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.

SINCE 1955
布袋寅泰 Lyrics

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暇サエ有レバ ROCK'N'ROLL
メシモ忘レテ ROCK'N'ROLL
ガキノ頃カラ今日ノ今日迄
後指ササレテ ROCK'N'ROLL
不良ノ始マリ ROCK'N'ROLL
誰ノ文句モ聞コエネェ
IT'S ALL RIGHT
SHE'S MINE

SHE'S IN OUR SOUL...
ROCK'N'ROLL!!
踊り倒シテ ROCK'N'ROLL
声ヲ涸ラシテ ROCK'N'ROLL
停マラナイ停メラレナイ
ギター抱エテ ROCK'N'ROLL
似タ者同志デ ROCK'N'ROLL
何処ノドイツガ始メタ事ヤラ
IT'S ALL RIGHT
SHE'S MINE
SHE'S IN OUR BLOOD...
ROCK'N'ROLL!!
BEAT GOES ON AND ON
SINCE 1955 OH YEAH!
PARTY GOES ON AND ON
SINCE 1955 OH YEAH!
IT'S ALL RIGHT
SHE'S MINE
SHE'S IN OUR BLOOD...
ROCK'N'ROLL!!
ROCK'N'ROLL!!

BEAT GOES ON AND ON
SINCE 1955 OH YEAH!
PARTY GOES ON AND ON
SINCE 1955 OH YEAH!
IT'S ALL RIGHT
SHE'S MINE
SHE'S IN OUR BLOOD
IT'S ALL RIGHT
SHE'S MINE
SHE'S IN OUR SOUL...
ROCK'N'ROLL!!

岩モ転ガル ROCK'N'ROLL!!
人モ群ガル ROCK'N'ROLL!!
今宵モ何処カデ ROCK'N'ROLL!!
俺トオ前ガ ROCK'N'ROLL!!
今宵モ何処カデ ROCK'N'ROLL!!
俺トオ前ガ ROCK'N'ROLL!!

今宵モ何処カデ ROCK'N'ROLL!!
世界中デ ROCK'N'ROLL!!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "SINCE 1955" by 布袋寅泰 (Hotei Tomoyasu) celebrate the enduring power and spirit of rock 'n' roll. The song pays homage to the rebellious and carefree nature of the genre, as well as its timeless appeal. It reminisces about a time when the singer, like many others, was a child and discovered rock 'n' roll for the first time. From that moment, rock 'n' roll became ingrained in their soul, an integral part of their identity. The lyrics defiantly proclaim that regardless of the criticisms and judgments from others, rock 'n' roll will always be a part of them, representing their freedom and individuality.

The song highlights the exhilaration and energy that rock 'n' roll brings, from dancing uncontrollably to singing so passionately that one's voice becomes hoarse. The lyrics also reflect on the unity among rock 'n' roll enthusiasts, where they find solace and kinship in their shared love for the music. It conveys a sense of belonging and belongingness, where they don't care about societal expectations or norms. The chorus emphasizes the unrelenting nature of rock 'n' roll, echoing the sentiments that the beat and the party have continued since 1955, and that it's not going to stop anytime soon.

In summary, "SINCE 1955" is a spirited anthem that celebrates the enduring power of rock 'n' roll and its significance in the lives of those who embrace it. It expresses the joys, freedoms, and sense of belonging that come with being part of the rock 'n' roll community.

Line by Line Meaning

暇サエ有レバ ROCK'N'ROLL
When I have free time, I indulge in ROCK'N'ROLL

メシモ忘レテ ROCK'N'ROLL
I forget about everything else when I'm immersed in ROCK'N'ROLL

ガキノ頃カラ今日ノ今日迄
From my childhood till this very day

後指ササレテ ROCK'N'ROLL
I've been criticized and pointed at for my love of ROCK'N'ROLL

不良ノ始マリ ROCK'N'ROLL
I began as a delinquent through ROCK'N'ROLL

誰ノ文句モ聞コエネェ
I don't care about other people's complaints

IT'S ALL RIGHT
It's perfectly fine

SHE'S MINE
I possess her (ROCK'N'ROLL)

SHE'S IN OUR SOUL...
ROCK'N'ROLL is deeply rooted in our soul

ROCK'N'ROLL!!
Let's rock and roll!

踊り倒シテ ROCK'N'ROLL
I dance wildly to ROCK'N'ROLL