Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - November 5, 2010

Jet lag again.

Yesterday, first of all, I went to rehearsal for Big 50 live.

The power of people who manage to live on this earth for 50 years is different.

It's about the difference between the heights of Mt. Fuji and Mt. Takao.

There's nothing wrong with young, energetic rock musicians, but when you scrape off all the extra, there's refinement underneath.

Sometimes, we need that "adult" rock. If we just keep counting rhythm, we go numb.

November 19, Blues Alley Japan

Big 50...

[photo]

After that, I went to Akihabara for a Bushi Road press conference with En-chan. The beginning of next year for JAM Project is the OP of the card game "Vanguard."

[photo]

The president of Bushi Road, Mr. Kitani, is the same age as me. I really admire his passion.

Well, now I'm off on a domestic trip. (LOL)

Today's an acoustic show in Matsuyama.

Tomorrow's an anime event in Kouchi.

The next day is BIG 3 in Osaka.

Yay! (*￣▽￣*)ﾉ"

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - August 5, 2008

10:02
Completely...

Yesterday, I was a complete idiot.

In the afternoon, during rehearsal, the light that shined brightly on my sheet music

was natural sunlight shining through the window...

I would've realized it if I'd just thought about it for a minute...

but I'm....completely...completely...completely...

[pic]

Ahhhh--I gave up.

Because it was dark and I couldn't see my music!!

It was nighttime so of course... (￣∇￣*)ゞ eh heh heh


But, even with that stuff,

last night's live at "Tomato Hatake"

was tons of fun.

In the midst of my surging, busy schedule,

I was once again saved by acoustic...

Acoustic is my oasis...

I am completely...completely...

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 1/9/2008, 1/10/2008

1/9
19:39
Gyuunyan! (o^o^o)

[pic]

For the first time in a long time, Endoh, Dany, and I appeared on Sakura's Marshmallow Time! I haven't seen Sakura since the summer. Since she retired from producing, I've had fewer chances to see her, but she seems well! (o^o^o) Back in the day, I had a ton of intense experiences for a short time thanks to Sakura! Working with Sakura, I learned the kind of multifaceted skills that I have today!

Sakura, I'm always praying for your success! Fly, Sakura! (o^o^o)

1/9
20:14
First set of goods!

[pic]

After the radio show, we reconvened for the JAM band rehearsal! (o^o^o)

The young people are working hard! Plus, the first set of good came in: a giant towel! Perfect! Cool! ＼(‾o‾)／

1/10
9：26
Now that you mention it

A while ago, on TV, I saw an interview with Joe Odagiri-san about his getting married. He said that he didn't know anyone who shared his birthday except for Kim Jong Il...

When he said that I started thinking, so yesterday in the studio I searched for "famous people born on February 18" on Matsuu's Mac. I found Yoko Ono and Robert Baggio. Personally, I was happy that I also found the Fuji TV announcer, Aya Takashima. (^^ゞ

And, while I was searching, Hironobu Kageyama came up. That made me the happiest. I'm small potatoes. ヽ(￣▼￣*)ノ

[pic]

Well, this picture is from before JAM Project rehearsal. We want to try to become a unit as big as the Rainbow Bridge.

And then, my assignment today is...first, to make a demo of the JAM Project live acoustic corner. I have to deliver it to everybody so I need to hurry.

After that, in order to put away furniture, I have to get my Chinese tea-related items into one group.

[pic]

I have to put this stuff away neatly.

Ugh...but it'll keep getting bigger and bigger...I'll end up buying tea and teapots online, and end up buying more and more...look at me. (LOL)

Well, it's alright! Because it's fun. ヽ(￣▼￣*)ノ

1/10
17:20
Starting now...

I'm going to a JAM staff meeting. This time, we want to increase the area around the stage from what it was last year, so it's troublesome.

So, today, I drank a kind of Chinese red tea called Keemun tea for the first time.

[pic]

This is delicious. （＾▽＾）V Naturally, it's because it's one of the world's "Three Main Red Teas."

If people who don't like Puerh tea and other Chinese teas started here, maybe they'd calm down. （＾▽＾）V

It tastes like usual red tea, and since the taste is sufficient, you don't need sugar or anything. Yes, this is good.

But, if I keep getting Chinese red tea like this, next thing you know I'll be wanted a porcelain teapot. (LOL)

1/10
20:37
Hey hey hey...

[pic]

I'm in the middle of an extremely serious meeting! I think if I joke around, someone will hit me... Σ(￣□￣;)

I'm hungry... (LOL)

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 1/7/2008, 1/9/2008

1/7
10:56
New resolution!

Work began for both Solid Vox and Lantis!! （＾▽＾）V

Frankly, there's no chance to completely change your outlook except for the end of the year. People choose their own themes, and set out on a new path.

And you don't have to tell anybody that. It's okay to keep your resolution to yourself.

When I turned 40, I said a lot of things that made it seem like I was certain, but honestly, facing my 47th year, I'm really anxious.

But, because I'm anxious...because it's scary...I'll do my best.

Aniki, congratulations for yesterday. （＾▽＾）V

[pic]

1/9
1:27
Osamu pot (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

My usual tea urn. Every day, I polish it really well. (LOL)

After I pour the tea, while the pot is still hot, I polish it al over with its own cloth.

They say that if you do that, its shine and personality will gradually appear. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

[pic]

The things that I like are all things that you have to take the time to polish. The main one is my guitars. （＾▽＾）V

In the middle of writing songs, while I'm watching a movie, I carefully polish them. (LOL) Then, while I'm polishing them, I grow more and more attached to them and they look beautiful, so I can't stop. That's what happens. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

Today at Aoyama Studio, I recorded the full-size version of the famous commercial song that I sang last year.

They're apparently going to make a CD to use as a present for the viewers. Yayyyyy ヽ(￣▼￣*)ノ

1/9
16:42
This is organization??? (LOL)

Today, cupboards came for Airblanca Studio's kitchen. This is because, since everyone's giving me presents, I have nowhere to put Chinese tea and tea utensils anymore. （＾▽＾）V

[pic]

In its place, I put the CD rack in the closet...what in the world is my job? (LOL)

But, because of this, starting tomorrow I can have full-blown "meditation style" tea! Hooray ヽ(￣▼￣*)ノ

[pic]

Whew...but, organizing by myself makes me tired. So even though I have so much to do, I've completed about a half-day's worth of work.

Agh, I still have to go to the broadcasting center. If I skip it, they'll get mad at me. ┓(￣∇￣;)┏

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 12/29/2007, 12/30/2007, 12/31/2007, 1/1/2008, 1/3/2008, 1/5/2008, 1/6/2008

12/29
2:38
Grrrrr (￣□￣;)!!

Today was a busy day. First, in the afternoon, there was "a certain after-recording." (*￣∇￣*)

Aaargh--in my whole life, I've never had to put so many words in quotes. Even though I'm not singing, my voice is tired. (LOL)

I'll tell you when I'm allowed to! V(*￣∇￣*)V

After that, at night was rehearsal for tomorrow's Solid Vox event. We didn't have much time, but we worked hard so that we can make everybody happy! The Bingo presents and the singing presents are both rare! V(*￣∇￣*)V

[pic]

For dinner, I was invited to have delivered pizza with everyone from Lantis. Tomorrow the comic book market starts, so everybody was very busy preparing until the middle of the night. They're going to work like this nonstop until the 31st. They're really working hard.

The group that works harder than others has better results. This is an extremely ordinary sentence. V(*￣∇￣*)V

[pic]

Then, after rehearsal, I took Dani to Airblanca Studio.

Because he said that he really wanted to learn the basics of Protools, I gave him a lecture on the very very basics.

How to make tracks. How to play soft recordings. How to recording singing, how to record guitar. I wonder if he understood. (LOL)

[pic]

Dani went home a little while ago, and I've been memorizing lyrics for tomorrow. Ahh...I wanna go to bed. (LOL)

But, I'm gonna keep working! V(*￣∇￣*)V

12/30
10:18
I have a hangover. ┓(￣∇￣;)┏

For the afterparty for the end-of-year party, we did karaoke until dawn...(LOL)

Well, for these times (LOL), boiling hot oolong tea is best.

My new Chinese mug. It's cute. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

[pic]

Also, I received a lot of Chinese tea from Ed and company from the Super Robo event in Hong Kong and from fans.

I think I could open a tea shop. (LOL)

Yesterday's Solid Vox party was fun.

The shop was good, and so was the party's tempo.

[pic]

It was a great end to 2007.

I don't want to do anything at the end of the year except be with my fans.

Yeah, it was a great year. (LOL)

12/30
19:28
Make this last

[pic]

Start! Today JAM PROJECT NO BORDER TOUR REHEARSALS start! Even though they're still band-only rehearsals, and we weren't expecting them, Endoh and Makkun are coming to the studio!

Of course, everyone's really anxious!

And as they practiced "Skill," "Victory"...etc., our standard songs, our anxiety flew away!

Our new band is great!

Permanently present Inoue-kun was surprised too, I think!

I think he was still worried even though he gave us the green light!

So the band is OK! After New Year's it's our turn! I'm excited! ＼(‾o‾)／

12/31
23:17
Burning quietly...

New Year's Eve. 30 minutes until 2008.

Since last year I did the countdown at the Shimoseki Aquarium, I'm spending New Year's Eve this year quietly.

[pic]

I was writing songs until a little bit ago, but now I'm studying for a breather. (LOL)

Did everyone find a theme for 2008? I, of course, have too many things that I want to do (LOL), so I'm in trouble.

Oh yeah, the big tea urn that I bought online came. It's the round one on the right.

[pic]

[tea stuff]

When I did that, I slowly came to love tea utensils. So, I thought I would challenge myself. （＾▽＾）V

But, since I drink out of big cups, these are both big pots. They're about 3 times bigger than regular ones.

The left is for pucha, and there's oolong tea in the right.

Well, everybody, happy new year! (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

1/1
9:43
Please support me this year too! (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

The truth is, since on Christmas Eve my beloved mother-in-law went to heaven, I can't say congratulations.

But, since she loved music, and understood my job, and always honestly supported me, I'll work three times harder for that reason.

Being the JAM Project. Being Hironobu Kageyama. Being myself.

I won't run away from the things around me, and I'll fight against them.

I'll break through them head-on. It's a head-to-head battle.

Matsumura-kyouju said it too. "In life, there is no escape!"

[pic]

P.S.

Everyone at Kids Station, Yamaken-san, everyone at Koshikijima: my song...is late, but I'm working on it.

Please wait a little longer. (^^ゞ

1/3
7:13
Tatsui tea

The early bird gets the worm.

So, this year I have to keep waking up early. （＾▽＾）V

[pic]

First thing in the morning, green tea sounds good.

This is a famous Chinese green tea called "Seiko Tatsui Tea."

[tea stuff]

When I went to Shanghai, I had this kind of tea leaves from a glass mug. Chinese people are good at drinking it.

When the leaves entered my mouth, I went "bleh bleh" and adjusted the lid and scalded my tongue, and it was terrible. (LOL)

But, when in rural China, do as the rural Chinese do! And the rural Chinese sure like it hot.

I wasn't really in rural China, but I challenged myself!

Wow! Hot green tea first thing in the morning. It'll leave spots on my organs. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

1/5
9:05
Aniki's 60th birthday!

Yesterday was rehearsal for the memorial live for Aniki, who's going east tomorrow. Aniki seemed to be in good health, and I got to wish happy new year to him and Micchii Nee-san, so the first job of 2008 was nice. （＾▽＾）V

Ta-da!

[pic]

The guitar I ordered came! (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

However, you can't see it in the picture...even though it's new, it's worn out and rusty. ┓(￣∇￣;)┏

This is a recreation of the model of guitar Joe Strummer used in The Clash, and the worn-off finish (who wore it off?!), and the rusted metal parts (who rusted them?!), and the various scratches and holes are in order to make it a loyally aged rare guitar.

After this, I'm going to paint it and put stickers on it myself. Like this.

[pic]

Cool! Cool!

It's so awesome!! Isn't it great?? (￣▼￣*)ノ

How does it sound?

Who cares! （￣ヘ￣）凸

Not really...of course it sounds great. (^_-)ー☆

1/6
17:32
Dah-dahn!

[pic]

Shibuya! (o^o^o) Aniki's already singing! This time, it's a long 60-song live, coming after his 1,000-song live! I'm singing one song, but I'm cheering Aniki on! In this whole business, Aniki just might be the one I owe the most to. I want him to rule healthily and brightly forever! If you're healthy, we'll even let you be selfish! (LOL) Aniki, happy birthday! ＼(‾o‾)／

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 12//26/2007, 12/27/2007, 12/28/2007

12/26
Just...

One week left...in 2007.

[pic]

Yesterday, we rehearsed for the Solid Vox party, then I was at the "No Border" trackdown until the middle of the night.

When I thought about trying to make a meaningful, deep work, I became concerned about a lot of things that I hadn't thought about before.

Of course there's a meaning that I want to convey in the lyrics and music, and I want the trackdown and arrangement to have the same intentions.

More than a professional polish, I want there to be a lot of spirit.

I like a soul-shaking scream better than a neat and pretty song.

For me, music is emotional.

I'm that kind of person...how annoying. (LOL)

Oh yeah, starting yesterday I started drinking (?)tea again, and I'm slowly starting to recognize its good effects.

[pic]

I suddenly understood something a teacher told me. On cold mornings, if you drink (?)tea, your body warms up.

If I do that, I can start the day in a kindhearted mood.

I did a bad thing to Makkun. I wrote in my blog that I was postponing my live but all of Makkun's fans got scared that Makkun wasn't going to do her birthday live, and she received a flood of letters.

I am so sorry. (^^ゞ

My live comes after the two days in Osaka so I postponed my live so that I could have a break for a week.

Among the JAM Project members, Makkun is the one who most values her solo activities, and her sense of balance is spot-on. She's not a pain like I am. (LOL)

However, "No Border" and "Hero" are both masterpieces. （￣ー￣）v

12/27
Last night again

I was at the trackdown.

[pic]

Kondoh-chan did one song, Sakamoto-san did the other. They both worked really hard.

In this society, outside of how the song sounds, the engineer name only appears in small type. It's really a critical job!

Since it's the last job, they often have to work close to the deadline. They also have great influence on how the final product sounds.

But, when I see these people working so hard without complaining to fix the sound up even a little bit, I'm humbled.

When it comes to a job, you can't call yourself a pro just from working when the conditions are good and you're doing fun things.

Matsumoto-san and Kondoh-chan are both amazing. V(*￣∇￣*)V

12/28
JAM Project official site

renewal V(*￣∇￣*)V

And tour extensions. V(*￣∇￣*)VV(*￣∇￣*)V

In Osaka, it's the hall where I went to see my first rock band. It was in 1976, the first time Aerosmith came to Japan. The opening act was Bowwow.

I'm going to sing on that same stage... (┬┬＿┬┬)

It's been 31 years since then. I feel like I'm going back to my roots.

Well, next year I'm going to be abroad a lot, so I'm starting to think that I should get a 905 cell phone. V(*￣∇￣*)V

[Here he discusses the merits of the cameras on each phone. I'll skip it because there's a lot that I don't understand.]

Even if I have to take photos myself, my dream is to take and upload pictures over 50,000 pixels. It's a smaaaaaaaaall dream. (LOL)

However, there are a lot of pictures saved on my current phone, and I can't transfer them between models.

If I mail a few at a time to my Mac I'll have to buy software that works like a cell phone.

Meh, oh well. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

[pic]

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 12/20/2007, 12/21/2007, 12/23/2007, 12/24/2007

12/20
10:45
A moment's...

Serenity... (only in the morning)

Since recording starts in the evening today, I'm trying to get things done, cleaning up the things I've been neglecting one by one... I'm in the end-of-year spirit. （o＾＾o）

Before that, I had my morning dose.

[pic]

Iwa tea that I received from Misato-chan, "大紅袍." (How do you pronounce that?!) Iwa tea is the same species as oolong tea, but it has more of a kick, so maybe that's why I like it. （＾▽＾）V

Well. First I'm gonna write a report manuscript. Sometimes, handing it in on the day it's due is okay. (LOL)

Then, after that, preparation for the Jumpfest on Saturday. "Sing something that you haven't sung in public before!" they told me. Furthermore, two songs at a time. (￣□￣;)!! So, as a matter of course, I have to memorize lyrics. (￣□￣;)!! I'll do my best! （＾▽＾）V

Oh yeah, isn't this book awesome?

[pic]

Geshikayo-san, you do so much for us. We're always grateful.

This is a special anison issue. It was way better than I thought it would be; I was shocked. （*￣▽￣*)

Thank you so much. Everyone buy it, okay? The front cover is the latest shot of JAM! （＾▽＾）V

Also....I don't want to do it, but I think I'm going to postpone my birthday live on February 18. (┬┬＿┬┬)

If I tried to do it I probably could, but I've been struggling along so much lately that I feel like I can't right now...

About a month ago, the JAM members all put our pet productions together, and we were incredible, facing 2008.

I talked to the members and asked for them to cooperate more. Isn't each member individually, and the five of them as a group, respected singers? If you're counting on other people to get things done, stop it! That's what I told them. If you think that your singing skill is inferior, fight with all of your life to make it better! That how our conversations usually go.

Then, I also talked to the people in charge of each member's office. (This is important.)

"Since 2008 is going to be a very important year for the JAM Project, please cooperate with complaining!" And, "Don't schedule solo activities near JAM Project's activities! Especially around concert times, in order to increase the members' concentration, unnecessary booking is off-limits!"

I've gone on for too long, but even though I've been doing birthday lives for 20 years, the two-day concert in Osaka is the next day, so I can't do my own live, right?

Knowing this, I'm kind of embarrassed that I've been renting live houses in Osaka and Tokyo.

I lead, so I'm the leader...but I'm still childish.

"What a jerk! Hironobu Kageyama! Grrr!" - The Bosses

But, as I'm writing this, JAM is announcing extended tour dates, so maybe there's time.

The 31st anniversary of my coming to Tokyo.

I'll have my birthday live on April 16. Of course!

12/21
14：54
After all...

I've been slowly memorizing lyrics, and I'm tired. (LOL)

Soon I'll be like Aniki, where I've made the mistake, but I'll get mad at someone else...but when Aniki does it, it's cute. （＾▽＾）V

Well, continuing the talk about the birthday live from yesterday. Honestly, it doesn't look like our rehersal time is going to increase, so that's a good reason.

It's impossible to do anything other than acoustic alone. In 2008, I want to make "Higher quality!" my slogan, even in my personal activities. Without regard for my physical fitness, I'm passionate about giving a live full of good content. After all this is over, I'll be okay. （＾▽＾）V

Right about now, they should be dubbing the string section for the new song in the studio. I wish I could be there. ┓(￣∇￣;)┏

But, I have one more song to memorize! Ugghhh! (LOL)

With tomorrow's Jumpfest and the next day's solo acoustic live in Kichijouji, I'll be done with lives for the year.

Everyone, come see me! (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

12/21
20：46
Rehearse rehearse rehearse!

[pic]

I'm here, Makuharimesse! ＼(‾o‾)／ We're rehearsing for tomorrow. ＼(‾o‾)／ I feel a little hoarse, but that's no problem! A cold? "Sonna no kankei nee!" I'm okey-dokey! (o^o^o)

12/21
22：27
This event

[pic]

At the Jumpfest, I'll be at the Touei Animation booth and Banzai-Namco's booth! It's all gonna be Dragonball! (o^o^o)

12/21
23:01
Ta-da!

[pic]

I can't remember the new song's lyrics after all... (T_T)

Now I have to stay up all night and memorize them! (o^o^o)

12/23
13:17
Well, well

Now, for the year's final acoustic live, I'm going to the Star Pines Cafe in Kichijouji.

Yesterday at Makuhari, I sang with my nose all plugged up and my voice funny again. ┓(￣∇￣;)┏

[pic]

About that song, I tried with all my might to memorize it, but the tempo was fast and made me nervous, and it didn't come out right.

I messed up... （*￣▽￣*)

After that, at the Touei Animation booth, I was with Nozawa-san for the first time in a long time, and some other things happened, so Jumpfest was fun after all.

Everyone who came, thank you. You're always so strong. （＾▽＾）V

Well, anyways, I'll perform tonight's acoustic live in full mind of the fact that it's the last time I'll sing this year. （＾▽＾）V

12/24
The end! (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

I still have songwriting, the fan club end-of-year party, and after-recording (LOL) etc., so work is going to continue until the 30th, but...

for right now, with yesterday's acoustic live, my 2007 ended on a good note. （＾▽＾）V

[pic]

Furthermore...last night was a godsend. Because, when I talked my voice was so hoarse I couldn't believe it, but when I sang, my "angel's voice" came out. (LOL)

"Things like this can happen?" I thought. I was the one who was most surprised.

Thanks to that, I was able to sing well enough to satisfy even myself, and with a big, big sense of gratefulness, I was able to complete my last performance of 2007 with great satisfaction.

Everyone who came, thank you so much. People even came from Korea, and everybody was very happy. I am a very very very happy person.

However, because of my voice, MC-ing was really difficult. At one point, I said "Merry Chriksuma." (LOL)

"Who am I, Dani?" I thought. It was embarrassing. Ψ(￣∀￣)Ψ

All things considered, it was a really great 30th year.

I want to take this high tension and continue it along to JAM's tour. （＾▽＾）V

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 12/15/2007, 12/16/2007, 12/17/2007

12/15

10:06
My...voice...is...┓(￣∇￣;)┏

hoarse...┓(￣∇￣;)┏

So I couldn't do my usual angelic beautiful voice (LOL), but I performed "Tsubasa," "Asu e no Houkou," and "Name" in a scratchy voice like Mori---san's, enthusiastically. （＾▽＾）V

[pic]

But, why did I have to catch a cold in this busy December? I'm not ready for this...really... ヽ(￣▼￣*)ノ

Dani's cold affects his stomach, but mine is centered on my throat. I don't know which one is better, though. (LOL) Everyone, be careful not to catch cold.

Anyway, today is AJF. I wonder if my voice will come out? (LOL) But, I'll do the best I can. （＾▽＾）V

12/15
18:48
Oh no...

[pic]

That was embarassing.

I'm gonna die. (//∀//）

12/16
11:32
Popdown (LOL)

At Anisama, etc., there's a device above the stage called a "popup," but yesterday, I was a "popdown." (LOL)

Yesterday, my voice was still raspy because of my cold, so I thought, "I have to do a really flashy performance,"

But on my first song, "Chojin Sentai Jetman," I planned to run out at the intro, screech to a halt at the very edge of the stage, sing, "Jetto, jetto," from there.

But, what actually happened was that when I stopped at the edge of the stage, my boots slipped and I wound up completely upside-down on the floor! So, since I suddenly vanished like that, I was a "popdown." (LOL)

But, it was actually pretty cool! I've been an entertainer for 30 years and I'm a singer right down to my core. I held on to the mike as I fell on my butt, and started singing from down in the orchestra pit.

And I did it all unconsciously. (LOL)

On top of that, instead of singing "Let's go tobidase," I sang, "Kimi no mune de"...how charming.

Afterwards, Shocker said, "The lyrics didn't fly out, but your body sure did." （￣ヘ￣）凸 (LOL)

Well, because of that, my last time singing this year on a big stage became a day full of memories. （*￣▽￣*)

[pic]

12/16
20:32
Cold Σ(￣□￣;

[pic]

Roppongi (●´∀｀●)/

Cabaret club, starting now...

Not exactly (LOL) I'm suddenly taking part in Masatoshi Ueda-sempai's event in a cabaret club. ＼(~o~)／

This time, it's going to be Zuutorubi...I mean, the Beatles! (o^o^o)

12/16
21:42
(o^o^o)

[pic]

Mother Nature's Sun
Black Bird
Woman

Yeah! It was great! (o^o^o)

12/16
22:41
Re re re

[pic]

Recording!

No Border! I'm putting everything I've got into it!

12/17
Naturally...

Now I won't be a bother anymore...I went to the doctor.

But, I didn't really like this doctor. When he examined me, he was like, "What would happen if this were a different, worse disease?" I was surprised. (￣□￣;)!!

Anyway, today, I surprised myself. On the way to the doctor's, I started humming a song.

It was the Kawaguchi Taishou song. (￣□￣;)!! But, I only hummed the refrain over and over...

Ike, ike, Kawaguchi Hiroshi, ike, ike, Kawaguchi Hiroshi

I'm scary. (LOL) But, from now on, I'll make this song my march whenever I'm in trouble. （＾▽＾）V

So, that's why the "No Border" recording is going on right now, but I'm at home writing lyrics. （*￣▽￣*)

On the website, the musicians for next year's tour has been announced. Furthermore, everyone has been replaced, and there's a lot of speculation going around...

There's no strange reason for it or anything.

Right now, I still respect Ken-chan and Kohno-chan, and I don't think there are any musicians better than them, and we're still going to work on "No Border" together. （＾▽＾）V

If I may be so bold as to say it, our veteran army has become a developing one.

JAM Project is...kind of a pain. It's not high school baseball, but we can't run on just our strength either.

Music is important, but beyond that, there's "way of life" and "process"..."harmony" and "willpower." (LOL) We need that kind of hunger and inexperience. That is very, very important.

Maybe it's a small thing, but we can't have the members and staff riding in economy and the band only in first class.

But, the truth is, we can't really say that, right? Saying to Soultoul-san, "Let's ride in economy." (LOL)

Well, that's a joke. Even though it takes time and it's a pain, we've decided to work at the same place and share our joys and sorrows, and become a singular team.

The drummer, Hideki, is like my son, but he's really a strange person. (LOL) （*￣▽￣*)

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 12/11/2007, 12/12/2007, 12/13/2007, 12/14/2007

12/11
The era that shaped me...

I was just thinking, a song is something that somebody wrote. (LOL)

A boy who, in his teens, only had one song left in the world is now a man who, more often than singing, finds himself thinking up music and lyrics...

Life sure is interesting. （*￣▽￣*)

That being said, last week, on a TV show, a woman's ballad that had been in my heart for a long time was played in a countdown, and I looked up at it just for a minute, but...

Songs connect with your life, and that song stays inside you. You can't forget it, even if you think you have.

I thought I had forgotten it, but Yuumin's "Sotsugyou Shashin" was inside of me...

I was in middle school. Before Higuttsuan and Shunji had joined Lazy, I performed side guitar.

At that time, my older sisters were still performing. That song, by Yumi Arai, was really famous at the time.

The melody of that song is obviously fresh and different from others that were popular at its time, and it also let me see clearly see the "essence" of an adult woman, like my sister Masumi, who is six years old than I am. I still remember that feeling. 1

Music is incredible! (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

Notes:
1 As you can probably tell, this part confused me and it's probably wrong...sorry.

12/12
Belief in a new year! 1

The Anipara we recorded yesterday is going to be broadcast next year, already. （＾▽＾）V

The pace of time is a little bit faster than I can handle. However, "a little bit" adds up, so it's not a laughing matter.

If I don't change the way I've been doing things, I'll never raise my skill level. I won't catch up to the community around me.

However, I'm "too lazy," so maybe this situation is the best one.

The tempo of the JAM Project is fast than I am. Inside that group, one absolutely must keep recklessly trying and trying and trying.

It's awesome! That's the kind of life I imagine having: going at full speed. （＾▽＾）V

Oh yeah, Anipara. Our guest was Angela, for the first time in 4 years.

[pic]

She's come down a bit from the bitchy image she had when she debuted, but she's still really talented and I'm jealous... （＾▽＾）V

So, on the way home, I stopped to eat with Endoh and Kumabuu. We went to a restaurant next to the nabe place, called the "Set Meal Shop that's Always Crowded." (LOL) It was recommended by Kuwagaki.

It was good...but, the portions were huge. But, I ate it all. ┓(￣∇￣;)┏

"I used to eat more than that," I laughed.

[pic]

Well, I have to work hard today, too. Since my throat feels a little like I'm catching a cold, I'm prepared. (LOL)

[pic]

Today I had "Kooru Itadaki" Oolong tea again, and it was very good.

Have a nice day. (〃⌒ー⌒〃)

Notes:
1 This is a pun; both words ("信念," "belief," and　"新年," "new year") are pronounced "shinnen."

12/13
14:42
It's December

I really wish I had more time. I don't need money, or prestige, or honor, or even to be taller (LOL). Just give me more time!! （￣Ｑ￣*）

Yesterday was AJF rehearsal. I only got to work on my sections.

[pic]

The band is Endoh's band, so I can sing without worrying. （＾▽＾）ｖ

12/13
17:05
age

[pic]

event rehearsal!

It's JAM's special variety act! ＼(~o~)／

12/13
23:24
Phew!

[pic]

I'm tired. (●´∀｀●)/ Today, three of us volunteered to pre-record "No Border"!

Anyway, I spent this afternoon writing songs. Σ(￣□￣;)

It looks like I'm going to make it by the skin of my teeth.

Crap! (o^o^o)

12/14
15:22
The Yokoburi came! (●´∀｀●)/

[pic]

I don't have a fever and I don't have a stomachache and my joints don't hurt, "but" my throat hurts! Σ(￣□￣;) So I drank some Asian ginseng and citric acid that I received from a boy who is a fan in Osaka.

Thank you! (o^o^o)

12/14
19:51
One more minute

[pic]

Then, showtime! (o^o^o)

However, as usual, age events have so many people!

It's even popular in Korea! It's incredible! ＼(‾o‾)／

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 12/8/2007

12/8
14:44
Campaign.

I'm actually really bad at campaigning...

It's because I have to spend the whole day takling about the same thing. (LOL)

Right, I have to keep up my spirits. Right, it's my own problem. Can I act energetic, no matter how tired I am? That's the main thing.

But, I can do my best because my friends are there...the reporters who take the time to interview me. The ones that have a good personality and talk to me even a little bit.

I'm grateful to those people.

Also to the papers and electronic devices that these people use to send our information to millions of people. That's important, of course. It's matter-of-fact, but a campaign is important.

However, I don't really understand presales.

Even yesterday, the kids in Nagoya said, "You missed Nagoya." But, we didn't neglect Nagoya, we came to do the campaign here... (LOL)

However, no matter how many presales there are, regular tickets are still going to be sold too.

Because I'm a pro, I'd like to think that I'm right, but I honestly don't get it.

If these annoying problems persist, the most important thing, the fans, are going to get bored, aren't they? Amen.

12/8
22:02
Hey!

[pic]

Anisupa is starting now! Please watch it!

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‾)／

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⌒〃)

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‾)／

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

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

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!

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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⌒〃)

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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)

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

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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

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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...

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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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?

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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!

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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.

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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

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!

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

11/2 17:29
Soon (●´∀｀●)/

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

11/2 20:25
＼(‾o‾)／

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It's over ＼(‾o‾)／

School festivals are strangely liberating...

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

11/2 21:42
Oh!

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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

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

11/2 22:17
Mwa ha ha

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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!

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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?

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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!

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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).

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.

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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.

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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!

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

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.

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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...

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

10/31
We're ready. ヽ(￣▼￣*)ノ

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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⌒〃)　

Hironobu Kageyama Diary Update - 10/27/2007 and 10/29/2007

10/27
Ray （＾▽＾）V

At yesterday's recording, the program's regular band that I played "Cha-La Head Cha-La" with knew the song. （＾▽＾）VIt's a band called "Rey." One of them is Nabe-chan's, Endoh's band's guitarist's, protegee. He came to AJF and to my 30th anniversary live. Nabe-chan introduced us and we got to know each other.

So, during a break in recording we were talking about a bunch of things, like they said that they're all from Kyuushuu (one is from Beppu, one is from Miyazaki, and three are from Kagoshima). They all just graduated from a music school in Hakata this spring, and they're only 21 years old, and they love anison, and in their lives they do covers of my songs and JAM's songs....

Anyway. I especially like the vocalist, Kenta Harada's 1, earnest demeanor and smile. Also, his voice is still immature, but from that, he can pull out and emotional and hot-blooded song. (Like Hikarudo 2)

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This is a picture of yesterday's upbeat rehearsal. Even though it was a rehearsal, there were still guys pumping their fists in the first row--isn't that kinda fake? (LOL)

Even though it was a rehearsal for a show, everyone got really excited for me. It made me really happy.

The real show was even more amazing. The audience heroically packed into the Astro Hall. （＾▽＾）V

I almost forgot that I was being recorded. Incidentally, I also forgot the lyrics to "Soldier Dream." (LOL)

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Of course, the girls were cute, as opposed to how "yaoi girls" are usually thought of. Also, Hanawa is an unbelievably good person. I honestly hope they call me again.

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Notes:
1 I'm not sure about this name.
2 Ricardo Cruz

10/29
Am I really a sun man 1??? ヽ(￣▼￣*)ノ

Hello hello, this is the man in charge of the typhoon. （*￣▽￣*)

Yesterday I performed the second part of my school festival circuit under the autumn sun. I went to the (arbitrarily chosen) Chibakeizai University.

I only went to high school, so I think campuses are pretty nice.

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If I hadn't become a musician, I wonder what college I would want to go to and what I would want to study?

I never think about. (LOL) I can't imagine having a different life. (LOL)

But, at yesterday's talk show, the talking was more important than the singing. They kind of just wanted me to keep saying something...(LOL)

Right now, I don't hide much of my private life or my past and I try to walk on the path of a "single-minded life," so I could speak frankly.

Since the time when I was about 21 years old was the time when I was the most nervous about the future, it wasn't a bad thing for me to talk about that time in my life. My old, unexperienced, helpless self was stupid but cute. （＾▽＾）V

Then, I sang "Cha-La Head Cha-La" and "Heats."

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The speciality school I sang at before also wanted "Heats." I wonder why? Maybe it's this generation...anyway, I'm happy.

At the entrance, the school's executive director, Mr. Ishii, was told "JAM Project" by an older student. It looks like it's the first time he'd heard of me.

Yeah, it's all because I entered the JAM Project. I'm happy that I'm the eldest member. （＾▽＾）V

It was a short time, but it was an important experience. Everyone at Chibakeizai University, thank you so much!

However, Mr. Ishii. There's no way I could eat these huge bento boxes by myself. ┓(￣∇￣;)┏

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Notes:
1 There's apparently a joke among the anison singers that Kageyama is an "雨男" (ameotoko), or "rain man"--that is, his presence causes rain.