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.

Hoshi ni Naretara
Mr.Children Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

この街を出て行く事に
決めたのはいつか君と
話した夢の続きが今も
捨て切れないから
何度も耳をふさいでは
ごまかしてばかりいたよ
だけど今度はちょっと違うんだ
昨日の僕とは

こっそり出てゆくよ
だけど負け犬じゃない
もうキャンセルもできない
さようなら会えなくなるけど
さみしくなんかないよ
そのうちきっと大きな声で
笑える日が来るから
動き出した僕の夢高い山越えて
星になれたらいいな

何かにつまずいた時は
空に手をかざしてみよう
この風はきっとどこかで君と
つながってるから
呼んでる声がする
だけど帰りたくない
笑われるのにも慣れた
長く助走をとった方が
より遠くに飛べるって聞いた
そのうちきっと大きな声で
笑える日が来るはず
動き出した僕の夢深い谷越えて
虹になれたらいいな
さようなら会えなくなるけど
さみしくなんかないよ
そのうちきっと大きな声で
笑える日が来るから
動き出した僕の夢高い山越えて

星になれたらいいな
虹になれたらいいな

Overall Meaning

In the song "Hoshi ni Naretara" by Mr.Children, the singer decides to leave the town with someone special, because they cannot let go of the dream they once shared. The singer has been avoiding facing the reality and just pretending, but this time it is different. They are leaving quietly, without giving up, while hoping to become a star above the high mountain, and eventually, they will be able to laugh loudly. Whenever the singer is having a hard time, they raise their hand toward the sky, feeling the connection with the special person who seems to call them back. However, the singer has no desire to return, and they become more resilient. They have learned that the longer the run-up, the farther they can fly. Having taken the first step, they cross the deep valley, hoping to become the rainbow, and eventually a star above the high mountain.

The song depicts a bittersweet farewell, as the singer leaves something behind, but at the same time, they have hope for the future. The song's main theme is about chasing dreams, perseverance, facing the reality, and not giving up. The singer is determined to leave the town, but it is evident that they have an attachment to it, which is a common theme in Mr.Children's songs.

Line by Line Meaning

この街を出て行く事に
I've decided to leave this town someday with you.

決めたのはいつか君と
You were the one I decided to leave this town with.

話した夢の続きが今も
I cannot let go of the dream that we talked about before.

捨て切れないから
That's why I can't just give up on it.

何度も耳をふさいでは
I've been trying to ignore it over and over again.

ごまかしてばかりいたよ
Just trying to run away from it all the time.

だけど今度はちょっと違うんだ
But, this time it's going to be different.

昨日の僕とは
It's not going to be the same old me.

こっそり出てゆくよ
I'm going to sneak off quietly.

だけど負け犬じゃない
But I'm not going to be a loser anymore.

もうキャンセルもできない
I can't cancel this plan anymore.