Song of the Week: Secret Base (Kimi ga Kureta Mono) – Zone

This week’s Song of the Week is Secret Base (Kimi ga Kureta Mono) by a girls group called Zone. The song Secret Base ~君がくれたもの (Kimi ga Kureta Mono) is about a sad goodbye to a good friend.

Zone was an all-female pop rock band who formed in Sapporo, Japan in 1999. They released their first single, “Good Days” on February 7, 2001. The four piece band comprises of lead vocalist/guitarist Miyu Nagase, vocalist/drummer Mizuho Saito, vocalist/bassist Maiko Sakae and vocalist/guitarist Takayo Ookishi.

Interestingly, Zone originally started out as a dance group, but due to the overabundance of dance groups at that time in Japan decided to breakout as a band that played instruments as well as sing and dance. They were part of a new genre in Japan called “bandol” which is a combination of the words band and idol. Indeed, you could call Zone an idol pop-rock band. A group that can sing, dance and play an instrument.

Secret Base (Kimi ga Kureta Mono) was the bands most famous song and was released on August 8, 2001. The single was a massive hit for the band reaching number 2 on the Japanese Oricon charts. The song has also been covered by popular girls band SCANDAL in Japan.

Zone officially disbanded on April 1, 2005, but reunited briefly (without Mizuho) in 2011 in honour of the 10th anniversary of “Secret Base’. They officially broke-up (ended) on March 2, 2013.

It is a great song and reminds me very much of the joys of summer and that it all must come to an end.

Zone Official Website 

Here is Secret Base (Kimi ga Kureta Mono) by Zone

Song of the Week: Natsu no Owari – Moriyama Naotarō

This week’s Song of the Week is Natsu no Owari by Moriyama Naotarō. The title “Natsu no Owari” (夏の終わり) means The End of Summer, which is perfect for this week’s song as last week signaled the end of summer in Japan and the start of Autumn. 

Moriyama Naotarō ((森山直太朗) is a Japanese pop singer-songwriter from Tokyo, Japan. He made his major debut in 2002 with the single “Hoshikuzu no Serenade” and made his big break with the hit song “Sakura” in March, 2003. Naotarō comes from a music family, his mother is the famous 1970’s Japanese folk singer, Ryōko Moriyama.

It was during University at Seijo University that Naotarō started seriously planning guitar and writing songs. He started doing street performances from there as well as playing in music clubs in the Tokyo area. He was picked up by the music label ‘NNR’, releasing a mini-album in 2001.

Natsu no Owari was released on August 20, 2003 and followed up on the success of “Sakura” released earlier that year. Natsu no Owari was Naotarō’s third single and is still very popular today as a summer song.

Moriyama Naotarō is a really interesting singer with a unique distinctive style. You can check out his official website here naotaro.com.

 I hope you like the song and if you’re in Japan like me enjoy the Autumn ahead.

Natsu no Owari by Moriyama Naotarō

Song of the Week: Eiko no Kakehashi - Yuzu

This week’s Song of the Week is Eiko no Kakehashi by a duo called Yuzu. The title “Eiko no Kakehashi” (栄光の架橋) means The Bridge of Glory.

Yuzu (ゆず) is a Japanese folk/pop rock duo who formed and made their debut in 1997 and released their first single in June 1998 with Summer Color (夏色). The duo comprises of vocalist/guitarist Yujin Kitagawa and vocalist/guitarist Koji Iwasawa.

Both members of Yuzu come from Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture. Yuzu started out as street musicians in High School and their move into the J-Pop music industry was a big success story. The original name of the band was “Lights”, but Kitagawa disliked the name, so they changed it to Yuzu (after the fruit).

Eiko no Kakehashi was released on July 22, 2004 and was a massive hit for the band becoming one of the most popular songs of 2004. It reached number 2 on the Oricon charts. The song was Yuzu’s 21st single and was used as the theme song for NHK’s transmission of the Athens Olympic Games that summer.

I really like their music and songs with their mainly lush acoustic and upbeat sound.

Here is a live performance of Eiko no Kakehashi by Yuzu

Song of the Week: Kona Yuki - Remioromen

This week’s Song of the Week is Kona Yuki by a group called Remioromen. The title “Kona Yuki” (粉雪) means powdery snow, which is what I’m dreaming of right now as I sit here in the 34C heat & humidity of the Japanese summer.

Remioromen (レミオロメン) is a Japanese rock band who formed in 2000 and made their debut in 2003 with the single Ameagari. The band is a three piece and comprises of vocalist/guitarist Ryota Fujimaki, bass guitarist Keisuke Maeda and drummer Osamu Jinguji.

Kona Yuki was released on November 16, 2005 and was a massive hit for the band becoming one of the best-selling singles of 2005. It reached number 2 on the Oricon charts. The video for the song also picked up “Best Pop Video Award” at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards Japan.

It is a great song and I hope you enjoy it.

Kona Yuki by Remioromen

Song of the Week: Fragile - ELT

I have started a new weekly post series called 'Song of the Week' which will highlight one of my favourite J-POP songs from my time in Japan ranging from 1997 - 2015.

First song off the list is Fragile by a group called ELT (Every Little Things). ELT, a pop/rock duo made their debut in August 1996 and from the late 90's to early 00's were one of the biggest and most popular groups in Japan. They are one of the few groups from the mid 1990's that is still active in the music scene.

ELT were huge when I first arrived in Japan in 1997 and you could hear their songs everywhere. Originally formed as a trio, their keyboardist left the group in 2000 leaving the group as a duo. ELT comprises of Kaori Mochida as the singer and Ichiro Ito as the guitarist.

Fragile was their 18th single and was released on January 1, 2001. It was their fourth single to top the Oricon charts. The song was also the theme song for Fuji Television's drama 'Ainori' which was broadcasted from October 2000 to September 2001.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have over the years.

Fragile by Every Little Thing (ELT)

Ai Deshita by Kanjani8

This week's Japanese Song of the Week is Ai Deshita by Kanjani8, which has debuted at number 1 on the Japanese J-pop Oricon charts.

Kanjani8 (関ジャニ∞) is a seven member boy band from the Kansai region of Japan. They are one of the many artists from the famous Johnny's Entertainment group, which includes Arashi.

The name Kanjani8 is broken up to mean Kan for Kansai, jani for Johnny's and 8 for the Kansai TV Channel 8.

Your Eyes by Arashi

This week's Japanese Song of the Week is Your Eyes by Arashi, which has debuted at number 1 on the Japanese J-pop Oricon charts.

Arashi (嵐) which means storm in Japanese is a five member group from the famous Johnny's Entertainment group. Their musical style ranges from Pop to R&B and Hip-Hop with a bit of Rock thrown in for good measure.

The group debuted in 1999 and this is the group's 39th single. The song is very touching and typical of Arashi.

Manatsu no Sounds Good! by AKB48

This week's Japanese Song of the Week is Manatsu no Sounds Good! (真夏のSounds Good!) by AKB48, which has debuted at number 1 on the Japanese J-Pop Oricon charts.

Read more about AKB48

This is the group's 26th single.

1,000,000 Smile by SUPER GiRLS

This week's Japanese Song of the Week is 1,000,000 Smile by SUPER GIRLS, which has debuted at number 5 on the Japanese Jpop Oricon charts.

SUPER GIRLS are a twelve member all girl group from Japan signed to the famous Avex Trax label. The group made their stage debut in 2010 and released their first single in 2011.

This is the group's 4th single and is old fashioned candy pop that is very upbeat and happy.

Speed Up by Kara

This week's Japanese Song of the Week is Speed Up by Kara, which has debuted at number 2 on the Japanese Jpop Oricon charts.

Kara is a girl group from Korea formed in 2007. The current five-member band made their debut in Japan in 2010 and have had a string of hits.

Read more about KARA

This is the group's 6th single in Japan and is very upbeat and sexy.

Japanese Song of the Week Makeoshimi Congratulations by SDN48

This week's Japanese Song of the Week is Makeoshimi Congratulations (負け惜しみコングラチュレーション) by SDN48, which has debuted at number 2 on the Japanese J-Pop Oricon charts.

SDN48 which is short for Saturday Night 48 is a Japanese idol girl group formed in 2010.

Read more about SDN48

Japanese Song of the Week Roly Poly by T-ara

This week's Japanese Song of the Week is Roly Poly by T-ara, which has debuted at number 3 on the Japanese J-Pop Oricon charts.

T-ara is a popular Korean girl group formed in 2009.

Read more about T-ara

Japanese Song of the Week GIVE ME FIVE! by AKB48

This week’s Japanese Song of the week is GIVE ME FIVE! by AKB48, which has debuted at number 1 on the Japanese J-Pop Oricon charts.

Read more about AKB48

This is the group's 25th single and is very happy and upbeat. The 18 selected members for the single actually spent six months learning how to play their instruments, so they could perform it live.

Japanese Song of the Week Junjou U-19 (純情U-19) by NMB48

This week’s Japanese Song of the Week is Junjou U-19 (純情U-19) by NMB48, which has debuted at number 1 on the Japanese J-Pop Oricon charts.

NMB48 is an all-girl Japanese idol group produced by Yasushi Akimoto. They were formed as a sister group of AKB48 based in Namba, Osaka. The group performs at NMB48 Theatre in Namba, Osaka with the name of the group “NMB” coming from “Namba” in the Minami district in Osaka.

Japanese Song of the Week Chotto Matte Kudasai! by S/mileage

This week’s Japanese Song of the Week is Chotto Matte Kudasai! by S/mileage, which has debuted at number 6 on the Japanese J-Pop Oricon charts.

S/mileage (スマイレージ,) is a Japanese girl group under the Hello! Project umbrella. The group made their major label debut In 2010, and won the Japan Record Award for Best New Artist in 2010.

This song is the group's 9th single and is very cute, upbeat and happy.

Japanese Song of the Week Kata Omoi Finally by SKE48

This week's Japanese Song of the Week is Kata Omoi Finally by SKE48, which has debuted at number 1 on the Japanese J-Pop Oricon charts. SKE48 are an all-female idol group produced by Yasushi Akimoto. They debuted in October 2008 and perform in the newly built studio at Sunshine Sakae in Nagoya every Saturday. This is the groups 7th single. The song is very upbeat and happy and this is a live version of the song.

Japanese Song of the Week MAMORE!!! by IDOLING!!!

This week’s Japanese Song of the Week is MAMORE!!! by IDOLING!!!, which has debuted at number 2 on the Japanese J-Pop Oricon charts.

IDOLING!!! (アイドリング) is a Japanese female idol group created by Fuji TV. The concept of the group was to watch the girls grow as idols and experience various things. They have a weekly variety show on TV and release albums, singles, DVD specials and perform live. They debuted in 2006, and have gone through many generation changes with the 5th generation of the group due in February 2012. This is the groups 17th single.

Japanese Song of the Week Pedicure Day by No Sleeves

This week’s Japanese Song of the Week is Pedicure Day by No Sleeves, which has debuted at number 2 on the Japanese J-Pop Oricon charts.

No Sleeves (ノースリーブス) often shortened as no3b is a unit consisting of three members from the idol group AKB48 team A. They debuted in 2008, and have had three J-Pop Oricon top 10 singles to date.

Ue Kara Mariko by AKB48

This week’s Japanese Song of the Week is Ue Kara Mariko by AKB48 which has debuted at number 1 on the Japanese JPop Oricon charts. AKB48 is a popular all girl idol group, which you can read more about here. This is AKB48’s 5th number 1 single of 2011 and they have dominated the Japanese JPop Oricon charts with the top 5 selling singles of the year in 2011.

Japanese Song of the Week Love me Back by Koda Kumi

This week’s Japanese Song of the Week is Love me Back by Koda Kumi, which has debuted at number 6 on the Japanese J-Pop Oricon charts.

Koda Kumi (倖田 來未) is a Japanese singer and songwriter from Kyoto known for her sexy image and urban and R&B songs. She has been called the Christina Aquilera of Japan. You can read more about Koda Kumi here.

This song is short, upbeat and very sexy, which is typical of Kumi Koda.