Monday, December 31, 2007

Hiroshi Kitadani Diary Update - 12/5/2007, 12/6/2007, 12/7/2007, 12/8/2007

12/5
Solo....

[pic]

Yesterday was my solo live rehearsal. You must be thinking, "What? Already?" Well, that's because of these busy young people. (LOL) Trying to adjust December's schedule was... ( ̄▽ ̄;) So it's been pretty chaotic. I also finished the main part of last month's new song. Anyway, this is this year's final solo live. Everyone, wish me good health.

Also, Animetic Land's Kuma-chan came to the rehearsal studio for research.

So the issue released on December 12 will have Hiroshi Kitadani and all of the Dani's!

We pretended to be energetic so she wouldn't see how tired we were, and weren't afraid to use bad words. (LOL) Typical youth! That's my Dani's....oh ho ho.

12/6
No alcohol allowed for a week...

Yesterday, I finally got to go to the hospital, but there were so many people that I had to wait for more than 2 hours. (;´ー`)┌ 

But it was worth it. I don't know whether it was the doctor or the great medicine (LOL), but I was able to eat normally for the first time in five days. Everyone, I'm sorry that I made you worry. I'm looking forward to my recovery.

Meanwhile, I went to the studio in the evening, to do a secret secret for a secret (LOL) Mixdown. I saw Kohno-san for the first time in a long time. I saw Hige too, and he was dressed even better than usual. He spends a lot of time working on his appearance, and he's looking like a fashionable old man! (LOL) Why? So he could see me at this mix? Hee hee hee! This is not that song! The lyrics, the music, and the singing are all by "Hiroshi Kitadani." Until I can tell you more about it, wait for it!

Tonight is the @Tunes broadcast. Tomorrow I'm going to Nagoya.

12/7
That reminds me! A few days ago...

[pic]

I recorded a net radio show.

"Momoi," Haruko Momoi-chan's, net radio "The Rise and Fall of the Filn Empire" corner.

http://www.filnradio.net

It'll be up on December 20.

12/8
I'm allowed to have alcohol! (LOL)


[pic]

Yesterday I went to campaign in Nagoya with 4 of JAM's 6 members. It started with the NHK live broadcast, and ended with Toukai Radio's live performance, and there was miso stew time, and we were celebrities. (LOL) And we got in a tea break. We worked hard on the campaign.

When we go back there next year on February 11, I hope that the whether is as nice as it was yesterday. I hope I can meet the people in the Toukai region again.

And on the shinkansen on the way back, I finally drank alcohol again....ahhhh.....great. (LOL)

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 12/7/2007

12/7
7:16
I'm sleepy...

[pic]

Today, four volunteers from JAM went to Nagoya to campaign for next year's live!

Frankly, we thought we'd just go to Nagoya, but now we want to go everywhere, if we can! (o^o^o)

...It'd be great if Zepp became standing-room only! \(‾o‾)/

10:03
Nagoya

[pic]

Right? Nobody came to meet us...

Well, that's okay. (●´∀`●)/

12:16
Cochin!

[pic]

Before the next newspaper interview, we're eating lunch! Miso stew udon!

Does this have Nagoya cochin in it? Yay! (o^o^o)

12:50
Slurp!

[pic]

Slurp slurp slurp! (o^o^o)

16:03
Celebrities

[pic]

Ha, we don't drink tea in a cafe! We are refreshing ourselves in a high-class hotel!

Ho ho ho ho! (o^o^o)

But, oh no! There's a plastic bottle on the table! Σ( ̄□ ̄;)

We're not actually celebrities.

16:21
Quick announcement

[pic]

Right now Nikkei Entertainment is selling Mattsu's work, along with JAM's! 175 pages! (o^o^o)

18:34
Starting now

[pic]

Internet television

Please look up RADIOi! In two minutes! (LOL)

21:14
Tenmusuto

[pic]

A wing and beer party inside of the train! \(‾o‾)/

I'm tired (●´∀`●)/

But...

Since I worked so hard that I'm tired, this beer is delicious! Things are going pretty well! \(‾o‾)/

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Victory - JAM Project (translation)

Lyrics: Hironobu Kageyama
Composition: Yohgo Kohno
Arrangement: Yohgo Kohno

Fire a rocket into the cosmos' ring, come on!
A formidable enemy is calling me

My heartbeat is about to explode, get on!
I'm ready, sound the gong!

My burning heart won't lose to anybody
That's right, let's try, be fight, believe in yourself

My iron heart never says die
That's right, let's fly, be wild, until we encourage them
Higher, yeah, higher, we can fly higher, so

Throw your fists up at the big sun and shout!

V I C T O R Y
Three, two, one, zero, never give up! Oh yeah!

Break through the era's wasteland
And follow your strong will
Carve a metal beat into the world

Bright red fighting spirit is always
In the strongest name
In the testimony of the soldiers who fly through the galaxy, their emblem of courage

Without even changing your breathing, fire an electric shot, try to attack!
I'm calling you, welcome

Get on the technique that can drill into a steel body!
It's going to explode, raise your skill!

My burning soul doesn't know fear
That's right, let's try, be fight, whatever the situation

My iron soul doesn't show its tears
That's right, let's fly, be wild, just keep looking ahead
Move ahead, yeah, move ahead, keep your eye on the real fight

In the wind that presses against you, overcome your limits!

V I C T O R Y
Three, two, one, zero, never give up! Oh yeah!

The door to another dimension has been broken through
Free your destiny
In the galaxy, let a new history be written!

Believe in a new day, don't give up
However many times you stand
The shape of the brave men who create the future, their emblem of flames

Break through the era's wasteland
And follow your strong will
Carve a metal beat into the world

The door to another dimension has been broken through
Free your destiny
In the galaxy, let a new history be written!

Break through the era's wasteland
And follow your strong will
Carve a metal beat into the world

Believe in a new day, don't give up
However many times you stand
The shape of the brave men who create the future, their emblem of flames

Japanese lyrics source: http://www.techno-jp.com/yoshiki/kasi/JAM%20project/VICTORY.htm
I found these lyrics via a Google search. If they happen to be wrong, my translation may be wrong too.

Masaaki Endoh Diary Update - 12/3/2007, 12/4/2007, 12/5/2007, 12/6/2007

12/3
Buzzword Contest

"Hanikami Ouji" and

[pic]

"Dogen kasen to ikan"

won. 1

When I hear about the buzzword contest, it feels like the end of the year.

But, were the winners of this year's buzzword contest really that popular?

I thought it would definitely be "dondakee" and "sonna no kankei nee."

Am I already missing the fashion train? Is it already leaving me behind?

"Demo demo demo demo, sonna no kankei nee, sonna no kankei nee..."

Yeah...

I got carried away...

I'm sorry...I was reflecting... <(_ _)>

Well, in today's world, considering this unreliable country, and the corrupt government, and the deceitful corporations, and we ignorant people, "dogen kasen to ikan" is appropriate..."sonna no kankei nee" is a dangerous thought.

I don't want it to get left behind by the passage of time. I want it to become universal.

By the way, my favorite phrase is not fashionable at all (LOL), but I'll keep using it. (^_^)v

"Oyasuimin."

Notes:
1 If you don't know what the heck this post is talking about, check this out.

12/4
Chama's birth

Everybody already knows...

[pic]

probably, but...

I'll say it just in case.

I won't be appearing in this year's Kouhaku. 1

...

Huh?

You already knew?

Ah...well...

Sorry.

Well, I just thought I'd say it, just in case...

Ah ha ha ha ha...ahhh (^_^;)

But my schedule was pretty empty this year.

I'm waiting for next year!

Who am I talking to?

Anyway, today is my Chamame's birthday.

Happy birthday!

You always make me happy, Chamame.

Thank you. <(_ _)>

On your birthday, I have one thing to ask of you.

I'm grateful for your waking me up every morning, but would you please stop waking me up by digging into my head with all your strength?

You do it so hard, it feels like my brain is going to fall out.

I'll die!

No matter how much you dig into my head, your favorite treats are not going to come out.

Just that one thing, thanks. (^_^)v

Goodnight.

Notes:
1 A traditional end-of-year showcase/contest for Japan's most popular singers.

12/5
Yoshimoto?

On the train to

[pic]

the radio recording,

I saw this annoying guy taking up two seats and talking really loudly on his cell phone.

So those people still exist...

The train wasn't that crowded, but there were people who were standing.

It was annoying.

But nobody said anything to him.

I was sitting right by him, so of course...

I pretended not to see him... (>_<)

The two old ladies sitting next to me looked like they were pretty angry about that guy's bad manners.

That's exactly right, I know what you're saying, old ladies! That's right! Whisper a little louder so that that guy can hear the nasty things you're saying about him!

Everyone in that car was nodding their heads to what to old ladies were saying.

Then, somebody's cellphone rang.

Geez, who is it this time?

"Hello? Oh, sorry! I'll be there in five minutes, ha ha ha, blah blah blah blah..."

...

The person who was talking on their phone louder than that annoying guy was one of those old ladies. (>_<)

It's like a comedy.

It's funny.

It's funny, but it demonstrates the acts people put on for each other.

I'm going to watch myself. (-_-)

After the recording, we went to eat dinner.

Terada-san, thanks for the meal. m(__)m

Goodnight.

12/6
Tea~!

This is

[pic]

Chinese tea!

I received tea from Aki Misato-chan.

It's supposed to be "beauty-intensifying" Chinese tea.

Misato-chan says that a speciality shop has opened up in her neighborhood.

Niisan has been hooked on the stuff for a long time, though.

Chinese tea is pretty popular lately.

I don't have any tea-preparing tools, but you just put this "beauty-intesifying" tea into hot water.

Simple is best.

You don't just drink it, you can enjoy it with your eyes too.

It's nice. (^_^)v

Thank you, Misato-chan!

Tomorrow I'm going to Nagoya for JAM's campaign.

It starts early in the morning, so I think I'll drink this and then go to bed.

Goodnight.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Hiroshi Kitadani Diary Update - 11/30/2007, 12/1/2007, 12/2/2007, 12/4/2007

11/30
JAM's grandmoth...big sister

Yesterday was the "Sailor Fuku no Matsumossan Bun" recording. "I have to do this, too?" I'm going to end up filling up on too many delicious things. (LOL) Considering everyone's talent, of course it was good! JAM has some gender-ambiguous members. We had so much fun that we looked like idiots. We fused that with coolness, and ended up with one interesting song. It's packed with short little remarks!

Also, today is Rika-chan's birthday. Happy birthday!...

12/1
One more month left in this year...

It really feels like winter now. Yesterday was my major debut anniversary. I want to make this a year full of the meaning of my last 14 years. I renovated "News" so please look at it...

12/2
Hooray! JAPAN...

Japan's and Korea's baseball teams, it was a nice game. I was nervous and excited. Thank you.

Meanwhile, my health has crashed, and it was a terrible weekend. Everyone, please be careful of your health.

Because of that, there's a going to be a delay in the new song composition I'd planned for December. (LOL) My trials continue but...when I thought ahead to the new songs for "Perfection," I decided on a typical Christmas song.

I don't want to write a super-happy song, but a deep, wide song with which I can express many people's Christmas memories...maybe?

Anyways, I'm looking ahead to my recovery.

12/4
Hooray! Hooray! Hoshino JAPAN...

Today was recording in the metropolitan studio. The details are a secret, as usual (LOL).

Meanwhile, during Asia's last preliminary competition for the Beijing Olympics with Taiwan, I watched with sweaty palms. They worked so hard.

I listened to the after-game interview with the coach and the team with a lump in my throat. Ahhh, sports are great. Thank you for moving me.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 12/3/2007, 12/4/2007, 12/6/2007

12/3
10:49
Mom's...continued

[pic]

Vegetable rape! Σ( ̄□ ̄;)

If I ate this many vegetables every day, I'd turn into a donkey...

Aah, I'm thankful for my parents' love! \(‾o‾)/

12/3
14:43
Tea tea tea!

[pic]

Today I'm a guest at an event at the music school that my friend is the principal of! \(‾o‾)/ But on the way to the auditorium I went shopping at the subway station in Takashimaya. I always say, "This place's Ariyamakanesen tea is one of a kind!" So I bought some at a tea shop called Natsume. \(‾o‾)/

It's 2000 yen for a hundred grams! It's a little bit of luxury! \(‾o‾)/

12/3
16:25
Naniwa's face 1 \(‾o‾)/

[pic]

Strolling in Osaka
Strolling alone
Strolling after a long time

Ha ha...I stole it from Makkun. Osaka's face...

For some reason, I feel like I understand it. (LOL)

Now that I think about it, everyone looks like Makkun...not really! (LOL)

Notes:
1 Naniwa is an old name for Osaka.

12/4
10:37
Osaka Jiyuugakuintandai

Because my pal Touhon-chan, who is Higuchi-san's apprentice and also did Shimokitazawa's "city summer" part-time job, asked me to, I did a talk and mini-live at Osaka Jiyuugakuintandai, where Touhon-chan is the principal.

[pic]

The place was "Ruiido" in Osaka. No, for those who know what I'm talking about, I spent the first half of my 20's at a place called "Ruiido," but "Ruiido" in Shinjuku was taken over a number of time, so the staff that I knew 25 years ago weren't there. (LOL) But, I was happy to hear one female member of the staff say "I went to Yamatogawa High School too." (^▽^)V

Well, this week is pretty critical. Saying that everything for JAM Project next year is based on today and tomorrow's Airblanca is not an exaggeration. I'm serious, really, I'm serious. ┓( ̄∇ ̄;)┏

But, while that pressure is closing in, I'll strive bravely.

Ahh, I'm tired...I want to go to a spa, and drink, and become a useless human being! (LOL)

Don't call me stupid! Hustle, hustle. ヽ( ̄▼ ̄*)ノ

12/6
17:40
Honestly...

Basically, I've had blog-block... ┓( ̄∇ ̄;)┏

I've been sitting in the chair in the studio for so long that I think my butt is about to grow roots.

Hmm...maybe it's because I'm going through an emotionally sensitive time. Or maybe it's because blood is about to come out of me. (LOL)

I want everything to turn out the way I want!

But I'm calm. (^▽^)V

Even though elsewhere, children are dying of hunger every day.

Even though there are many children who drink water from ponds full of E. coli, and food becomes inedible because of the flies that surround it.

Thinking about that makes me sad. I'm a "No Border" person.

I'm going to write happy songs, too! (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Masaaki Endoh Diary Update - 11/24/2007, 11/25/2007, 11/26/2007, 11/28/2007, 11/29/2007, 12/1/2007, 12/2/2007

11/24
LIVE & TALK SHOW

The Nagoya event

[pic]

Good work!

To the people who got in line early in the cold to see me...thank you! \(^O^)/

I heard that there were even people who got in line last night. I'm really grateful. m(__)m

Don't catch cold, okay?

Since Niisan wasn't there today, the weather was great! (LOL)

Well, I was so happy, I sang longer than I was supposed to.

Did everybody have fun?

I was a little surprised that I was so close to everybody. (LOL)

[pic]

I could see everybody's smiles, so it was fun!

Mandorake New Nagoya Shop, congratulations on opening!

Also, to the staff and everyone who participated, thanks for taking care of me! Let's work together again!

Well, tomorrow is Kusshii's live.

Tomorrow, with all of my body and soul, and with all my strength, I'll do my best!

People who are coming tomorrow, please support me. (^.^)b

Also, today was my staff member Miyamoto's birthday, so I came home and we drank at my place.

[pic]

Happy birthday! Let's keep working together! (^_^)/

Goodnight.

11/25
"Soul Engine"

At Kusshii's live

[pic]

I was a guest.

You worked hard. m(__)m

Kushida-san's still as powerful as ever, and he keeps powering up.

I'd better concentrate on getting better every day too...

Thanks for everything, Kushida-san.

"Kinnikuman Go Fight!!" was fun. (^^)v

To the audience, thank you! I'm grateful for today too!

Oh yeah, when the live was over, I looked at my cell phone and found a text message.

It was from K-ness...

Oh!

[pic]

He defended his title!

Congratulations! \(^o^)/

You did it!

Your new mask is cool, too.

I'll come cheer you on soon!

Alright! I'll try my best too!

Well, goodnight. (^_^)/~

11/26
Debut

It's my PASMO 1

[pic]

debut!

The train, and the bus...you can use this one card for both!

Cool!

It's kinda fun. (^_^)v

It's so convenient, I should have started using it earlier...

People around me used to scold me all the time and tell me I should get it.

Well, look, if you tell a kid, "Study!!" they'll want to do the opposite, right?

I have that kind of perverse personality...

Um...

Well..

From now on, I'll listen to the people around me. I get it... (^_^;)

Goodnight.

Notes:
1 It's a pre-paid public transportation fares card.

11/28
Yam

Recording

[pic]

with JAM.

Today, something sad happened.

We ordered food into the studio.

I ordered warm "Mountain Vegetable Yam Soba," and it was bigger than I expected. I was pretty happy to have a big helping of "Mountain Vegetable Yam Soba."

But, the main yam was under a bunch of broth, so when I finally broke through to the yam, my stomach was full and I couldn't eat it.

How...how...sad...

So, as a result, tonight's supper was "Mountain Vegetable Soba"... (>_<)

I'm making a vow right here to start eating from the yam next time.

I'm done!

Goodnight.

11/29
Eating meat!

November 29

[pic]

"good meat" 1

Today is Good Meat Day.

That had nothing to do with the fact that I ate meat for lunch.

"Japanese Black Cattle Stew Lunch." 800 yen...

Isn't it cheap!?

After all, "good meat" isn't restricted to just the expensive kind... (^_^;)

Without disguising myself or looking dishonest, I think, (LOL) I ate some good meat.

Thank you for the meal!

Anyway, last year, on Good Meat Day, my second album "M.e." came out.

Has it been a year already?

It's gone fast...

On Sky Perfect TV's Star Karaoke, the "M.e." live tour that they broadcast awhile ago was popular, so they're going to run its repeats starting in December.

People watching it at home, please enjoy!

Sky Perfect TV's Star Karaoke is showing, in addition to my live, Niisan's live and Aki Misato's live, so it's a Solid Vox party. (^_^)v

Goodnight.

Notes:
1 If you pronounce the numbers "11/29" a certain way, they become "i i niku," which sounds like "良い肉," "good meat."

12/1
The twelfth month

Starting today,

[pic]

it's December.

In 2007,

one more month

to go.

This year's year

is almost done.

Okay!

With a smile

and with thanks in my heart

I'll run ahead!

(^_^)v

Goodnight.

12/2
Fight

This button...

[pic]

should I push it, or not?

Hmm...

I'm worried...

At noon, the weather's good, and it's pretty warm.

But when the sun goes down, it's freezing.

If I push this button, warm air will fill this room.

But, if I push it, I'll feel like I've lost, so I can't push it.

I don't know who I'd be losing to, but I always feel conflicted about it.

I feel the same way about the fan in the summer too.

I'm fighting an invisible enemy.

If I push it, I'll become comfortable.

But, I don't want to lose.

But if I catch cold, I'm in trouble. (>_<)

Dear God, please give me the strength to push this button...

Aagh...today...

I couldn't push it. _| ̄|○

Goodnight.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Masaaki Endoh Diary Update - 11/22/2007 and 11/23/2007

11/22
Kushii's live

Akira Kushida's solo live,

[pic]

"Soul Engine"'s, party.

I'm going to be a guest at Kushida-san's live on November 25 (Sunday).

I'm so happy!

It's been six or seven years since Kushida-san has had a solo live.

So, he's really enthusiastic!

To be asked to be a guest in such a commemorative live is an incredible honor.

On top of that, he said "It might be a bother, but I want you to sing a lot!"

What? Really? If it's alright with you... (^_^;)

I thought I would sing one or two songs, but it looks like I'm going to get to sing more than that...

Thanks!!

It looks like it'll be a fun and passionate live.

I'm really looking forward to it!

Everyone, please, come play with us! (^_^)v

Goodnight

11/23
A can B

Akkanbe... 1

[pic]

do you know where that word comes from?

Sounds like it comes from "red eyes," "aka me"...

It's Japanese.

Anyays, there's a song in a commercial that goes, "Akkanbe, akkanbe, akkanbe...", right?

Am I the only one who keeps humming that song and can't get it out of my head?

Well, tomorrow I'm going to Nagoya.

The Nagoya branch of the Mandorake store is opening, so I'm going to do a "Live and Talk Show."

I'm singing! And I'm talking! (LOL)

Everyone who's coming, let's have fun! (^_^)v

I wonder if tomorrow will be cold too...

Please dress warmly so you don't catch cold!

So!

Goodnight.

Notes:
1 This is the Japanese word for "blowing a raspberry," or doing the Japanese equivalent of pulling down one eyelid and sticking your tongue out.

Hiroshi Kitadani Diary Update - 11/21/2007, 11/24/2007, 11/25/2007, 11/28/2007, 11/29/2007

11/21
Nostalgic...

[pic]

Yesterday was rehearsal for the 24th. I chased my dreams in this place, starting from when I made my demo tape 22 years ago. There are so many memories left in this place.

From that time I have been indebted to Matsutani-san. His face still hasn't changed, and he still works as hard as ever.

And now, in this place, there are all of these young people working. Ooh...such passion. Everyone, please support me at my show!

11/24
In the middle of the show...

[pic]

Meguro Live Station is on fire...

11/25
Viva! Anison...

[pic]

At yesterday's anison event, young people covered JAM's "Rocks" and Lapis's Guilty Gear song (LOL), which even the original singers haven't performed. Thank you! I haven't sent my pictures in to the performers' photograph collection yet... (LOL)

11/28
Solid Vox's...

...year-end event meeting. Thanks to you, more people are going to come to this year's Christmas party than in previous years. We're going to think of ways to entertain people who come because we want you to have fun, so please look forward to it.

11/29
Sailor uniforms and JAM's old men...

[pic]

Yesterday was JAM"s secret...well, as usual...we can't really say that this time. 1 (LOL) I was surprised...for details, see the official site. (LOL)

I didn't think it was possible to sing this song...I've sung it many times in karaoke, but it was really difficult. We couldn't really get the feeling of that unique melody curve. ( ̄▽ ̄;)

But we did it! JAM's heat and depth with a playful side...

Ah, it was fun...

Nii-san, good work today...

Notes:
1 JAM Project covered "Motteke!! Sailor Fuku" from the anime Lucky Star, and I guess they meant to keep it secret, but the secret was let out on their sites bulletin board. You can hear the song here. Here's the original for comparison.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 12/1/2007, 12/2/2007

12/1
9:44
So. (^▽^)V

Starting now, I'm going on my last journey of the year.

Well, it's not much of a journey...I'm going to Osaka...but anyways. (LOL)

But, yeah. I'm happy.

Seeing how the place I was born has changed is

sometimes happy, sometimes lonely...

This is a journey, after all. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

Tonight's acoustic. Then tomorrow is the event live with Aniki and Nee-san. It'll be a good trip. (^▽^)V

12/1
14:15
MY SWEET HOME!

[pic]

Osakaaaaa! Osakaaaaa! Rainy Kitashinchi! Wait for me, Koi-san! (T_T)

Well, I've arrived in Osaka. It's warm! \(‾o‾)/

Midousuji's gingko trees are beautiful! Take a deep breath...

Mmmm...gah...gah...

They stink! by Hachirou Oka

12/1
17:43
I'm going!

[pic]

I sing at 6:00! \(‾o‾)/ There's tomorrow too, but tonight is the last solo of the year!

This year I had my 30th anniversary, and the people of Kansai are taking such good care of me, so in return, I'm going to sing! \(~o~)/

12/1
21:46
Yep

[pic]

That's pretty much what I did! (LOL) Alright! It felt good!

Ah, but I still have to do tomorrow. (LOL) I feel like I've made a connection. \(~o~)/ Thank you, my Osaka.

12/2
10:40
Mom's...

[pic]

homemade cooking! Peeled yam juice (I like the juice) and beef tendon and daikon radish stew. I love them both. \(~o~)/ It's been 30 years since I left home. But, this is the taste of home.

Don't they say "As the boy, so the man"? \(‾o‾)/

12/2
15:11
Isn't it great?

[pic]

I'm home, Matsubarashi Bunkakaikan! The weather is clear, of course! (LOL) So, yesterday, at the live, a fan who is a student of Kageyama (LOL) gave me the an up-to-date file of all of my songs! \(~o~)/

Wha-wha-what? It's almost 800 songs.

Isn't it amazing, isn't it great? \(‾o‾)/

I'm shooting for Aniki's 1,000 songs! (LOL)

12/2
16:10
Um...

[pic]

I'm not one of the "big 3," am I? (LOL)

12/2
18:31
It's started! \(‾o‾)/

[pic]

The Big 3 Anison Live has begun! \(‾o‾)

The audience is huge. \(‾o‾)/

12/2
20:53
It's over! \(‾o‾)/

[pic]

It ended with no problems. \(‾o‾)/ Aniki and Nee-san returned to Tokyo in high spirits! \(‾o‾)/

I played a good acoustic set today too! In this big hall, it sounded good! Awesome! \(‾o‾)/

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Sexy new layout!

And a banner that I threw together using some of the hottest pictures our heroes took of themselves lately. Graphic artist, I ain't...

What do you think?


*影山さん、遠藤さん、きただにさんへ:写真を盗んですみません。訴えないでください。私はとても貧乏な人なんですよ。

Masaaki Endoh Diary Update - 11/13/2007, 11/14/2007, 11/18/2007, 11/19/2007, 11/20/2007, 11/21/2007

11/13
I think...

Anipara Ongakukan

[pic]

recording.

After that,

Niisan invited me to the program's party, which had nothing to do with me. Sorry for intruding. (^_^;)

Good work, everybody.

But,

there were a lot of people that I knew there. I was surprised!

This world looks big, but it's pretty small.

No, wait,

Our principles make this big world seem small.

Leaders are bound to stick around.

Hmm...anyways, hard work can't hurt you.

Yeah, we have to try!

Goodnight.

11/14
Kune-channel?

Pro wrestling association Dragon Gate's

[pic]

member, K-ness.

My pal K-ness.

K-ness, the teacher of E-ness. 1

Apparently, that guy has started a blog.

The name is "Kunechannel." 2 (^_^)v

When I tried to look at it, I couldn't get in because it was under construction.

No no, don't do that... φ(.. )

Please read "Kunechannel" the same way you do "Enchannel"!

Goodnight (<- This is the original)

Notes:
1 In an earlier diary entry, Endoh called himself "E-ness" to play off of K-ness's name. By the way, K-ness is the guy who has the JAM Project's logo on his pants.
2 This may be a copy of Endoh's blog's name, "En-channel."

11/18
School festival number two

Kanagawakoukadaigaku

[pic]

Ikudoku festival

"Perfect combustion live"

Good job everyone.

It was fun. (^^)v

I wonder if everyone at Kanagawakoukadaigaku enjoyed it?

I hope people remember this live when they think about this school festival.

Everyone in the executive committee, and the staff, thank you for taking care of us. m(__)m

Singing felt good.

I even received a beautiful bouquet when I left.

[pic]

It made me happy...thank you! Take care of yourself.

And the people who came from far away just to see us--thank you! I always appreciate you.

Until we meet again, stay well! (^_^)/~

[pic]

Anyways, starting today there is a change in the general-sale tickets for "Endoh Masaaki Christmas Acoustic Night 2007 The Present of the Voice."

I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but please check the Solid Vox Official Website for details.

So, everybody, I hope tomorrow is a beautiful day too.

Goodnight. <(_ _)>

11/19
Sunbathing

Today was

[pic]

photos.

The studio was in the city.

The weather was nice.

It felt good. \(^O^)/

After all, you have to photosynthesize once in awhile!

But when the sun set, it got really cold. (>_<)

I mustn't catch cold!

Everybody, please be careful!

Finally, here's a shot I took with Shunji-san.

[pic]

Goodnight.

11/20
A crucian carp?

A hat and

[pic]

gloves...

This morning, I decided to ride my bicycle to the office and went outside.

But, it was too cold...

I almost decided not to take my bike, but I went back to my room and got my hat and gloves and bundled up, and then I left!

Ooh! That's better!

Or so I thought...

My face was cold.

I forgot my mask...

I thought my face was going to freeze, so while racing along on my bike I kept opening and closing my mouth really fast.

Thanks to that, my face didn't freeze after all. (LOL)

But, the people who saw me probably thought that with my mouth going like that, I looked like a carp... (>_<)

It's going to get even colder.

What should I do when I ride my bike?

I know! Maybe I should get a ski mask so that only my eyes and mouth stick out? Yeah, I'll buy one!

No wait, I'll look even more suspicious than I do now...

The mask that I got from K-ness that only shows my eyes and mouth would probably look suspicious too, huh?

If you see me like that, please don't be surprised! (^_^)v

Goodnight.

11/21
A scoop?

Today was my radio show recording.

[pic]

Before I went into the studio,

I remembered something that I had to do and I went to call my manager.

But I couldn't reach him...

and then, suddenly, I got a text message.

It was from my manager.

When I looked at it, there was a picture attached to it.

Huh!? What??

Huh!? Isn't that me!?

Huh!? Isn't that where I am right now!?

Huh!? Is someone secretly taking pictures of me!?

I was really surprised, and I was looking all around, and suddenly, next to me, a smiling and laughing guy appeared.

It was my manager...

Apparently, I was giving off an aura like I didn't want to be bothered, so he took a picture and sent it.

Yeah...I was kind of annoyed. (ーー゛)

Say something before you take a picture!

Everyone, look out for secret picture-takers.

Goodnight.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Hiroshi Kitadani Diary Update - 11/15/2007, 11/17/2007, 11/18/2007, 11/19/2007, 11/20/2007

11/15
FYI, etc...

[pic]

We expected the last chapter of the monthly lives to be December's "Perfection," but...we messed up the ticket distribution, and we can't sell tickets through the ticket agency.

You can read the details in News. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience.

So! In the middle of all that, today was the day after tomorrow's "Explosion"'s last rehearsal. Acoustic...are we really going to end on that? Isn't the name of the live "Explosion"? I'm still wondering about it... (LOL) I want to perform in top physical condition! It seems to be fashionable to have a cold these days.

11/17
Finally

[pic]

Today is the "Explosion" live. The weather? It's sunny after all. (⌒▽⌒) It's cold but we're going to heat Nobuto up! Tomorrow is a school festival, so I guess we're going for as many parties as possible? I'll try to not drink too much! (LOL) Well well, I'm going to go do "Explosion."

11/18
Organization into two parts

[pic]

I finished the "Explosion" live. There were some new songs in the first 10 songs. Then there was the piano-centered acoustic live, and then 10 encore songs. (LOL) This "Explosion" live was the first time that my usual band experimented so I was nervous in a good way, and it turned out to be a lot of fun. It was the first time in that venue as well. I wasn't really under a lot of pressure, but there were a lot of technical difficulties too. To all of the people who came, I'm sorry. Well, all that's left is the live on the 22nd of next month, and then this year's monthly lives will be over. For the members of "Danny's" that have grown up with me, and for my wonderful and awesome fans, I'll make "Perfection" a thing of beauty.

The picture is a souvenir from Thailand that I received from Kouhei. They're silk boxers covered in elephants.

11/19
A hot school festival...

[pic]

Yesterday was the second school festival this year. The gymnasium was crowded with awesome people who love anison. Their passion peaked! It was an everyday stage, but I worked up a good sweat. Thank you! Also, the performers: Niisan, Chiinii, Momoi, Chihhii, good work! I want to go to more school festivals in more places and meet more people. I'll try to do that! Good work, members of the executive committee! Thank you for taking care of us! I'll go on with the eyes of a boy today too. 1

Notes:
1 This is 少年の瞳のままで, the name of Dani's website.

11/20
JAM photography get-together...

[pic]

Yesterday was a photoshoot for JAM members, and radio and DVD recording, etc. etc. Morning until afternoon were full of work. But the sun sets fast in the winter, doesn't it? All of a sudden we're in a cold, wintery world. (LOL) I froze to the bones. Once again, I find myself appreciating the sun's importance. I'll be careful to not let my health go downhill.

Anyways, I have some emergency announcements... 1

Notes:
1 It's too late for this information anyways... If you really care and really want to see a translation of it, let me know.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

In my Heart - JAM Project (translation)

Lyrics: Hironobu Kageyama
Composition: Hironobu Kageyama
Arrangement: Yohgo Kohno

Under this blue planet's sky, tonight, at the end of a long journey
I'll say goodbye to you.
Sometime in the flow of eternity, someday,
We'll definitely meet again

If I close my eyes, deep in my heart, my memories up until yesterday
Are strong and hot, along with my tears, I'm filling up

In my heart, I'll never forget it
In my soul, what we went through
I wasn't alone, no matter when, no matter where
With your heart, instead of goodbye
With your soul, we grip hands
There are no words kinder than that, or more fitting

I'll never forget the time
That I rode with you on the same train of time.
When I'm troubled, I'll always remember
I'm looking at the same future you are

In wind, in water, our dreams will be carried
Today and today, we'll relive it and be connected

In my heart, somewhere in eternity
In my soul, your prayers will bear fruit
Even when we've become stars, even after that
With your heart, instead of goodbye
With your soul, I want to offer you this song
Proud of our courage, and full of love, that's how I feel

In my heart, I wasn't alone
No matter when, no matter where
With your heart, there are no words
Kinder than that, or more fitting

In my heart, somewhere in eternity
In my soul, your prayers will bear fruit
Even when we've become stars, even after that
With your heart, instead of goodbye
With your soul, I want to offer you this song
Proud of our courage, and full of love, that's how I feel

Friend in my heart

Japanese lyrics source
: http://www.wretch.cc/blog/kuraturbo&article_id=5615284
I found these lyrics via a Google search. If they happen to be wrong, my translation may be wrong too.

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 11/19/2007, 11/20/2007, 11/21/2007, 11/23/2007, 11/24/2007, 11/25/2007, 11/27/2007, 11/28/2007, 11/29/2007

11/19
Lookin' good - bam! (^▽^)V

Yesterday I had fun singing at a school festival. Health is the most important thing for a person after all, right? (^▽^)V

[pic]

But in today's college students' eyes, I'm an old man. I've been thinking, I wonder if we seem young compared to our own parents.

During the school festival rush this year I had a lot chance to sing anime songs solo, for the first time in a long time. "Oh, this is the kind of life I'm living now," I reminded myself once again.

Compared to yesterday's performers (Endoh, Dani, Momoi, Chihhii, etc.), I'm way older, so I think we should value each stage one by one, because time is precious, I thought.

[pic]

In order to be able to run around on that ultimate stage, you must carefully take care of your body, hone your spirit, and reveal the voice in your heart in order to live truly as your own person, I thought. The end.

(〃⌒ー⌒〃)(〃⌒ー⌒〃)(〃⌒ー⌒〃)

11/20
In a certain place in a city

On the outskirts of Den'enchoufu...

in a strange place...

strange people...

from the morning till the afternoon...

stealthily did something.

[pic]

Ah, it was cold... It looks like my cold is coming back. ┓( ̄∇ ̄;)┏

11/21
Shiver shiver...

Well, it's finally cold, like November should be.

Today I woke up early and am singing in the studio again. (^▽^)V

[pic]

The tea that I drank when I woke up was "Manosamu" health tea that I found at Shinanoya. 1

[pic]

It's supposed to work. On what? (LOL)

Anyway, I'm honestly sleepy in the morning, but...

Since the morning is the time when your brain is clearest, I don't think I'll make many mistakes.

The middle of the night is dangerous.

The more riled up I get, the more primitive the choices I make are, and I make more mistakes.

It's important to know yourself. It's the foundation of the foundation of everything.

Anyhow, the day after tomorrow, I get to go to Hiroshima, Matsuyama, and Fukuoka, so I'll work really hard today! (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

Notes:
1 This is the last time I'm gonna translate anything Kageyama says about tea! I like reading about the personal lives of these guys, but holy crap!

11/23
7:55
...sleepy (-_-)zz

[pic]

It makes sense that since I woke up at 5:30 I'm sleepy...
Starbucks Starbucks (-_-)zz

14:15
Gah ha ha (o‘∀‘o)

[pic]

This Jive, who I'm working with today! The atmosphere and the boss and the staff are all awesome! I'll do my best on this trip to Hiroshima! \(‾o‾)/

11/24
8:49
Traveling trance!

[pic]

It's "Discover Japan"! \(‾o‾)/ Now I'm going to Matsuyama by ferry!

9:20
I want to go far away

[pic]

Udo is strict in the west! The clear soup and the fine green onions. The inarizushi is handmade, too. I can hardly stand it! \(‾o‾)/

11:53
A good day trip

[pic]

Soon I'll arrive at Matsuyama harbor. Since Endoh isn't here today, the weather is wonderful. (LOL)

20:18
It was wicked!

[pic]

I finished the live in MONK in wonderful Matsuyama! Since the room was built for jazz, the sound was really natural! I want to come back! \(~o~)/

11/25
10:06
Harihariharehariho! \(‾o‾)/

[pic]

The rocker who woke up early is going to Monji by Seamax! Ho ho! \(~o~)/

10:38
Hey Monji Monji!

[pic]

Kanmonkyou from the window of the Seamax! \(~o~)/ Ah, it's the scene I always saw from Shimoseki!

12:11
After all

[pic]

Here it is! Joyfull! I got here too early! (LOL)

15:34
Kyuushu Institute of Technology

[pic]

One hour until the show! I'm interviewing with the student newspaper! I have nothing to hide. From talking about my part-time jobs when I was poor, to doing the work in my household, I'll talk about anything. If I can become an example to the youth who are carrying the future, I'll let you ask me anything! Because I want to give young people the chance to live how they want to live! I won't just tell you the attractive stuff! \(~o~)/

17:15
\(‾o‾)/

[pic]

Today I was on fire! It was the end of the school festival circuit! \(‾o‾)/ Tonight's alcohol is going to taste really good! \(‾o‾)/

11/27
DBZ

[pic]

Recording for the game version of DBZ! Even though the TV show has been done for however many years, they're still making and releasing new games? I think that's great! Being selected as the singer for "Cha-la Head Cha-la" was way luckier than winning the jumbo raffle at New Year's! \(~o~)/

11/28
JAM REC

[pic]

Today JAM recorded a song! Now we're eating dinner! Matsumoto-sama is absent because of a cold. It sure is quiet... (LOL)

11/29
(〃⌒ー⌒〃)

Today I'm writing songs at home.

After my trip, I had to keep up with the DBZ and JAM Project recording, so I'm in trouble if I don't write songs at least a little bit now. (LOL)

Other than JAM Project, I have 3 more songs to do before the year is out. I have some interesting plans, so I'm probably hanging over the edge of the end of the year.

By the way, I have pictures from the other day's acoustic live in Hiroshima, so I'll upload them.

Keep it a secret. (LOL)

[pic]

I was about 10 kilograms lighter back then. Ha ha ha. ヽ( ̄▼ ̄*)ノ

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Masaaki Endoh Diary Update - 11/8/2007, 11/10/2007, 11/12/2007

11/08
my friend

I'm "Ecchi"

[pic]

This is "Ucchi"

Yesterday, on the way home from work, I went to Asagaya, where I promised that I would go to Ucchi's live.

Ucchi, good work! Your "air drum" (LOL) was cool.

I hadn't been to Asagaya in a long time.

I used to go hang out in Asagaya a lot because my friend lived there.

These past few years we've both been so busy that we haven't been able to see each other.

We talked on the phone sometimes but that's it.

He's from Myanmar.

All of a sudden, I can't contact him anymore.

I'm worried...

I met him 10 years ago.

He loves Japan, and he loves my songs, and he's a nice guy who always cheers me on.

I'm really worried...

Maybe it's a coincidence, but didn't a Japanese journalist get killed in a demonstration in Myanmar? After that happened, we completely lost content...

What happened?!

I hope nothing happened to him.

Please be okay.

Please be smiling.

Goodnight.

11/10
Singin' in the Rain

Rain

[pic]

all day...

On rainy days, I have no energy.

Even my thinking tends to be negative.

On those days, I always think about "Singin' in the Rain."

Then, I somehow feel better.

It's fun.

Even though it's raining, I want to go outside and dance.

But I don't dance.

...because I can't dance. (>_<)

If I could dance, it'd probably feel good...

Goodnight.

11/12
Office love

Christmas

[pic]

arrangements.

When I went to my office, I found that the songstress Aki Misato-chan had bought Christmas decorations for me and put them on the glass.

Thank you, Misato-chan!

It's already that time, isn't it...

Ah! Incidentally, the one intruding in the picture is the hard-core shopper Hatake-san (LOL). What's she doing? (^_^;)

Last year, Misato-chan decorated for Christmas too.

Hmm, it's like office love...

But it looks like my staff lost last year's decorations somewhere. (>_<)

It's unthinkable, isn't it? (>_<)

Misato-chan has just came back from America and brought me a souvenir.

[pic]

Thank you!

It sounded like a fulfilling trip.

I see big promise in that little girl. (^_^)

I'll take care of the souvenir!

[pic]

Goodnight.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Get E-mail Notices of Updates!

Hi everybody! I just want to say thank you for visiting my website. I want to apologize for how sporadic my updates have been lately. Unfortunately, I have no guarantee that they'll get any faster.

However! I've added something for you guys so you don't have to waste time coming here on days when I don't update!

Enter your e-mail in this box over here ---> ("Email Subscriptions powered by FeedBlitz"), and you'll get a friendly e-mail in your inbox whenever I post here! It's easy!

-Elsa

Hiroshi Kitadani Diary Update - 11/11/2007, 11/12/2007, 11/14/2007

11/11
These two days...

[pic]

Yesterday was JAM's recording, but actually it was dubbing the music. Daniel, the Dani from Brazil who's famous for having a tattoo of Niisan (LOL) and his friends came to hang out. He showed me his new, real tattoo. It was so pretty! It looked just like Niisan. (LOL)

The Brazilian Dani is a handsome man. Work harder, Japanese Dani! (HA HA)

I'm working on secret lyrics (LOL) and lyrics, song writing, and work for the solo live, so I went to the studio early. In the middle of the night, I finally finished writing the secret lyrics.

Today I went to a performance of Mayumi Tanaka's at Shimokitazawa Honda theater.

I saw Oda-san, who wrote "One Piece," and Yao-san etc. for the first time in a while. Everyone seems busy, same as usual. After the performance, they all ran off. All of the performers did great!

Well, all that's left is the lyrics to the new song. I'll try to make it sweet!

11/12
Kuma-chan Wa's....

[pic]

...interview in my office. I did it together with Chiini. The issue goes out November 25!

Before that, I went shopping for outfits at 109 for the first time in a while. As usual, it was a cross-dresser's paradise. It was full of glamour. (LOL)

The lyrics to the love song....are more difficult than I thought. (;´ー`)┌

11/14
Sweeeeeeeeet!

[pic]

Yesterday, for the first time in a long time (LOL), we recorded an episode of Anipara Ongakukan where I was a singing guest.

My song was, of course, "Endless Dream." It was the first time I sang it live on TV, so I was a little nervous, but I sang it okay. It'll air on Wednesday, November 28, so look forward to it, okay?

Anyway, today I wrote lyrics and practiced singing to my own accompaniment all day. Tomorrow's the last rehearsal, so I barely made it... (;´ー`)┌ Good, good. But I still haven't chosen a title. (LOL) I'll just call it "Love Song" for now.

I'm still trying and trying and trying to get the songs to soak into my body.

The picture is a picture I received in a message from Hideki-kun. He discovered a "Dani-kun" in a pet shop! Apparently, he's cheap but....he lives a long time too. (HA HA)

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 11/15/2007, 11/17/2007, 11/18/2007

11/15
Adult Shimokita

Yesterday, for a gathering, I went to Shimokita, of course on foot. (^▽^)V

Yamaken-san is two years old than I am. 1

From his lifestyle and his fashion, I think he's pretty adult. In the same town, separate places are completely different from one another.

There's this coffee shop: Shimokita has this kind of thing?

[pic]

I felt like drinking good coffee for the first time in a long time. (^▽^)V

However, in Shindaikita, the nightlife is festive. We went to Yamaken-san's favorite bar last. Ahh, Shimokita has this kind of calm bar...

[pic]

Like me, Yamaken-san was relaxed. Around Yamaken-san, time seems to slow down. Maybe this is what an "adult" is...

Yamaken-san is the person who is responsible for giving me my current life.

"Cha-la Head Cha-la." Since the time I was making demos, I knew this song.

So I know it better than anybody. The words and arrangement are amazing.

The one person who gave that melody that arrangement way back then was definitely Yamaken-san, I think.

Since then, I've been in this world for almost 20 years, but I've never felt the kind amazement that I felt the first time I heard that song even once.

The same applies to Yukinojoh Mori-san's lyrics. 2 I was so surprised that my heart seemed to be torn out. (LOL)

He's a person whose head is full of amazing ideas. But he's a normal adult. It's cool. (^▽^)V

Also, today was the JAM Project trackdown. It was the track that I arranged and young musicians recorded. I do what I want to do.

I eat what I want to eat.

I'm going to climb the mountains that I want to climb. ヽ( ̄▼ ̄*)ノ

[pic]

Notes:
1 This is Kenji Yamamoto, who arranged "Cha-la Head Cha-la."
2 The lyrics of "Cha-la Head Cha-la."

11/17
Fighting spirit! (^▽^)V

Since yesterday, I've been in bed with a cold.

Since I slept so much, my fever is down, so I'm going now to sing at Kourakuen.

As usual, I can't have other people do this job for me.

I'm going to force out one round of fighting spirit. Ψ( ̄∀ ̄)Ψ Mwa ha ha.

[pic]

11/18
Strange energy (LOL)


Because I got sick and then got better just three days ago (LOL), singing was kind of a weird feeling.

[pic]

I wasn't exhausted or in pain or anything, but it was kind of a slow feeling. "Ah...now....I'm....singing....singing..." like that. (LOL)

[pic]

But when I got sick like this, I realized that since no one can substitute for me on this job, I had better be careful of my health. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

[pic]

Also, I was lucky that it didn't affect my throat. Last November, I caught a cold that started with a cough and continued into my head through April. It was terrible....so I've been nervous lately. ┓( ̄∇ ̄;)┏

Well well, today I'm getting up early, and I'm going to a school festival in Atsuki. It's me and my colleagues, and also Momoi and Chihii. (^▽^)V

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Yakusoku no Chi [The Promised Land] - JAM Project (translation)

Lyrics: Masami Okui
Composition: Yohgo Kohno
Arrangement: Yohgo Kohno

While the sun burns red over the wasteland,
The challenge vanishes from the endless battle.

I believe in you who exists to protect something.
You're brave to continue living in this inescapable destiny.

The night sky you looked up at
Stretches that way into the galaxy
(eternity)

The voice in your heart, it's a bond, it connects us to you.

Go to where the wind dances and let it guide you on my long & winding road
Where should I go?....There's only one thing to believe in:
My dream is, to the future
I just want to send light.

If the deep pits of despair appear before your eyes,
Remember the brave soul whose figure is burned deep into your eyes.

I want to believe in myself, who exists to protect something.
I'm not alone, not when I'm talking about my dream, not when I'm fighting.

The eternal circle of life
always makes its way back to the galaxy
(reincarnation)

The voice in your heart, follow it. Without being scared, look only ahead.

Don't be afraid! You always live with it, your long & winding road
Keep being proud of yourself.
Your dream makes tomorrow full of light.

The voice in your heart, it's a bond, it connects us...

Go to where the wind dances and let it guide you on my long & winding road
Where should I go?....There's only one thing to believe in:
My dream is, to the future
I want to send light

Don't be afraid! You always live with it, your long & winding road
Keep being proud of yourself.
Your dream makes tomorrow full of light.

Japanese lyrics source: 海尼根不給喝
I found these lyrics via a Google search. If they happen to be wrong, my translation may be wrong too.

Hiroshi Kitadani Diary Update - 11/6/2007, 11/7/2007, 11/8/2007

11/6
I'm okay! (LOL)

[pic]

I'm sorry I worried you! This weekend's deadline for the JAM song and this month's new song for the solo live...and writing lyrics that are still a secret (LOL)...I'm busy with all kinds of things lately.

Today was coverage for Anison Magazine. Even though it was a 3-4 page special feature, I talked for about 12 pages (HA HA). In the middle of the interview, I started to think, "Ah! Do I talk too much?" a little bit...(LOL)

But I'm glad I could say everything I wanted to say. I'm also glad that I could look back objectively on what "Hiroshi Kitadani" has been like until now.

Can I finish all this stuff up neatly? (LOL) It'll all be released during the first 10 days of December. You'll understand everything if you read Anison Magazine. Everyone, look forward to it by all means!

And tomorrow is rehearsal for the solo live.

11/7
I'm coming, I'm riding it...

[pic]

...by Miho Nakayama (LOL)
This is Hideki-kun, his generation doesn't know that song...

Today was rehearsal for my solo live, "Explosion." I tried out many many many things that I've been wanting to try with the acoustic.

I have a feeling that it's gonna be a lot of fun. Of course, once in awhile (LOL) there's gonna be the sound of an explosion. It feels really awesome, maybe. Ahhh...maybe I'm getting old, too. (LOL)

For now, I think you're going to be able to see a "Hiroshi Kitadani" that couldn't be seen until now.

It's OK to expect things from me! Anyway, let's make the 17th awesome.

11/8
I can't sleep (;´ー`)┌...


[pic]

That is, lately, even when I drink heavily before bed, I usually wake up 3 or 4 hours later. Then I think about all kinds of things, like "I have to do this and that," and then I really want to get to work. (LOL) Then I really can't sleep. (;´ー`)┌

Ah....on TV right now, Mino-san is laughing...

So, about this month's new song...I still haven't finished it (;´ー`)┌ I've been thinking, I want to make a love song that warms the winter night sky and the body and the mind like sweeeeet hot cocoa...

So! I'm making a collection of everyone's stories of sweeeeeet romance. Yawwwwwn ( ̄□ヾ) I'm sleepy.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Masaaki Endoh Diary Update - 11/3/2007, 11/4/2007, 11/6/2007

11/3
Culture

It's Culture Day. 1

[pic]

So, I'm gonna try thinking about culture.
Hmmm...
If I think about culture really hard,
it makes my head hurt. (LOL)

So, I thought about some kind of easy parts of Japanese culture.

What are some things that are representative of Japanese culture?

"Tea ceremonies," "flower arranging," maybe things like that...

Of course, nowadays "anime" is a good representative of Japanese culture.

If you go to a foreign country, the popularity of Japanese anime is amazing!!

If you think about food culture,

"sushi," "tempura," "sukiyaki"...

I like all of those (^_^)v

A long time ago, a foreigner said,

"Why does Japan have so much delicious food?"

Their surprise left a strong impression on me.

Really.

I have a lot of likes and dislikes, so when I think about food culture, I think that it's good that I was born Japanese.

On the point of lifestyle culture, maybe there are a lot of foreigners who misunderstand it.

On the other hand, we probably misunderstand a lot about other countries...

Did you know that in some countries' textbooks, the introduction to Japanese culture writes about things like "harakiri," "kamikaze," and "topknot hairstyles"?! What era is that? I was shock-shock-g-shocked.... 2

What? My jokes are in the wrong era too? (>_<)

Goodnight.

Notes:
1 Culture Day is a Japanese holiday in commemoration of...culture.
2. The only "g-shock" I could find that this joke might refer to would be the Casio watches.

11/4
PLEASE!! 1

Hey,

[pic]

Take me for a walk!

The weather's nice!

I'm about to run away...

While we're at it,

Stop coming home drunk and fighting with me!

It's annoying!!

-by Pocchi

Ok, sorry.... (^_^;)

-by Endoh

Goodnight.

Notes:
1 This is pronounced "yoroshiku" but the kanji are different than what "yoroshiku"'s usually are. It seems like this is a more rude way to write it? That's just my guess though. Sorry.

11/6
Who is it?

So,

[pic]

this morning I woke myself up by talking in my sleep. (LOL)

I don't remember what kind of dream I had....

I forgot, but

I remember what I said.

"Get him! Get him!!"

.....

It was obviously a pretty tense dream.

Judging from these words, I was a feudal lord or something.

Maybe some bad guy was trying to kill me?

Anyways, it's good that nothing really happened. (^_^)v

Goodnight.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update, 11/5/2007, 11/6/2007, 11/7/2007, 11/8/2007, 11/9/2007, 11/11/2007, 11/12/2007, 11/13/2007, 11/14/2007

11/5
Well, well

Yesterday and today was recording with Kouei-san. I wonder how many songs we've made...maybe just enough for a mini album. (^▽^)V

These days, it's normal for voice actors and actors to sing. They have a lot of fans, after all. (^▽^)V

And, yesterday's thing with Kan-kun(?) was over within two hours, as usual. It wasn't rushed, but it wasn't that relaxed either.

Yeah, definitely...that's about the right length. Because if it were any longer, we'd lose our abilities to concentrate, and we would end up just covering up our mistakes, and it wouldn't be creative.

In those two hours, we recorded two or three, and then went over details. Yep, it was a happy time. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

But, if it were a member of the JAM Project, I wouldn't let them take more than an hour to figure stuff out.

A person who takes more than an hour per song is just wasting money. (LOL)

11/6
Kondoh-chan (^▽^)V


Yesterday was the trackdown for Kouei-san's song.

Of course, the engineer was Kondoh-chan.

[pic]

He coldly turned his back to me. (LOL)

Shanpuu Ouji. Wai Wai World Seamall. And then, right now, right here, the percentage of songs that are Kondoh-chan's is going up. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

For JAM Project too, even if Sakamoto-san does the mix, Kondoh-chan does the vocal recording, so I owe him a lot.

For a singer, an engineer who is talented at vocal recording is important. He's done the recording for more than 600 songs, and you can see it.

These days, I can sing with the engineer who is easiest for me to work with, but in the past, it was almost always hit-or-miss. (LOL)

Now is better. Since I got a job with Lantis, I can work with Nakayama-san, Sakamoto-san, Kondoh-san. I have to be grateful that I can record songs in an unstressful environment.

And, conversely, I hope that our vocal recording doesn't stress the engineers... ┓( ̄∇ ̄;)┏ (LOL)

[pic]

11/7
About the JAM Project!

As I expected, the JAM Project is my life. I'm going to cherish the process, not the results.

Naturally, this applies to writing songs.

I want to make "No Border" a good song. I want us to be able to confidently say that it's our best.

A song that we think is good. A style that we like. A chord progression that we like. A melody curve that we like. Relief...pride...etc. that we like.

A path that we can walk on without worrying. Haven't we been walking on that path all along? >Have I?

The path that we should be walking on now.

That is, advancing while believing in the uncomfortable first experience of that ocean of sound, relying only in the compass in your heart.

"Open the door. We may find a new JAM Project."

11/7 14:14
Chinese Goods Store (^▽^)V

So yesterday, when I went shopping in the neighborhood, all of a sudden, I discovered a store that sells Chinese tea!

[pic]

Wow...this kind of store is this close to my house? ヽ( ̄▼ ̄*)ノ

Without thinking about it, I ended up buying oolong tea and tea-making supplies.

Also, they sold Korean corn tea, but I didn't buy any.

They had a lot of other Chinese teas and tea-making supplies too.

Now, without going to Chinatown or Shimoseki's Alley Run (LOL),

I can drink my favorite tea. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

[pic]

Then, since that happened, I wanted to buy an electric pot that I can boil water in (the one I have now only goes to 98 degrees C). I went to Kojima Denki because I'd heard that Chinese tea should be steamed and shouldn't have a taste from the pot.

But, mwa ha ha, I wound up buying it. After all, the Chinese tea was made in China. (LOL)

[pic]

When you look at this teapot, your heart calms down.

[pic]

This is a Korean teapot that I received from a Korean fan when I went to do the live recently in Korea. It has the same kind of pattern as is found in upper China.

And then...how can I describe it...in the porcelain there are a lot of little, old cracks, so it's really beautiful. (^▽^)V

[pic]

And, this is roasted buckwheat. (^▽^)V

11/8
Tea tea tea!! 1 (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

Because I didn't really come out of the studio yesterday either, I drank Chinese tea for a change of pace.

Yesterday...oriental beauty, and "white peony" or something like that...I started from the black-tea-like, easy-to-drink group, and then the last ones were the wild, bitter leaf tea. Surfing Chinese tea sure takes a while. (LOL)

This wild, bitter leaf tea tasted better than I thought, so this morning, as soon as I got up, I tried the even more bitter "one leaf bitter leaf tea," but...

[pic]

Ugh.....it's...it's...bitter. ┓( ̄∇ ̄;)┏

It was like the "senburi tea" you drink in a funny "batsu game."

Yuck, it was really bitter. I made a mistake in measuring...I used too much. (LOL)

Well, I'll try my best today too!

Notes:
1 It's a pun--it means "tea tea tea," but it's pronounced "cha cha cha!"

11/9
Dekkon V (^▽^)V

Yesterday, I had some things to do, so I went to Solid Vox. When the elevator came down, there was a mat in the entranceway with the company's name on it.

I never noticed it till now.

[pic]

Also, a present from Kim-san of South Korea's New Type Editorial arrived.

[pic]

Dekkon V!

Because he promised he'd send it to me on my last night in Seoul.

I'm happy. (^▽^)V

11/11
Even though it's raining...

I forgot to change the ends of my windshield wipers, and I went all the way to Yokohama hearing "squeaky squeaky." (^▽^)V

It was a JAM Project recording. We replaced the drum, bass, and guitar, and the keyboard, in "Shuraki," which I arranged. Of course, this guitar track was better than the one I played. (LOL) But, we left my guitar in a few places. That's what you get! Ψ( ̄∀ ̄)Ψ Kya ha ha.

And then, of course, we also replaced the harmonica that I played. (LOL) Since no one was there, Inoue-kun played it. All of the estimated tens of thousands of Pocky 1 fans all over the country are gonna buy this, huh? ヽ( ̄▼ ̄*)ノ

And then, my friend came to hang out at the studio.

It was Daniel, all the way from Sao Paulo. (^▽^)V

[pic]

That's right, I'll never forget Daniel's face my whole life. (LOL)

He was lost and made his way to the fifth floor of the Landmark Plaza, and then he called my cell phone and I went to meet him outside of the studio, but he came running from far away and gave me a big hug. That's dangerous, Daniel. We're both men. (LOL)

Daniel's careful. "Isn't my coming an interruption?" He kept saying that. Kind of like an old-time Japanese person. (LOL)

He's working in Japan for a little bit and he's studying Japanese, so he can come hang out!! Hika 2 is coming in a month, too, so it'll be fun. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

Notes:
1 Shunji Inoue was "Pocky," the keyboardist, in Lazy.
2 Ricardo Cruz

11/12
Today, too...

I was pretty much in the studio all day. I have no choice but to give myself more hurdles. Yeah, it's hard. But, I'm happy that it's finished. My happiness overpowers the difficulty. Ah, I have that kind of masochistic life. ( ●  ^  -  ^  ● )

I changed my shampoo.

[pic]

Onstage at a school festival, when I said that I use xxxx, a beautician that I know said "That shampoo you use has all kinds of stuff in it and it clogs up your pores and makes your hair fall out."

Well, when my time comes, I want to live like Chiharu Matsuyama 1, but I don't want to talk on the phone to strange companies and wear hats and bandannas.

But just in case, I want to do what I can. (LOL) I changed to "Soap Shampoo," with no additives.

But, check this out. After I shampooed, when I touched my hair, it made a sound.

When I was a kid, when I washed my face with soap, it made that sound...yeah, I'm a relic from the Showa era. ヽ( ̄▼ ̄*)ノ

Notes:
1 Chiharu Matsuyama

11/13 14:33
Re re re?

[pic]

When I went into the green room, they were there!

I thought it was a delivery but it was a guest... (LOL)

11/13 17:30
Long time no see!

[pic]

Mikuni-chan's turn is over! \(~o~)/ She's as cute as usual, and her singing's good too! Mikuni's the best! ヾ(=^▽^=)ノ

11/14
Change! Charge! Challenge!!!

The Live House where we recorded the Anipara live was underground. This building's dry area.

It's the only place where you can get cell phone service. So, there was always someone talking there.

[pic]

Doesn't this look like a gremlin's house?

Somebody was always saying that. (LOL)

So, yesterday's Anipara guest was Dani and Mikuni-chan. Both of them talked with all their might.

Especially Dani, he's like my kid. (LOL) When I see him frantically singing the Yuugioh song, I kind of want to help him step up.

This isn't just as the chief of production. It comes from my own experiences as well. After all, being an artist isn't just about being able to sell or not being able to sell; the most happiness comes from figuring out your own ideal style.

So, let's fight next year. Let's fight to change our awareness (this is important), and learn new skills, and be reborn. (^▽^)V

The Manga Trio is out of business. "Flip out on Endoh and step all over him." I'm going to work harder on this. (LOL)

Also, tonight is the launch of "Shanpuu Oujisan." The anime is just beginning, but there is a party now because the people who made it are done.

With this job came friends who aren't involved with JAM Project. Mika-chan, Kuuko-chan, Sukee, Yukachan...everyone did a good job. I'm proud of you, as a friend.

Artists are sensitive and work hard to get their message out! If they aren't, they're just mere perfomers. It's boring.

So, for us, it's a Change! Charge! Challenge!! Fortune favors those who take risks. (^▽^)V

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update, 11/2/2007 and 11/3/2007

Sorry for the delay! I know I'm not caught up with Kageyama yet! I hope he doesn't do any more nine-post days before I can catch up! :) -Elsa

11/2 16:13
These guys!

[pic]

They're addicted to their cell phones! ヾ(=^▽^=)ノ 2 more hours until showtime! So long...( ̄〜 ̄;) (LOL)

11/2 17:29
Soon (●´∀`●)/

[pic]

Showtime! Today, Momoi and Minami-chan are with us too! Hey hey hey! ヾ(=^▽^=)ノ

11/2 20:25
\(‾o‾)/

[pic]

It's over \(‾o‾)/

School festivals are strangely liberating...

I'll work hard tomorrow too! ヾ(=^▽^=)ノ

11/2 21:42
Oh!

[pic]

Finally, Shibuya! Wherever I go, I'm always relieved when I get back to this neighborhood! Good work today! So everybody, let's be loud and "let's drink beer!" 1

Notes:
1 This is in English in Kageyama's diary.

11/2 22:01
Gah ha ha

[pic]

Glowing amber!
An hour of bliss!
I'm grateful to everybody!

11/2 22:17
Mwa ha ha

[pic]

A deep garnet color.
Glowing with bliss.
Yep, mandom! 1

Notes:
1 As in, "the state of being a man."

11/2 22:34
Superb!

[pic]

The ultimate pizza, the cuatro frommage! Put honey on a grilled pizza with 4 kinds of cheese and eat it!
A moment of bliss!

11/2 22:48
Re re re! 1

Notes:
1 I get a 404 error when I try to view this diary! So, no translation. Let me know if it comes back up. I'm kind of curious to see what it says, because Kageyama must've been pretty drunk when he wrote it.

11/3 13:27
Autumn's who?

[pic]

I'm back. Right now is the break after rehearsal at Tsunadama's Nichidaiseisankougakubu! (●´∀`●)/ Today we're in Hanno, so I feel good. \(~o~)/

11/3 18:31
A capella!

[pic]

Nichidaiseisankougakubu's school festival live, "Beautiful Fever" 1, passionately ended! ヾ(=^▽^=)ノ I did a session with Minori Mehara and Minen (?) Yume, and I sang a song with the two of them a capella during an surprise encore. It was a live I won't forget! Oh yeah, on a personal note, during the climax of "Shanpuu Ouji," even though it was the first time they heard it, the audience did the "daisuki" call and response! It made me happy, senor! \(‾o‾)/

Notes:
1 I think this is a pun. The kanji are "美熱" (beauty+hot) instead of "微熱" (fever).

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Hiroshi Kitadani Diary Update - 11/2/2007 and 11/3/2007

11/2
It came!

Finally my new Mac came.

But it's going to be difficult from now on. I have to set a whole bunch of preferences, and I'm terrible at it. I don't read instructions. I just do it right the first time, I don't practice (LOL)

The deadline for JAM's new song is near, so I still need Mr. Mac to do his best digital performance for me!

So, yesterday was the solo live rehearsal. The acoustic was good. Because it wasn't loud. (ha ha) But the title is "Explosion"...are we really going to end it with the acoustic?

And today I'm going to the first school festival.

11/3
School Festival

It brings back good memories, campus life... (HA HA)

Honestly, I never really participated in a school festival. In those days, I went to Joukyou Douji University for the purpose of seeing Seikima II 1, and then I was debuting with Lapis 2, I think...

However, I was surprised when I saw the stage in this gymnasium! "I-i-i-i-it's huuuuuuuge!" And the ceiling, "I-i-i-i-i-it's hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh!" And the acoustics and the lighting, "A-a-a-a-a-awwwwwwwesome!"

And then the show finally started, and the audience's passion was "Aaaaaaaaaaaawesome!" Their dancing and their singing and their glowstick-waving (LOL) 3 songs wasn't enough. Let me sing more! (LOL)

The young members of the executive committee also really loved anison. They were good kids.

Thank you for a fun day. Today I was uncharacteristically late. Everybody, I'm sorry for inconveniencing you. Also, good job today.

It took me 3 hours to get there and one hour to get back. I can't read Tokyo's subway maps...

Notes:
1 Apparently it's a band.
2 Kitadani's band, Lapis Lazuli.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Masaaki Endoh Diary Update - 11/1/2007 and 11/2/2007

11/1
Rush

Starting today

[pic]

it's November.

It came so soon!

I still have to do this and that...in a heartbeat, the year is going to end!

Oh no!

A lot of items are rising in price, sir!

Regular gasoline is 150 yen a liter!

So expensive!

There's also gas and electricity, right? And curry and snacks and pet food and...

It also looks like the price of beer is going to go up...

The prices of this and that is going up, going up, going up....hurry up, housewives!

Prices are going up but it's necessary for the products themselves...there's nothing we can do.

Oh no!

If I take advantage of this flood of price raises, I wonder if I my guaranteed salary will go up... (^_^;)

Goodnight.

11/2
School festival


At Bunkyo University's 40th festival

[pic]

I sang.

It was only 3 songs, but it was fun.

I like school festivals.

I never went to school, so....hmmm....what is it? Maybe campus life? I want to experience it. (^O^)

If I'd gone to college, would my life be different? When I think about that....

[pic]

...

Mm, but maybe even if I'd done that, I would still be singing songs after all. (LOL)

Anyway, everybody, good job today! m(__)m

People who came from far away just to see us--I'm happy! Thank you! (^.^)b

The executive committee who took care of us and the staff, thank you!

[pic]

Take care of yourself! \(^O^)/

Goodnight.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 11/1/2007 and 11/2/2007

11/1
Full days

Well, right now, I'm starting work on "No Border."

All that's decided on is the title. What we should write in that blank "file" is all based on our whims.

I told the members of the JAM Project the same thing.

We didn't discuss the kind of sound we're aiming for like we usually do.

It's free. All free. Completely blank. (LOL)

Also, the "Wai Wai World Seamall" album arrived.

[pic]

It's not for sale, but as always, I worked hard to have this package sent to my home. You can really feel the emotions that went into the songwriting and recording. It makes me happy.

One more thing: the fanclub renewal record, a cell phone cleaner.

[pic]

It's cute, isn't it? (^▽^)V

Well, tomorrow and the next day are the school festival circuit again. Tomorrow is Bunkyou University. It seems like it'd be in Bunkyouku, but the campus we're performing at is in Koshitani.

Endoh, Dani, Momoi, and Minami-chan are performing too.

I'm really happy that I could have my voice heard at so many universities this year.

So, I'm going to try my best to live up to everyone's expectations. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

11/2
We're here, Koshitani!

[pic]

In an almost-scrap Mercedes Benki (LOL), we're going to Bunkyou University's school festival! \(~o~)/ There's a lot of traffic. ( ̄~ ̄;)

Thursday, November 1, 2007

JAM Project Press Conference!

I just translated a report on the JAM Project's recent press conference for Anime Friends! They discuss their new single, their all-Japan tour, and their WORLD TOUR! Portuguese and Japanese versions are also up! Check it out!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 10/30/2007 and 10/31/2007

10/30
Solid Vox people

Yesterday was the Solid Vox meeting. On the agenda was the end-of-year fanclub event and next year's development.

[pic]

Somehow, we're gonna do two fanclub events outside of Tokyo within the year! That's our goal.....please wait for it.

And, we took commemorative photos with the company employees, and did this and that, etc...

[pic]

Well well, today is the JAM Project press conference. I'm nervous! (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

10/31
We're ready. ヽ( ̄▼ ̄*)ノ

[pic]

Yesterday, the JAM Project made several things public.

The release of our first original single. The domestic tour for that.

And, the world tour that we'll do from summer to fall.

And the theme of all of this will be "No Border."

How it'll work out business-wise, I don't know. But, we're going to rush towards the dreams we announced.

We'll worry about the consequences afterwards. We're ready. (〃⌒ー⌒〃) 

Masaaki Endoh Diary Update - 10/30/2007 and 10/31/2007

10/30
JAM announcement!

I did...

[pic]

the JAM Project announcements and press conference.

Reporters, normal people who were watching, people who got excited for us, thank you!

[pic] 1

It was comforting. (^_^)v Good work, everybody!

We talked about the sale of the original single, and the Japan live tour, and the overseas tour, etc...

From now on, I'm gonna be busy, huh?

I'm looking forward to it!

I'm thankful that I could receive this great chance in this wonderful, awesome place, and we and I are going to think seriously about what we should do and do it.

I'm going to do my best to live without regrets.

There's no time to rest on my laurels.

In this one short life of mine, so that I can have a great smile on my face until the end

so that everyone can smile

I'll sing!

Please continue supporting me! \(^O^)/

Goodnight.

Notes:
1 It's the new JAM Project logo!

10/31
Happy Halloween!!


Today is

[pic] 1

Halloween!

Even if you make that face,

I won't give you any candy.

But...

Since you're cute

I'll give you some after all (^_^)

[pic] 2

Goodnight

Notes:
1 Did you know that Endoh's dogs' names are Pocchi and Chamame? You did? Okay.
2 *gag*

Hiroshi Kitadani Diary Update - 10/28/2007, 10/30/2007, 10/31/2007

10/28
With a smile

[pic]

I recorded "Smile"!

Finally, under the amazing fall sun, I completed the vocals and the chorus. Also, I'm so happy to have recorded my own melody and lyrics!

Also, we took the jacket picture that I thought we'd take the other day today, behind schedule.

We only had a short break in the recording, but I think we took a pretty good picture...I look like the 4th-ranked host in a Shinjuku host club. (LOL)

This picture is my delighted smile ("smile 1") in the car on the way home after recording.

Notes:
1 Here he writes "スマイル," (sumairu) "smile" in katakana, as opposed to "笑顔," (egao) "smile" in Japanese.

10/30
Going by train

Yesterday, we began our secret recording in the morning (LOL). Then there was a meeting about the new song in my office. Then the Solid Vox meeting ended. Finally, I went to the studio and worked on the trackdown for "Smile."

Anyway, today is JAM's press conference. I'll try not to stutter. (LOL)

10/31
It's finally over...

Yesterday was JAM's shocking 2008 press conference and information session.

I was nervous like I usually am at press conferences, but yesterday I could see the faces of all of JAM's supporters and I could relax more than usual. Thank you! In 2008, JAM Project will try our best to meet everyone's expectations. Of course, because everyone likes songs and anison...

Also, I've been working on the song that's due today all day. Right now it's a little before 1:00 A.M...I made it in time, somehow. The monthly solo live rehearsal starts tomorrow! Ah! Next
month's new song...... (;´ー`)┌ ....I'll do my best.