His favorite music is Japanese pop, because he has listened to it since he was six year old. He is soon to be 60, so he’s been bumping for more than 50 years (!!!). Even after living in the U.S. for quite a while now, the sound of J-pop continues to resonate with him. The lyrics of favorite songs hold deep meaning in his heart.
I asked my dad what the difference is between Japanese pop and American pop. He said that popular American music is more centered on young people, rather than focusing on songs that can appeal to all ages. Of course, he stated his love for American music from the 70s and 80s. Carole King, James Taylor, and Simon and Garfunkel were some of the American musicians who inspired him to play guitar and sing. I remember when I used to listen to Carole tunes on my dad’s lag-tastic Dell Pocket PC (before everyone and their mother had an iPod) during long car rides. My family and I would also frequently watch Concert for George, a tribute documentary filled with performances from Gary Booker, Joe Brown, Eric Clapton, Dhani Harrison, Jools Holland, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, and Ringo Starr. So, I have a feeling that my father also likes the Beatles.
My dad specified his love for a renowned female Japanese pop/R&B/soul singer. MISIA is best known for her astonishing five-octave range, which she discovered at a young age. MISIA’s parents initially studied vocal music, then went on to become doctors. At the age of four, she started taking piano lessons as her older siblings had. In high school, she played trumpet in her school’s band and was vocally trained in soul and R&B at a music academy.
MISIA auditioned for and was signed to BMG Japan in 1997, chosen from 3,000 other hopeful singers. Her debut single, “Tsutsumikomu Yō ni…” (“All Wrapped Up…”), was released in 1998. MISIA’s first album, Mother Father Brother Sister, was released later that year. It received great acclaim; the record held a spot in the Top 5 for eleven weeks consecutively. Mother Father Brother Sister won the Best Album award at the 40th Japan Record Awards, and today it holds the record of being the 7th best selling Japanese debut album. In 2004, MISIA became the female Japanese singer to perform at all five of her country’s largest stadiums. The R&B superstar has put her fame to a good cause; she is a philanthropist and an advocate for conservation of biodiversity and fulfillment of worldwide primary education.
Another one of my father’s favorite Japanese artists is Mr. Children. Mr. Children is a four piece Japanese pop rock band formed in 1988. Their discography, tours, and awards are much too extensive to detail, as they are the second best selling musicians in Japan. Mr. Children has sold over 50 million records, won 30 Japan Gold Disc Awards and 5 SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards. Lead vocalist, Kazutoshi Sakurai, writes and composes the majority of the band’s songs. Kenichi Tahara is the lead guitarist, Keisuke Nakagawa plays bass, and Hideya Suzuki is the drummer. In addition to Mr. Children’s commercial success, the band has participated in a multitude of charity events. They performed in the Act Against Aids live concerts on December 1st of 1994 and 1995; the proceeds were donated to aid children with HIV. In January of 1995, Mr. Children teamed up with another Japanese musician Kuwata Keisuke to record and release a charity single, likewise in the name of Act Against Aids. On top of that, the group has also participated in lead singer Kazutoshi Sakura’s nonprofit lending organization called AP Bank. AP Bank aims to conquer environmental problems by funding projects for solutions like renewable energy, and by holding annual festivals to raise money for said projects.
My dad was born and raised in Japan, thus making me half Japanese. I take great pride in this, even though I don’t comprehend the language. Hell, I barely know anything about the country’s history, beliefs, or customs.
However tragic my lack of ethnic knowledge may be, I do know one thing for sure. Music is a mighty unifier in the way that people can share and enjoy it, regardless of their race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation. It is a steadfast friend that is there when no one else is; it is an unceasing source of comfort and serenity.
The most dumbfounding quality about it is that music of all sorts helps people to connect. I don’t see or talk to my father very much at all, so I took this article as an opportunity to get in touch with him. I hope he was happy to answer my questions and knows that I strive to discover more about my culture whenever I get the chance to.
If you’d like to check out MISIA and Mr. Children, visit the websites listed below:
http://www.mrchildren.jp/ (new single “足音 ～Be Strong” comes out 11/19!)
Written by: Caitlin Usui
No comments:
Post a Comment