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.
Stand Up
布袋寅泰 Lyrics
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じっとしてないで 運命を切り開け
魂が 震え立つような
生き様を見せろ
闇夜にShout 煌めくSword
風を斬り 探し出せFreedom
サムライの 気高きSoul
その腕で 掴み取れFuture
大切なのは 諦めないことさ
魂で 痛みを乗り越え
壁を打ち破れ
闇夜にShout 煌めくSword
風を斬り 探し出せFreedom
サムライの気高きSoul
その腕で 掴み取れFuture
This is the life 誇りがあれば
This is the world
傷だらけでいい
This is the chance
誰にも負けない
This is the dream 強さが欲しい
This is the love 心の奥で
This is the fate 燃え盛る炎
This is the time 解き放て
Time for the war
Stand up 立ち上がれ
本当の敵は 自分の中にいる
魂が 火花を散らして
その胸を焦がす
闇夜にShout 煌めくSword
風を斬り 探し出せFreedom
サムライの気高きSoul
その腕で 掴み取れFuture
This is the life 明日のために
This is the world 今があるのなら
This is the chance
どんな苦しみも
This is the dream 恐れはしない
This is the love 心の奥で
This is the fate 燃え盛る炎
This is the time 信じよう
Time for the war
闇夜にShout 煌めくSword
風を斬り 探し出せFreedom
サムライの気高きSoul
その腕で 掴み取れFuture
闇夜にShout 煌めくSword
風を斬り 探し出せFreedom
サムライの気高きSoul
その腕で 掴み取れFuture
The lyrics of 布袋寅泰's song "Stand Up" carry a powerful message of resilience, determination, and self-discovery. The repeated call to "Stand up 立ち上がれ" serves as an anthem for facing challenges head-on and seizing control of one's destiny. The lyrics urge the listener not to remain stagnant but to carve out their fate with unwavering determination. The imagery of a trembling soul and a shining sword in the darkness suggests a heightened sense of courage and purpose in the face of adversity.
The mention of Samurai ideals like a noble soul and a strong arm symbolizes the archetype of a warrior who bravely confronts obstacles and secures their future through strength and honor. The lyrics emphasize the importance of not giving up and overcoming pain with the resilience of the spirit. The message to break through walls and shout in the darkness with a sparkling sword signifies a readiness to fight for freedom and grasp hold of one's destiny with a relentless spirit of determination.
The subsequent verses delve deeper into the internal struggles and battles that one must face within themselves. The reference to the true enemy residing within oneself highlights the internal conflicts and doubts that can hinder progress and success. The metaphor of igniting sparks in the soul and burning the heart symbolizes the inner passion and drive needed to overcome challenges and push forward towards one's goals.
Ultimately, the song speaks to the themes of pride, strength, love, and courage as essential elements in navigating life's challenges and embracing one's journey with a fearless spirit. The repeated reflection on life, world, chance, dream, love, fate, and time underscores the multifaceted nature of existence and the need to believe in oneself and have faith in the path forward. The lyrics culminate in a call to arms, signaling a readiness for the inner and outer battles that must be fought to claim one's destiny and thrive in the face of adversity.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TOMOYASU HOTEI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind