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.

Dreamin'
布袋寅泰 Lyrics

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Still dreamin'
Still dreamin'

夢と孤独がひしめく街で
当たり前なんて言葉は捨てて
踊る heartbeat だけ信じて探し出せ
世界にたった一つのストーリー yeah

Still dreamin'
Still dreamin'

出口のない道に迷っても
終わらない夜はどこにもないさ
目指せロンドン～パリス～ニューヨーク～ベルリン～東京
世界が君が来るのを待ってる

無限の衝動が奇跡たぐり寄せ
見えない心の壁きっと飛び越えられる
君は今も夢を追いかけているかい (still dreamin')
それともあきらめたフリするのかい (still dreamin')

勇気を出して一歩前に踏み出せば (still dreamin')
明日は変えられる (still dreamin')

Still dreamin'
Still dreamin'

迷いなき本能で暗闇を突っ走れ
限界に近づけば光が見えるから

君の夢は今も輝いているかい (still dreamin')
あの日の太陽のように (still dreamin')
あきらめずにその手を伸ばせば (still dreamin')
未来は変えられる (still dreamin')

Still dreamin'
Still dreamin'

Still dreamin'
Still dreamin'

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Dreamin'" by 布袋寅泰 (Hotei Tomoyasu) convey themes of dreams, loneliness, and the pursuit of one's aspirations. The song starts off by describing a city filled with dreams and solitude, calling for the abandonment of the notion of "normal." It encourages listeners to believe in the rhythmic heartbeat and to search for their own unique stories in the world. The chorus repeats the phrase "Still dreamin'," emphasizing the persistence and continuous pursuit of dreams.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea that even when feeling lost in a seemingly endless road, there are no nights that will never end. It urges the listener to aim for cities like London, Paris, and New York, as the world eagerly awaits their arrival. The song suggests that infinite impulses can attract miracles and that the walls within one's unseen heart can be overcome. It poses the question of whether the listener is still chasing their dreams or pretending to have given up. By taking courage and stepping forward, tomorrow can be changed and dreams can be realized.

The lyrics of "Dreamin'" encourage listeners to trust their instincts and dash through the darkness with determination. As one approaches their limits, they will begin to see the light. It asks whether the listener's dreams are still shining like the sun of that day and urges them to reach out without giving up, as the future is changeable.

Dreamin'布袋寅泰 Lyrics

Dreamin'
布袋寅泰 Lyrics