Saturday, January 23, 2010

Christmas in January

it was about 27 years ago, that i first heard Oda Kazumasa. and it was 27 years ago when i became a fan of his voice, his lyrics, his music. back then he was a member of Off Course so of course i became of a fan of Off Course before he went solo in 1989. i have actually flown to Japan for two of his concerts. today i received a wonderful present from my dear friend Noriko. on one of the two tapes in the package was Oda-san's Christmas special from about a month ago. i think he started making these Christmas Promise specials in 2001. this special was extra special with many many incredible musicians joining together to sing one song lasting almost 23 minutes. the song in the above video is one of Oda-san's songs called Tashikana Koto featuring all the singers in the show. i knew almost all of them. the three images are photos i took of the show while it was playing. (old vcr, not high quality dvd but i think the sound is good). here is translation of this song (below) that i found on the internet. as you may or may not know translations of songs from one language to another don't always translate that well. but, hopefully you can get a sense of the heart and soul of one of my favorite singers, Oda Kazumasa.

Tashikana Koto (Something certain)


I was looking up at the sky after the rain among the people walking by

I'm sure I never noticed the smallest happiness because I couldn't bear the sadness


As time goes by, can I love you? Can I really protect you?

As I looked up at the sky I thought, what can I do for you now?


Never forget, because no matter when, I'll surely be beside you

That's why we're here now

Being blown by the same wind, living in the same time


Like looking out for yourself and quietly thinking of someone else

When you're sad, don't be alone, don't go far away from me


I'd rather trust than doubt, even if the wounds in my heart never go away

Let's go looking for the things we've lost, I'm sure we'll find them someday


The most important things aren't the special occasions

They're the days I spend gazing at you

Feeling the way I do now


There's something I still haven't said to you

It's that, since the day we met, I've always loved you


Are you looking at the sky? Are you listening to the wind?

We can never return here

But don't ever think of that as a sad thing


The most important things aren't the special occasions

They're the days I spend gazing at you

Feeling the way I do now


Never forget, no matter how much time passes, because I'll surely be beside you

That's why we're here now

Being blown by the same wind, living in the same time


a big thank you again to Noriko for the tapes and the sweets. i think this song will bring a tear or two to her eyes. i know it does to mine.