confused with how I feel about it.

You can read my review and see what I mean when I say, I am seriously confused at how I feel about this single:

Arashi - 復活LOVE [review]

The first Arashi single this year has been released and despite only being the song for a CM, they packed a lot of money into this one. So, what do I think of all the effort?

FNS 歌謡祭 - Arashi [2015.12.03]

FNS Kayousai is my most favourite year end music special. Why? Because unlike Best Artist which is turning more and more into a Johnny's fest every year, and Music Station which tends to just focus on more current Jpop stars, FNS has a good mix of everything--and they literally mix it up! I love seeing the collaborations between groups and singers, and hearing older classic songs spruced up with the latest singles.

All in all, as a music show I think FNS has the most to offer and is the most entertaining. With that being said, ever since the great fiasco of 2011, Arashi stopped appearing live on FNS which made me not really watch it anymore. This year though, they were there, which got me really excited because that meant that a) they were going to collaborate and b) hopefully they would sing live again?

Well. A was partially true but I really shouldn't have gotten my hopes up for B. I mean, at the end of the day I don't mind if Arashi lip syncs. I really don't--I'm not  here for there spectacular singing voices anyway. BUT. The thing is, at FNS, it is so obvious that everyone is singing live. You can hear it. Even if you don't necessarily recognize the song and have never heard the recorded track, you can tell just from the sound of their voices that they are singing through a microphone. Arashi? Yeah. Nope. And the reason this bugged me?

BECAUSE  IT MEANT THEY DIDN'T DO A SINGING COLLABORATION. I was so upset! I loved when Arashi did their collaborations in 2009 and 2011. They were really great and super enjoyable and fun to watch. And at least for their version of Hatenai Sora in 2010, it was obvious they were singing live. But no. This year, they did a "collaboration" with Momo Clover Z where the girls just back danced for them. And obviously the girls couldn't sing a long because Arashi was lip syncing (and they were, it was obvious). If you listen to the sound of Arashi vs the sound of literally anyone else who performed, it is obvious those voices aren't coming from the mics. Or--if they were (which I think for Ai wo Sakebe they kind of were)--it was accompanied by heavy backing vocals.

Honestly. Part of me feels like the only reason they appeared live this year was because Matchy was there. If they didn't need to support their sempai (seriously watching all the Johnny's standing front and centre pretending to enjoy Matchy's performance was so embarrassing... I wonder what everyone else though), then I doubt they would have showed up. I wonder if they'll even bother showing up next year or if it'll be back to sending in studio recordings again :|

Also. Finally. What the hell was up with MatsuJun's hat?

Oh. This was supposed to be a performance review wasn't it? Um. I thought it was cute that MatsuJun shook the hand of that MomoClo girl before they left. Ai wo Sakebe had Sho making faces as usual and Jun looking super happy. Uh............ yeah. I don't even remember what song they did in between Wish and Ai wo Sakebe. Did they do song in between? You can tell how impressed I was with the performance. Sorry. I love Arashi, but guys, no one is going to freak out if you sing out of tune okay. We all saw the 2011 fiasco, you can't get worse than that. Seriously. -_-;;

大野智 - 暁

(Translation Index: Here)

大野智 - 暁 (Akatsuki)

ふと見上げ　おぼろ月浮かんだ　夜に
可憐に咲いた　花よ
時代が　流れ流れても
遠く　時を超えて　運んでゆく　あなたの元へ

Casually, I looked up at the moon  hanging dimly in the night sky
Like a flower that has bloomed, oh so sweetly
Even as time flows on and on
From far away, overcoming time itself, I'll make my way to your side

離れてく　千切れ雲
追いかけて　さざ波
触れずとも　魅せられて
儚き　影の中で

The scattered clouds have drifted away
The ripples are scattering to catch up
And without even needing to touch you, I am enchanted
Into those fleeting shadows

風　いたずらに　吹き抜けて　水面に
浮かぶ空　掻き乱してゆく
移ろう　（時を）　願う
手を伸ばしても　ただ　溢れるだけ

The wind aimlessly blows upon the water's surface
Disturbing the reflection of the sky drowning within it
I wish (that time) would move on
But even when I stretch out my hands, it simply floods past me

もう　来ぬ人を　待つような　想いで
過ぎてゆく　あてもなき夜
心　（消えぬ）　景色　汚れなき　微笑みに

Feeling as though I am waiting for someone who will never arrive
I pass these aimless nights
And in my heart is a scenery (that won't disappear), giving me a smile not marred by anything

「心にも　あらで憂き世に　長らへば．．．」
知らぬはずの　燃えるように　鮮やかに　輝いて　

"Even if I do not wish to, if I must remain within this bleak world..."
I shouldn't have know about it, but there it is shining so brightly, like it's burning

暁に　胸の中
叩く音　とまどい
夢の中　近くとも
どんなに　遠きことか

As dawn enters into my heart
I am troubled by a throbbing sound
Although you are close to me in my dreams
How far am I away from you in reality?

今　映し出す　離れない　記憶は
叶わない　約束としても
深く　（響き）　渡り
身を尽くして　ただ　羽ばたいてく

These memories appearing in my mind that I can't be rid of
Act like a promise I will not be able to fulfill
(Echoing) deeply inside me
Simply flapping their wings to the point of exhaustion

そう　舞い落ちる　花びらは　夢想の
彼方へと　呼び覚ましゆく
出逢い　（深い）　調べ　ざわついた　隙間にも

The petals that have fluttered down
Call for you, who are in my dreams, to wake up
Meeting, creating (profound) music, stirring up the spaces in my heart

「心にも　あらで憂き世に　長らへば．．．」
追えど見えぬ　掻き分けて　雲の間に　輝いて

"Even if I do not wish to, if I must remain within this bleak world..."
I chase it without seeing it. Pushing it's way through, it shines brightly between the spaces within the clouds.

「心にも　あらで憂き世に　長らへば　恋しかるべき　夜半の月かな」

"Even if I do not wish to, if I must remain within this bleak world I will yearn for the moon hanging in the midnight sky"[*]

[*] - this line is actually a poem from part of the "百人一首" (Ogura Hyakunin Isshu), a collection of 100 poems written by 100 poets, and is central to the card game karuta. 

----Translators Notes---

I don't usually make comments but this song is actually just so beautiful lyrically and very poetic--so much so that I think I actually need to explain a few things and my translation choices.

I don't think I did justice translating the poem itself, and thus the rest of the song, but I also didn't like any of the translations I found online. The idea behind the poem though seems to be that if the person must continue living in their present reality against their wishes, what they will find solace in, is the beauty of the moon.

And this song--Akatsuki--reflects the sentiments of the poem almost perfectly. The subject of this song is also taking about their longing for the moon and to be close to it. Also there is a line up there "I wish that time would move on" - and this reflects the part of the poem that expresses having to remain in the world against the persons wishes. In the song, "wishing that time would move on" implies a notion of change as time moves on---so not just time passing, but time changing and ultimately (I assume) for time to bring this persons death. But the next line "even when I stretch out my hand..." shows that despite the subjects wishes, time just continues moving on but not affecting him.

In fact--the fact that the song itself is named Dawn just makes so much sense because this is the moment when the moon begins to disappear. So the subject tries to chase the moon as it it outshone by the sun, despite not being able to see it--but you know how you can see the moon sometimes on a clear day? So the moon shines through regardless, even when it should have disappeared with the morning light.

Blargh, I honestly hated analyzing poems but man, this song just... I don't know, it strikes a chord in me. My English tutor would probably have tears in her eyes if I told her this xD.

櫻井翔 - Rolling Days

(Translation Index: Here)

櫻井翔 - Rolling Days

揺らめく様な　香り近づく　目を閉じても　君と分かる
夢じゃないさ　零れる吐息は　高鳴りを連れて

A faint scent comes closer and even with my eyes closed I know it's you
This isn't a dream. The breath that escapes you makes me tremble.

聞こえているか？　漂う音が
気付けば falling down　止まらない想いで

Can you hear it? The sound hanging in the air.
By the time I realized, I was already falling down in to memories that wouldn't stop.

刻まれた　時間の中　生まれゆくダイヤのような
そこにしかない　輝きを　君の指に飾るから

In the time that has passed, a brightness is born that can only be found in diamonds
And I want to put it on your finger

どこまでも深い場所まで　二人落ちてゆけるなら
何も見えない闇さえ　優しく包み込むから
終わりなんて　怖くないのさ…
始まりは　いつも underground
もっと響かせ

If the two of us fall into the deepest of places
Even in such absolute darkness where we can't see one another, I'll embrace you gently
I'm not afraid of the end...
The beginning always starts from underground
Make it echo even more

とても綺麗な　涙が落ちる　透き通る様な　水晶になる
触れてみれば　懐かしさに似た　痛みを映した

A breathtaking tear falls, becoming a clear crystal
And when I tried to touch it, a pain close to nostalgia was reflected

覚えているか？　あの日の音が
打ち抜いた breaking down　変わらない想いで

Do you remember? The sound from that day.
Hitting and breaking down those unchanging memories.

脱ぎ捨てた　その肌は　なめらかな刃のようさ
傷ついたって　かまわない　君のそばにいたいから

The skin that you've shed is like a smooth blade
Even if you hurt me I won't mind, as long as I can be near you

強く抱きしめるたびに　壊れ落ちてゆくのなら
全て無くなるほどに　ひとつになればいいから
終わりなんて　いつか来るのさ…
始まりは　いつだってあるのさ
ずっと響かせ

If we break and fall apart every time we hold each other
As long as we become one, to the point where everything else is gone, it's fine.
When will the end come?
There will be always be a new beginning.
Keep on echoing

Ah　一時の快楽
燃えて　また灰になる
終わりなんてないはず
会いたく...（なる）　また拝借

Ah. That small moment of pleasure.
Burning and returning to ashes
There shouldn't be such a thing as an end
I want... (to see you). To borrow you again.

香りだけ漂う
想いまだ彷徨う
嗚呼もう　Wanna know?

Only your scent hangs the air
As my feelings continue to wander
Ah, that's enough. Wanna know?

もう闇の中へ逃げよう　（Oh)
僅かな光の強さを見せよう　（Oh）
もう離れなくていいんですよ　（Oh）
だから…　傍にいてよ　（Oh）

Let's escape into the darkness (Oh)
Let me show you how powerful even the smallest light can be (Oh)
We don't have to be apart anymore (Oh)
So please... stay by my side (Oh)

汚れたまんまでもいいの
夢の中まで逃避行　（Yeah yeah）
いつも現実は強引で　（Yeah yeah）
Rolling, rolling days

Even while tainted, you are fine
Let's disappear in to our dreams
But reality is always pulling us out to those
Rolling, rolling days

心叩くたびに　火花を巻き上げた
二人見つめたまま　光の中へ
重なり合う音が　螺旋を描いてた
溶け合いながら　永遠へ

Every time my heart beats, sparks fly
While gazing at each other, we head in to the light
And the sounds overlap to create a spiral
As we meld together into eternity

どこまでも深い場所まで　二人落ちてゆけるなら
何も見えない闇さえ　優しく包み込むから
終わりなんて　怖くないのさ…
始まりは　いつも underground
もっと響かせ

If the two of us fall into the deepest of places
Even in such absolute darkness where we can't see one another, I'll embrace you gently
I'm not afraid of the end
The beginning always starts from underground
Make it echo even more

Arashi - Ai wo Sakebe review [Single + Performance]

As promised in my Japonism album review, I will be reviewing Ai wo Sakebe. Mainly because it wasn't on the album so I couldn't talk about it there, and also because I actually have quite a bit to say about this single. So, first up I will talk about each of the individual tracks, then the PV+Making, and then... I don't have any of the performances downloaded on my computer, but I watched all of them (I think?) so I'll review whatever performance I can find still streaming online.

Before I start, I just want to say the thing about this single was that I was really surprised when it came out because I had totally forgotten about it. It's the song to a wedding CM or something right? I'm still not really sure what it was for, but yeah. So, when it came out I wasn't excited or happy, I was just downright confused and sort of blah, because weddings. Blergh. But... in the end, I was pleasantly surprised.

Arashi - Japonism review

Hello. It has been a while again, especially on the Arashi front. I didn't do a review of AoKimi or Ai wo Sakebe. The latter I really should review though because I actually liked it (and I say actually because I was not interested in it in the beginning). But, before I get to that, a more important thing. Arashi's 14th album has been released as of today, Japonism, and as per the usual I will be giving a review of it.

Digitalian Concert - Quick Thoughts

These are literally just random thoughts I have while watching the concert - in point form.

• Ever since the LOVE concert I realized that having the Japanese subs makes watching the concert 50,000x more fun (cause I can sing along).... my download doesn't have the subs. =( Oh well. 
• Jun's heart rate is ridiculous, like how is he alive o_o
• The opening to the concert is so cool =D ommmgggg
• Cool costumes, Asterisk has a pretty sweet dance
• Wonderful... are these guys part of a cool boy band or sassy girl group (SORRY BUT SERIOUSLY THE DANCE JUST MAKES ME THINK THAT)
• Aiba is so fucking precious this guy omg, Disco Star, I can't even. DISCO STAR-SAMAAAAAA - I would've been yelling that so hard if I had been there
• I think... I mean, I love Aiba's solo but there is something about Sho's performance of Hey Yeah!! that makes me like and enjoy the song so much more than I originally did--and I already like Sho's solo to begin with. So. Great for him. Although the speech in the beginning...
• Seriously "Who are your real people" for 友達って何だろう (tomodachitte nandarou) (I think that is what the Japanese on the background screens say). Who gave that a green light? Why couldn't they just stick with "Who are your friends" or if you really want to have the word "real" in there for emphasis... "Who are you real friends" - but "real people"? 
• But shit I really love Sho's solo and ommmg the background video to his solo looks so cool, I actually wish they'd release a separate video just for it
• And I'll admit I do think the opening speech mixed with what his song is talking about... works really well... except not sure why he thought to do it in English--I guess cause it sounds cooler?
• Actually, I think it's entirely due to how awesome the backing video is for Sho's solo that I am so impressed with his performance
• By the way, for anyone who even remembers my review of The Digitalian album, I've gotten over how fucking weird One Step sounds in the album -- don't get me wrong, I've always liked the song but it doesn't weird me out inside the album anymore either
• I never understood why people were so happy they sang Love Wonderland but I think this is like how Intergalatic worked during the LOVE con -- I love the song in concert but outside of it I'm still pretty meh about it. 
• Performance is seriously all different sorts of cute and adorable though
• ...I really wish they would stop putting in the FULL instructions of their next section in to the MC part of the DVD and actually give us the entire god damn MC. DAMN IT.
• Nino's solo is... uh. Yeah. Whatever
• Surprisingly, I like Jun's solo better than Ohno's 
• The thing is Jun's song was never that interesting for me and in terms of performances this has to be his most tone-downed performance since... 2004? But I feel like his dancing has actually improved a lot and therefore, despite being quite toned down, it still ended up being really interesting and entertaining
• Ohno on the other hand is still better at dancing than Jun but... his choreo for his solo was pretty sparse--I mean it had the usual Ohno style of being very smooth and flowy but without much "wow" factor, so I felt like I didn't get much out of it--I could have just listened the song by itself and felt the same.
• I looooove the costumes for Tell Me Why and TRAP (and btw yes the performance was pretty damn awesome, nice choreo Ohno :D)
• The costume change from TRAP to Troublemaker.... how......? 
• How long do you think they had to practice Hope in the Darkness for them to perfect it because daaaaaaaamn o_o
• I feel bad for Sho since he's the bass--he has to move his arm the entire song ^^;; 
• Always like this song but whenever I hear it now I'm going to remember this performance and just get so many feels omg seriously, so freakin' cool!
• Finding it slightly amusing how Ohno is so graceful, Nino looks like he's having spasms, and Sho, Jun and Aiba are pretty much being robots--especially Jun, his face is so serious
• After seeing just how dead serious ALL of them were, it's nice to see them smile again for Zero-G
• And now we're at the 15th year anniversary medley. I won't do every song but some quick thoughts regardless:
• I think it's nice that they wore their BLAST costume for this 
• Also I realized the banners on the side of their hot air balloons has the logos for all their past concerts, that's pretty cool actually
• Jun looks like he's having a blast during Kotoba Yori
• OMG the members with each group of juniors starting from Sakura Sake is so cute! ^_^
• Matsumiya moment during Happiness :D
• I wish they had sang Truth instead of One Love for 2008 =( Haven't heard that song being performed in a while
• I think it says a lot that I.. know the last song they sang was from the album but I do not remember the name at all... it was the song I said was a typical Arashi song. Kimi something? 

Okay, these are my thoughts on the latest concert DVD. Also yes I have watched DVD 3 and this was one of the best things they've done. I loved watching them make takoyaki xD Also copious amounts of Jun, yaaay. But more dressing room shenanigans would be nice--I guess they really don't do shit like that though. 

One thing I really want though is I wish Jun could be on Jounetsu Tairiku. It's the show that did a documentary of Nino in 2006/2007 when he was doing Iwo Jima and Marathon. I want them to do one one Jun when he plans concerts, but I guess they'd never release something like that. Damn it. I love watching him do stuff like that though and I'm glad we got to see more of it recently. I wonder when he started? It can't have been right away.... 2006? 2005? ...2004?! (he was only 21 at that time!!). I really wonder. 

Anyway, enough rambling!

Arashi - Sakura review [single + performance]

Our first Arashi single of the year which surprisingly is not related to anything Arash is doing at all.... although it is the theme song to the drama Ouroboros which happens to star MatsuJun's two BFF's Ikuta Toma and Oguri Shun! (side note: it's pretty good so far, I am impressed).

I'll be doing a review of just the songs and the three performances (the two music station ones and the Shiyagare one) - the making of I will talk about in a separate post because I actually have quite a few thoughts on it.

Let's go!