Mr.Children or Misuchiru as they are known to their fans is a famous Japane… Read Full Bio ↴Mr.Children or Misuchiru as they are known to their fans is a famous Japanese pop/rock group formed in 1989 by Kazutoshi Sakurai, Kenichi Tahara, Keisuke Nakagawa, and Hideya Suzuki.

Mr.Children is one of the most popular bands in Japan. They made their major debut in 1992 with the release of their first album, "EVERYTHING", but it wasn't until one of their singles was used as a drama theme song, like their fourth single "Cross Road", that they started getting noticed. They got their big break in 1994 with the release of their fifth single, "innocent world", which made record sales and earned the Japan Record Award in 1994. Their fourth album, "Atomic Heart", which was released in the same year, is still their top selling album to date. Since then, all their singles have been number one hits in the Oricon charts like "Tomorrow never knows" and "Namonaki-uta", and many of them became million sellers, and they've produced other noteworthy albums.

In 1997, they took a long vacation, and came back to the Japanese music scene the next year with the single "Owari-naki-tabi."

Their sound is essentially a blend of light pop and classic rock. But due to the band's inclination to experiment with various music styles, their sound is constantly evolving. They have delved into various types of rock as well as jazz, blues, folk, country, and dance. Despite this constant change, however, their music has progressed successfully, proving them to be a versatile band that can last.

The main force behind the band is their singer and songwriter, Kazutoshi Sakurai, who composes almost all of their songs. The rest of the band include Kenichi Tahara on guitar, Keisuke Nakagawa on bass, and Hideya Suzuki (Jen) on drums and backing vocals. They also have supporting musicians on keyboards, guitar, brass instruments (trumpet and saxophone), and computer programming for their tours because they usually embellish their recordings.

It must be noted that a good part of what makes Mr.Children's songs unique is Sakurai's remarkable vocal ability. His vocal range is higher than the typical male range, and he sings with a noticeable Western style. Also, it is because he is influenced by the great classic rock artists of the '60s and '70s (in particular, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones) that the band's music usually has a classic rock feel. But being the vocalist of the band doesn't prevent him from sometimes sharing guitar solos with Tahara, or playing them by himself. He also plays the piano and harmonica proficiently.

Tahara and Nakagawa are the quietest members of the group, often choosing to remain in the background when the band appears on TV shows. Jen seems to be the most extroverted member who takes his top off onstage at any opportunity. He also always matches Sakurai's sense of humor. They are all very talented musicians who make vital contributions to the band.

On December 31, 2004, their song "Sign," was again awarded the Japan Record Award, ten years after the first.

Mr. Children has a long-time association with the Toys Factory record label.

いつの日にか二人で
Mr.Children Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

今月になって何度目だろう
眠れずにいる夜は
あのひとの声聞きたいのに
話す事はない

本当の気持ちが恥ずかしくて
騒いで気を引くだけ
もう一人の僕が言う

"こんなはずじゃないだろう"

あのひとから見れば僕は
年下の dearest friend
誰かの言うダメな訳も
うなずけるけれど

気が付けばいつもどんな時も
あのひとで溢れてる
心の中はまた曇り空
いつの日にか二人で

あのひとからすれば僕は
年下の dearest friend
一度だけの甘い kiss も
忘れたふりして

映画の中の恋のように
抱きしめ眠る夜を
もう少しだけ夢に見ていよう

いつの日にか二人で
いつの日にか二人で

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mr.Children's song "いつの日にか二人で" (Itsunohi ni ka Futari de) express a sense of longing and regret in a relationship. The singer seems to be experiencing sleepless nights, wanting to hear the voice of someone important to them, but realizing that there is nothing to talk about anymore. They feel ashamed of their true feelings and instead try to draw attention by making noise. The other voice within them questions if things were not meant to be this way.

From the perspective of the person they long for, the singer is seen as a younger "dearest friend." They understand the reasons why someone might see them as unworthy. But regardless of the circumstances, the person they long for fills their heart no matter the time or situation, creating a cloudy atmosphere in their thoughts. The lyrics express the hope of eventually being together again someday.

Overall, the song reflects feelings of desiring connection and companionship but being hindered by shame and regrets. It explores the complexity of relationships and the longing for a second chance.

Line by Line Meaning

今月になって何度目だろう
I wonder how many times this month has passed by without being able to sleep

眠れずにいる夜は
The nights I spend awake

あのひとの声聞きたいのに
Though I want to hear that person's voice

話す事はない
There's nothing to talk about

本当の気持ちが恥ずかしくて
Feeling ashamed of my true feelings

騒いで気を引くだけ
I just make a fuss and seek attention

もう一人の僕が言う
The other side of me says

"こんなはずじゃないだろう"
"It shouldn't be like this, right?"

あのひとから見れば僕は
From that person's perspective, I am

年下の dearest friend
Their younger dearest friend

誰かの言うダメな訳も
Even the reasons others give for thinking it's not good