A Little Bit of Music Never Hurt Anyone ... Or Did It?

As I am growing more accustomed to life and culture in Japan, I think it's important for me to learn more about Japanese music. Well, at least current music ...

Before coming to Japan I'd had little bit of experience with some Japanese rock. I really like The Pillows (who just came out with a new album!) and Polysics, and everything I've heard from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra I've enjoyed as well. I had also heard a few songs from Ore Ska Band, PuffyAmiUmi, Asian Kung Fu Generation, Dir En Grey, Minmi and Utada Hikaru due to anime and such but I'd never really gotten too big into it. I liked it but I was surrounded by other music and I liked that too.

I'm making more of an effort to pay attention to the music scene here but it is difficult with language barriers and not knowing too many people. I am also having problems with hearing songs I like but not being able to get the artist because I can't read or I missed their names. However, I've come to find a few bands/artist I'm interested in.

I'm finding that I like some Japanese pop and bit more than American pop - though that could be because I don't understand the words. Korean pop seems big here and it's not too bad either. I'm not sure why but I seem to like more of it here than back home. I'm not exactly running out to get it but I don't mind it so much.

Anyways, I've decided to post some songs I like so far. I'll admit I haven't done enough "research" to say that I fully dig all of the artists but I do like these songs by them at least.



I'm finding a lot of Japanese bands use English ... but not correctly. I like that The Bawdies songs make sense. I looked up a bit of their music and dig the lead singer's voice. AI is an r&b artist and I dig her voice too ... but not so much some of her other songs.



UVERworld I discovered while watching a fairly anime called "Ao no Exorcist" (The Blue Exorcist). I won't go into details but I dig the anime and this song (I have seen the translated lyrics too and it rocks).



This was actually not the first song I heard from Kanjani8 - I just like "The Beatles"-ish feel of the video. I first heard My Home (which I may like more) then saw them during promotion for the latest "Shin Chan" movie with their song TWL. They're a pop/rock band I guess but I think they're fun.



I haven't done too much looking into Kana Nishino but I like this song; it reminds me of the song I like by Minmi called "Shiki no Uta".



This is a song from the Korean pop group Girl's Generation. It's not my typical style but I like it. Also, the proceeds from this song (their first original Japanese song - the others were translated from Korean) and the other with it on the single (don't ask me the name) are all going to Japanese Earthquake/Tsunami relief.




This one is my favorite of the videos. Wait through the message in Japanese, it's worth it. I only saw this video on TV a couple days ago so I haven't looked into MinxZone too much yet but I dig it.

That's all for now. Honestly there are a few more I could put up but I think I'll save that for another day.

Music has always been a big part of me and in order for me to feel more connected to things here I feel it's necessary to explore more Japanese music, even if I don't understand the words. If anyone has suggestions feel free to send them my way because I'm definitely interested. I plan on attending a live show or two while I'm here, well, at least I hope to.

'Nuff Said,
Crysania

"Though I know I'll Never Lose Affection For People and Things That Went Before"

So today is my best friend's birthday. Happy Birthday Kristin! Ha, you are now 24 and old like me!

Today is my best friend's birthday, Friday is my nephew's birthday ... I've already missed one of my niece's birthdays, my mom's, dad's and cousin Darnell's birthdays. These are all people I am close to. I hate not being near to celebrate or not being able to send gifts yet. Today, it bummed me out.

I wanted to talk to them, to see them, to give them a present and eat some ice cream or cake or ice cream cake but I can't. I've yet to make any real friends here as well. I was told that part would be difficult but when I stop to think about it, I miss already having friends close by. 

I really like my job. I like the kids, I enjoy the classes, I think the teacher's are very nice and helpful. I come home everyday tired but in a good mood. But sometimes, when I see that barrier of not only language but the one from not being at one school all the time and being familiar with your co-workers, I feel isolated.

I've taken 2 Intercultural Communications classes so I know mentally what I'll be going through, but really feeling isolated and really missing home is different. It's hard to be somewhere new when you love where you came from. 

But still, I feel like I'm supposed to be here and the good is outweighing the bad. It's challenging and some days I feel very alone, but during the course of the day I often get a "pick-me-up" from my kids. I get a "Crys-sensei! Asobimashoo (Play with us)!" or a little group yelling "Hi Crys-sensei!" from down the hall or have a particularly fun class and I can't help but feel blessed for this experience. 

The lonliness does come and go and I know it will continue to as I have only been here a couple of months. I don't think that's a bad thing though. I'm lucky to have people I love and miss so much. People who supported me and send me e-mails and Facebook messages or stay up until 1:15am to talk to me via Skype.

The title line is from "In My Life" by The Beatles. It doesn't totally go with what I'm saying but I love the song. So here it is:

 'Nuff Said,
Crysania