Song: "Kore ga Watashi no Ikiru Michi"
Writer: Tamio Okuda
Original Release: October 7, 1996
Performers: Puffy AmiYumi
I can't say I developed much affection for J-pop during my time in Japan but this song definitely left a mark. For months, it was everywhere! For whatever reason, I have particularly strong memories of hearing it in the checkout line at the grocery store. Naturally, it was a karaoke favorite, too. My affection is due in no small part to the Beatles strains heard throughout: "Day Tripper," "Please, Please Me," "Twist and Shout" and "She Loves You" among the more obvious.
In Japan, the enormously famous duo has always been known simply as PUFFY but in the United States, where they have also enjoyed moderate success, they go by Puffy AmiYumi so as not to conflict with Mr. P Diddy. American cartoon fans would recognize them as the performers of the theme songs for both Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go! "Kore ga Watashi no Ikiru Michi" was their second single. It debuted at #1 on the Japanese charts, the first of three consecutive #1s for the ladies. It is their best-selling single to date.
Want to hear all of the songs I have featured in a convenient playlist?
Enjoy: A Window Above
What are you listening to these days?
To my Americanized ear, the excellent song is titled "This is my hideout". And, considering the video seems to take us halfway across this country, I can only marvel and appreciate. Thanks Squid.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteThis is my first time hearing of this group or hearing the song. Interesting! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Glad to share it with you.
DeleteOh, yeah, I've heard some of their stuff.
ReplyDeleteGenerally speaking, not my style of music.
Well again, not really mine either. But this one song will be with me forever.
DeleteOne Christmas in Japan all you heard was Tatsu Yamasmita "Christmas Eve"everywhere. I fell in love with the song and artist. I use to post it every year on my blog then I stopped ?
ReplyDeleteHe also recorded "Let The Wind Blow" for the Japanese Olympic Sailing team. for some reason this one is hard to find.
I have a few of his albums, love them.
cheers, parsnip and badger
For J-pop, I do like some of the older stuff. Pizzicato Five is fun.
DeleteThe music pop scene is different in Japan I guess, they look happy and can sing a tune, even if they're so badly ripping off some beatles classic guitar and making a complete hash of it. J-Pop are fun to listen to for a laugh.
ReplyDeleteMost definitely different. I can't say I'm up on the current scene at all. Korean pop, however, is very much in vogue internationally right now.
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