Updated: Apr 10, 2024
Speaking of 1979, I was a junior high school student. This song became very popular in Japan, and indeed all over the world. Do you know?
This piece was created by a tremendously talented Japanese composer at a time when computer music was almost non-existent in the world. However, at that time he was still unknown.
His name is Ryuichi Sakamoto. He later won an Academy Award for Best Music for the music for the movie “The Last Emperor.'' And this "Technopolis" was performed by the Yellow Magic Orchestra, a three-member music group including him.
Oh my god. This song is amazing even when I listen to it now!
When I say technopolis, I mean Tokyo. Speaking of 1979, Japan had not yet become a developed country, but this song was innovative music that symbolized Japan's subsequent economic growth. That's why all the young people in Japan went crazy.
Well, there is a radio station in Miami, USA that is doing something interesting. Strangely, this radio station has listeners all over the world. A friend of mine is the European correspondent for this radio station, so I listen to it sometimes. There is an interesting hour-long radio program called “Cruisin’ The Decades.” You can listen to it online, so if you're interested, please give it a listen. Below is the address.
So, I sent a request to the DJ of this radio show. In other words, "Technopolis". But he didn't know this song yet. Oh my god. How can you not know about Yellow Magic Orchestra?
Anyway, I want you to listen to this song. Because it's super cool.
As I told you before, the Japanese slang “Yabai” is useful and strong. You can use this word in various situations. This expression describes meanings and feelings when you are in danger, or you made a mistake, or you are in panic.
However,recently young girls use this word to express other feelings. For Example,
Girl1 : I bought this new dress and wore it today, wow! So, what do you think of this dress?
Girl2 : Yabaai!
Girl3 : I bought this cake and brought it to you today. It's so yummy. So ,try to eat it.
Girl4 : Yabaaai!
Girl5 : Let’s see, this singer boy is very cool! Do you like him?
Girl6 : Yabaaaai!
I mean, they express their pleasure with this slang. You know, the expression in this case is completely opposed to the original meanings. Oh my God. Incredible. Young girls are terrible.
In this case, especially young girls are using it, not guys.
Updated: Apr 10, 2024
Japan is currently experiencing a kind of boom called the "Showa boom." "Showa" is the name of the Japanese era. Currently, it is called “Reiwa,'' but before that was “Heisei,'' and the years before that was “Showa.''
When the Emperor of Japan changes, the name of the era changes. The Showa era began in 1926 and ended in 1989. The then-Emperor Hirohito ascended the throne in 1926 and passed away in 1989. Japanese people are now feeling nostalgic about the Showa era. That's why the "Showa boom" is happening.
During the Showa period, popular songs called “kayo kyoku” became popular. One of the representative products is this "Haru Ichiban". This is a song that my French friend loves. I love this too.
I was born in 1964, which is Showa 39. I graduated from junior high school in 1980, and the song that became popular that year was “WAKE UP,'' which I will introduce next.
At that time, I had a girl classmate that I liked. She wasn't my girlfriend. That was the year I had to study for entrance exams to enter high school. I studied hard and wanted to enter a certain famous high school. It seemed like she was going to enter the same high school. Our high school entrance exams were over, and both she and I passed the exams, but as a result, she and I ended up going to different high schools. After that, I wrote her a love letter. But I didn't get a good reply from her. In other words, I was heartbroken with her. A few years later, unfortunately, she passed away due to illness.
The year was 1980 when I took the high school entrance exam. This song "WAKE UP" was played on TV every day. That's why I have so many fond memories of this song.
Spring in Japan is the season of encounters and partings. And there are many popular songs with spring as a theme. Everyone has a favorite pop song.