He was born Minoru Ōno (大野 穣), in a little town in Hokkaidō, to a fisherman. He was very poor because of the effects of World War II, and he was forced to work while he studied.
When he was about to graduate from high school, he decided to become a singer. His debut single was called "Bungacha-Bushi," which was released in 1962.
He has many famous songs, including "Namida Bune" (1962), "Kyōdai Jingi" (1965), "Yosaku" (1978) and "Kita no Ryōba" (1986). His 1965 song "Kaerokana" was written by lyricist Rokusuke Ei and composer Hachidai Nakamura. He is very popular in Japan partly due to his looks of a physical laborer, and he mostly sings the spirit of Japan's working class and rural laborer. He often appears on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a TV program at the end of the year where many major Japanese singers gather to perform.
Kitajima released single "Fūfu Isshō" (夫婦一生, lit. "Couple in a Lifetime"?) on January 1, 2010 at the age of 73. It debuted at #10 on the Japanese Oricon weekly single charts. It became the first single to reach Top 10 by a solo artist in his 70s in Oricon charts history.
Although Enka is becoming less popular with the younger generation, he is still Japan's most famous singer. He does a lot of concerts overseas as well, and he is contributing a lot of work to the culture of Japanese music.
In addition to his singing career, Kitajima acted in the role of Tatsugorō on the television series Abarenbō Shōgun. During the quarter-century life of the series, he also sang its theme songs.
兄弟仁義
北島三郎 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
かたいちぎりの 義兄弟
こんな小さな 盃だけど
男いのちを かけてのむ
義理だ恩だと 並べてみたら
恋の出てくる すきがない
あとはたのむと かけ出す露路に
俺の目をみろ 何んにもゆうな
男同志の 腹のうち
ひとりぐらいは こういう馬鹿が
居なきゃ世間の 目はさめぬ
The lyrics to the song 兄弟仁義 by 北島三郎 describe the strong bond of brotherhood between men who are not blood-related, but bound by the oath of loyalty and honor as brothers. The first verse talks about the loyalty and commitment between sworn brothers even more than between biological brothers, emphasizing the importance of the bond.
The second verse talks about how this brotherhood is different from other relationships based on social obligations or debts, as there is no room for love mixed with it. Rather, the strong bond of loyalty and honor in brotherhood demands self-sacrifice, even if it means risking one's own life for the sake of their sworn brothers. The lyrics describe this brotherhood as pure and essential, often misunderstood by those who do not share the same values.
The last verse acknowledges that some people may think of this kind of brotherhood as foolish or unnecessary, but it is precisely this kind of bond between men that is essential to keep societal norms in check. It is the bond of loyalty and honor between these men that keeps them on the right path, and without it, the world may spiral out of control.
Line by Line Meaning
親の血をひく 兄弟よりも
A sworn brotherhood is stronger than blood relation.
かたいちぎりの 義兄弟
A pledged brotherhood is unbreakable.
こんな小さな 盃だけど
Although it's just a small sake cup,
男いのちを かけてのむ
We drink it to honor our manly bond.
義理だ恩だと 並べてみたら
When weighing duty and gratitude,
恋の出てくる すきがない
The topic of love never comes up.
あとはたのむと かけ出す露路に
If there's anything else you need, just ask.
ふるはあの娘の なみだ雨
But for now, let's toast with a cup of my lover's tears.
俺の目をみろ 何んにもゆうな
Look into my eyes, don't say anything.
男同志の 腹のうち
You know what's in a man's heart when he's with his comrades.
ひとりぐらいは こういう馬鹿が
At least one foolish guy like us
居なきゃ世間の 目はさめぬ
Is needed to keep the world from falling asleep.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: 星野哲郎
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
大柳直樹
北島三郎先生の歌はとても心が安らぎや感動する歌だと思います☺️
遠枝忍
大好きな歌です🎵
Keiko Fetters
幾つになっても、魅力が有りますね
伊藤シゲ子
この曲は以前亡くなった主人が大好きだった曲で懐かしく思い出し聴いています
NAOKI kentarou
兄弟仁義は北島親父最高
小木曽幹夫
これぞ、男さぶちゃんの男演歌です。感動します。🥀
齊藤敏子
さすがさぶちゃんすばらしい
安之 貝本
いつも楽しく拝見させてもらってます。
久岡敏郎
いいですね☀️😃❗
木口定
俺の元気歌