Kemuri is a Japanese ska-punk band formed in 1995. They have an upbeat soun… Read Full Bio ↴Kemuri is a Japanese ska-punk band formed in 1995. They have an upbeat sound with positive lyrics which they refer to as PMA (positive mental attitude). While the majority of the songs are in English, they do also sing in Japanese.

On December 12th, 2006, Kemuri posted a "break up message" on their web site. They said they had done much more than they expected as a band and that this break up would be the most positive conclusion to their band (keeping in line with their PMA message). Their last show was on December 9th, 2007 at the Zepp in Tokyo. In 2012, the band made their reunion tour in Tokyo and in the U.S. In 2013, they released their brand new album "All for This!" June 5th in Japan.

Band members:

* Fumio Ito (伊藤ふみお), vocals
* Noriaki Tsuda (津田紀昭), bass
* Hidenori Minami (南英紀), guitar
* Shoji Hiraya (平谷庄至), drums
* Ken Kobayashi (コバヤシケン), saxophone
* Ryosuke Morimura (森村亮介), former trumpet player who passed away in 2003.

Kanasimiyo
Kemuri Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Mishiranu tochi, Mishiranu hito
Kitai to fuan wo Kokoro ni idaku
Deai no ureshisa Kokoro hazumi
Wakare no Sabishisa, Hoshi utau

Kanashimi yo! Itoshii setsunasa yo!
Kanashimi yo! Wakare no kibishisa yo!
Kanashimi yo! Egao de iu sayonara yo!

Kanashimi yo!
Arata na deai no yokorobi o
Matarasu tame no Kanashimi nanoka?

Aiwo! Motarashite kureta!
Aiwo! Wakarasete kureta!
Aiwo! Furesasete kureta!
Aiwo! Kanashimi ni Aiwo!

Dokomade tsuzuku Nagai michi
Dokomade tsuzuku Hoshi no kawa
Mirumono subete ni Mune utare
Fureru mono subete Atatakaku

Kanashimi yo! Itoshii setsunasa yo!
Kanashimi yo! Wakare no kibishisa yo!
Kanashimi yo! Egao de iu sayonara yo!
Kanashimi yo!
Arata na deai no yokorobi o
Matarasu tame no Kanashimi nanoka?

Aiwo! Motarashite kureta!
Aiwo! Wakarasete kureta!
Aiwo! Furesasete kureta!
Aiwo! Kanashimi ni Aiwo!

Aiwo! Manatsu no Aiwo!
Aiwo! Konayuki no Aiwo!
Aiwo! Hogaraka na Aiwo!
Aiwo! Ataete kureta!

Kanashimi ni Aiwo!
Kanashimi ni Aiwo!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Kemuri's song Kanasimiyo speak of the emotions that come with meeting and parting ways with people throughout life's journey. The first few lines describe the feeling of holding onto the anticipation and anxiety that arise when encountering something or someone unknown in an unfamiliar place. The joy of meeting new people is juxtaposed with the sadness of having to say goodbye to them eventually.

The chorus of the song brings forth the title "Kanashimiyo" which translates to "Oh sadness," followed by "Itoshii setsunasa yo" meaning "Beloved pain," revealing the complex emotions that come with feelings of loss and separation. The lyrics also ask the question of whether the pain of sadness is necessary to appreciate the joy of new beginnings, hinting at the idea of yin and yang, and the need for balance.

The second half of the song talks about the long journey of life, where one encounters many people and experiences both the joy and sorrow that come with them. The lyrics show that even though everything is fleeting, the memories and feelings will always stay warm in one's heart. The final lines of the song depict the array of love received and shared with others, as well as the love shared with sadness.

Line by Line Meaning

Mishiranu tochi, Mishiranu hito
Unknown land, unknown people

Kitai to fuan wo Kokoro ni idaku
Holding anticipation and anxiety in my heart

Deai no ureshisa Kokoro hazumi
The excitement of encountering someone causing my heart to beat faster

Wakare no Sabishisa, Hoshi utau
The loneliness of parting, singing to the stars

Kanashimi yo! Itoshii setsunasa yo!
Sadness! Lovely pain!

Kanashimi yo! Wakare no kibishisa yo!
Sadness! The cruelty of parting!

Kanashimi yo! Egao de iu sayonara yo!
Sadness! A smile and goodbye!

Kanashimi yo!
Sadness!

Arata na deai no yokorobi o
The joy of a new encounter

Matarasu tame no Kanashimi nanoka?
Is sadness necessary to be appreciative of happiness?

Aiwo! Motarashite kureta!
Love! You gave it to me!