Tomoyasu Hotei (布袋寅泰 , born February 1, 1962 in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture… Read Full Bio ↴Tomoyasu Hotei (布袋寅泰 , born February 1, 1962 in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture) is a Japanese musician, guitarist and actor. Hotei rose to prominence in the 1980s as the guitarist for BOØWY, one of Japan's most popular rock bands, before starting a solo career. In 2003, he was ranked number 70 on HMV Japan's list of the 100 most important Japanese pop acts. He ranked second in a 2011 poll on who the Japanese people thought was the best guitarist to represent Japan after Tak Matsumoto.

Hotei is best known internationally for his song "Battle Without Honor or Humanity" , which has been used in numerous films, commercials, and video games, most notably Quentin Tarantino's feature film Kill Bill.

Born to a Korean father and a Japanese/Russian mother, Hotei first began playing the guitar in junior high school. In high school, his band Blue Film finished runners up in a school contest to Death Penalty, a band led by Kyosuke Himuro. Hotei was expelled shortly before graduation. The reason was that, when warned about his long hair he replied “Jesus had long hair!” Shortly after, he went to Tokyo where one day he received a phone call from Himuro. The two had never really known each other but hit it off and went on to hold auditions for a new band, which in 1981 became the six-member BOØWY. The band became major stars in Japan, in 1985 played the Marquee in London, and in 1986 had their first million seller, Beat Emotion.

When the band broke up in 1988, Hotei established himself as a solo star, as did Himuro. Hotei also made two albums with Koji Kikkawa as Complex, both of which went to number one in the national charts. Hotei frequently records overseas and has collaborated with many foreign musicians, including playing on The Stranglers Hugh Cornwell’s 1993 solo album, on stage with David Bowie at Nippon Budokan in 1996, and at the closing ceremony of the Atlanta 1996 Centennial Olympic Games with Michael Kamen.

He later recorded “Guitar Concerto” with Kamen. He has also worked with Andy Mackay of Roxy Music, guitarist Chris Spedding and Mike Edwards of Jesus Jones. Hotei also sometimes plays in Europe, including a number of major festivals. His regular drummer in recent years, Zachary Alford, has previously played with Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie. Hotei's 1998 album Supersonic Generation, recorded in part with Apollo 440 and Ofra Haza, was released in 14 European countries.

In addition to many bestselling solo albums, Hotei composed and performed the score for Hiroyuki Nakano’s Samurai Fiction, as well as starring in the film. He composed the score to Terry Gilliam’s feature film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas together with Ray Cooper. Hotei's song “Battle Without Honor or Humanity” was used in the Quentin Tarantino’s feature film Kill Bill, the PlayStation 2 version of Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA,and Michael Bay’s feature film Transformers. Hotei recorded a cover of John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” for Merry Axemas, an instrumental guitar Christmas album featuring tracks from guitarists including Jeff Beck, Joe Perry, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai and Steve Morse.

The Nintendo DS game Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan features his song "Thrill". The game's sequel, Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii, features another Hotei song, "Bambina". (Both songs are cover versions.) Hotei is featured in “Grace” on the Apocalyptica album Worlds Collide. The song is featured in the game NHL 09.

日々是上々
布袋寅泰 Lyrics

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まさかの夜に暴走
さも正直に生きていたら
血を流す鳩に遭遇
見過ごせずに抱けば炎上
IT'S ALRIGHT, BABY IT'S ALRIGHT
よくある話で
IT'S ALRIGHT, BABY IT'S ALRIGHT
日々是上々

出口は昨日だった
泣きっ面にハチがとまる
腑抜けの愛が誕生
それにしても妄想は止まず
Oh この世に神など無いとしても
IT'S ALRIGHT, BABY IT'S ALRIGHT
よくある話で
IT'S ALRIGHT, BABY IT'S ALRIGHT
日々是上々

悪夢だらけの王道
狂い咲きの黄色い太陽
17本続く煙突
火曜日、進化遂げる予言
IT'S ALRIGHT, BABY IT'S ALRIGHT
よくある話で
IT'S ALRIGHT, BABY IT'S ALRIGHT
日々是上々
まさかの朝に失踪
部屋中、つまり空虚の連鎖
飛べない鳥なのに飛んだ
残されたのはこんな敗北
Oh この世に奈落が在るとしても
IT'S ALRIGHT, BABY IT'S ALRIGHT
よくある話で

IT'S ALRIGHT, BABY IT'S ALRIGHT
日々是上々

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are from the song "Hibi Kore Joujou" by Tomoyasu Hotei. The title can be translated as "Every Day is Great" or "Everyday is Alright". The song is a reflection on life and its ups and downs, with a somewhat contradictory and ironic tone throughout.

The first verse talks about a night of recklessness and encountering a bleeding pigeon that cannot be ignored. This can be seen as a metaphor for unexpected events or challenges that we come across in life. The chorus reassures that it's alright, even though these situations may be common. The phrase "日々是上々" (hibi kore joujou) translates to "every day is great" or "everyday is alright", reinforcing the idea that despite the chaos and challenges, life goes on and it's alright.

The second verse describes a nightmare-filled path and a yellow sun that blooms strangely. The mention of 17 chimneys and Tuesday evolving into a prophecy adds to the surreal imagery. The second chorus repeats the message that it's alright, even though these situations may be common. The lyrics end with the singer disappearing in the morning and being left with feelings of emptiness. Despite not being able to fly, they managed to do so, leaving behind a sense of defeat. The final line questions the existence of hell in this world, but still affirms that it's alright.

日々是上々布袋寅泰 Lyrics

日々是上々
布袋寅泰 Lyrics