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.
Arashigaoka
布袋寅泰 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
旅人と呼ばれていた
そして辿り着いた この崖の上
どこにも 道はない
風が吼えている
禽獣(けだもの)のように
幸せという名の スープにはなぜ
涙が 混ざってたのか?
すさんだ 荒野へと
風が吼えている 絶望のように
信じたものは すでに
この世に無いんだと 告げる
嵐が丘が 行方阻んでも
怖れはしないだろう
夜が明ければ 光が射すこと
今でも信じてるから
さらば愛しき日々よ
心燃やした恋よ
語り明かした友よ
想い出に背を向けて
果てなき明日を行こう
胸の彼方に浮かぶ
輝く虹を目指し woo woo
風が吼えている
禽獣(けだもの)のように
愛が擦れた 傷に
血を滲ませ爪を 立てる
嵐が丘は 残る人生の
理由をただす場所
ゴールにするのか?挑み続けるか?
答えるまでもないさ
さらば愛しき日々よ
心燃やした恋よ
語り明かした友よ
想い出に背を向けて
果てなき明日を行こう
胸の彼方に浮かぶ
輝く虹を目指し もう一度旅立とう
さらば愛しき日々よ
心燃やした恋よ
語り明かした友よ
想い出に背を向けて
Lalala Lalalala Lalala...
Lalala Lalalala Lalala...
Lalala Lalalala Lalala...
Lalala Lalalala Lalala...
The lyrics of 布袋寅泰's song Arashigaoka paint a vivid picture of a journey filled with exploration, struggle, and ultimately finding oneself in a desolate place. The singer is described as a wanderer in search of dreams, referred to as a traveler whose path leads to a cliff with no visible way forward. The imagery of the wind howling like a wild beast and tears mixing into the soup of happiness evoke feelings of desolation and questioning the nature of joy.
The chorus reflects on the fading memories and the feeling of hopelessness as the wind continues to howl in despair. The singer is confronted with the realization that what they once believed in may no longer exist in this world. Despite the obstacles presented by the stormy hilltop, there is a determination not to succumb to fear, holding onto the belief that when morning comes, light will shine once more. The farewell to the beloved days, burning heart of love, and shared memories hint at a bittersweet departure from the past.
The second verse delves deeper into the theme of struggle and resilience, likening the singer to a fierce beast with love worn like a scar that bleeds. The stormy hill stands as a symbolic place where the reasons for enduring through the struggles of life reside, questioning whether it is the destination or the continuous journey that matters. The resolve to keep pushing forward rather than seeking immediate answers reflects a sense of courage and defiance in the face of adversity.
The repetition of the farewell to cherished days, passionate love, and heartfelt friendships encapsulates the theme of moving forward while leaving nostalgia behind. The call to aim for the shining rainbow beyond the horizon symbolizes hope and new beginnings. The journey is portrayed as a continuous cycle of departure and rediscovery, emphasizing the importance of embracing the unknown future while treasuring the memories that shaped the past. The uplifting Lalala refrain at the end echoes a sense of perseverance and optimism, inviting the listener to join in the quest for a brighter tomorrow.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: YUKINOJO MORI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind