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.

Dream Again
布袋寅泰 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

僕たちは星なき荒野を
当てなく歩き続けた
夢だけが道連れなら
孤独ではなかった
それは永遠の季節だと
誰も疑わなかった
全ての夢は必ず叶うと信じた
時は流れて今でも胸の炎絶やさずに

あの日の憧れを追いかけているかい
もう一度夢を見よう
この世を生きた証に
それでも信じよう
燃え尽きるまで DREAM AGAIN

海原に出て僕等は皆
はじめて人生を知る
吹きつける風の中で見失った日々
ただひとつの胸の誓いを
何故手放したのだろう
書きかけのまま破り捨てた
最後のページ
時は過ぎ去りいつしか
置き去りにした思いが
まだ今も何処かで君を呼んでる
もう一度夢を見よう
命の旅路は続く
それでも信じよう
諦めないで DREAM AGAIN
限りある命ならば限りのない夢を
帰らぬ昨日ならまだ見ぬ明日を

信じる事しか出来なくても
それでいい
あなたの夜明けを
最後まで追いかけよう
もう一度夢を見よう
この世を生きた証に
それでも信じよう
燃え尽きるまで DREAM AGAIN

もう一度夢を見よう
あなたらしくあるために

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of 布袋寅泰's song "Dream Again" reflect on a journey through a barren wasteland where dreams were the only companions. The imagery of walking aimlessly in a starless wilderness conveys a sense of isolation and uncertainty. However, the singer finds solace in the belief that dreams can provide direction and purpose, even in solitude. The eternal season mentioned symbolizes a constant hope and faith in the fulfillment of dreams, portraying an unwavering determination to pursue them.

As time passes, the flame of aspiration in the heart remains unextinguished, driving the singer to continue chasing the dreams and aspirations of the past. The nostalgia and longing for the aspirations and ambitions of yesteryears are palpable in the lyrics, urging the listener to revisit the dreams they once held dear. The message to "Dream Again" resonates as a call to embrace the visions that motivate and inspire, serving as a testament to one's existence and the endurance of the human spirit in the face of challenges.

The narrative shifts to an introspective reflection on venturing out into the open sea where life's lessons are learned. Amidst the winds of change and uncertainty, the singer laments the abandonment of a heartfelt pledge or promise, questioning why it was relinquished or left unfinished. The discarded pages symbolize missed opportunities or unresolved emotions that continue to linger and beckon attention, echoing the sentiment of the past calling out to the present.

The lyrics emphasize the importance of belief and perseverance in the face of adversity, urging the listener to hold onto their dreams and convictions without succumbing to resignation. The notion of embracing both the finite nature of life and the boundless expanse of dreams underscores a poignant contrast between the temporal and the timeless. Ultimately, the song encourages individuals to continue pursuing their aspirations, even if all they can do is believe. The resolve to "Dream Again" serves as a reminder to remain true to oneself and to strive towards realizing one's unique essence and potential.

Line by Line Meaning

僕たちは星なき荒野を
We walked through a starless wasteland

当てなく歩き続けた
Continuing to walk aimlessly

夢だけが道連れなら
If dreams were our only companions

孤独ではなかった
Then we were not alone

それは永遠の季節だと
We believed it was an eternal season

誰も疑わなかった
No one doubted

全ての夢は必ず叶うと信じた
We believed all dreams would come true

時は流れて今でも胸の炎絶やさずに
Time has passed, but the flame in our hearts still burns

あの日の憧れを追いかけているかい
Are you still chasing the longings of that day?

もう一度夢を見よう
Let's dream again

この世を生きた証に
As proof of having lived in this world