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.
Yawarakai Kaze
Mr.Children Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
元気で過ごしてるかな? そんなことを思うんだ
君の自転車の後をジョギングして
かけてく遊歩道 それで嬉しかった
何気なく笑い合えたな 会話なんてなくたって
忙しく過ごしてるかな? 風邪なんかひいていないかな?
君が抱いてた悲しみ 寂しさ もどかしさ
何にもしてやれなかったなぁ それが悔しかった
もっと大きな器で もっと優しくて
そういう僕なら君を救えたろうな
世知辛い時代だと アナウンスされてるけど
君と過ごした時間があるから 僕は恵まれてるって言える
始まりも終わりも どこかあやふやで
頭の切り替えが 上手くいかないまんま
何気なく笑い合えたな 今もそうならいいな
忙しく過ごしてるかな? 誰かと出会っているかな?
やわらかい風が吹いたら また目を瞑って
元気で過ごしてるかな? そんなことを思うんだ
やわらかい風が吹いたら やわらかい風が吹いたら
The song "Yawarakai Kaze" by Mr.Children expresses a sense of nostalgia and longing for someone who may no longer be a part of the singer's life. The lyrics begin with the line "When a gentle wind blows, I suddenly close my eyes," indicating a moment of reflection and introspection. The singer wonders if the person they are thinking of is doing well and living happily. The next verse describes a past memory of jogging behind the person's bicycle, feeling happy in their presence. The lyrics emphasize the simplicity and ease of their connection, even without much conversation.
The song also touches upon the regrets the singer feels for not being able to alleviate the sadness, loneliness, and frustration the person once harbored. They express a desire to have been someone with a larger capacity for kindness, believing that they could have saved the person from their struggles. This regret hints at a sense of helplessness and a deep longing to have made a positive impact on the person's life.
Line by Line Meaning
やわらかい風が吹いたら ふと目を瞑って
When a gentle breeze blows, I instinctively close my eyes
元気で過ごしてるかな? そんなことを思うんだ
I wonder if you are doing well? That's what I think about
君の自転車の後をジョギングして
I jog behind your bicycle
かけてく遊歩道 それで嬉しかった
Running along the promenade, and it made me happy
何気なく笑い合えたな 会話なんてなくたって
We casually laughed together, even without a conversation
忙しく過ごしてるかな? 風邪なんかひいていないかな?
I wonder if you are busy? I wonder if you caught a cold?
君が抱いてた悲しみ 寂しさ もどかしさ
The sadness, loneliness, and frustration that you held inside
何にもしてやれなかったなぁ それが悔しかった
I couldn't do anything to help, and that's what I regret
もっと大きな器で もっと優しくて
If I had a bigger heart, if I were kinder
そういう僕なら君を救えたろうな
I could have saved you, if I were like that
世知辛い時代だと アナウンスされてるけど
It's said that this is a harsh era
君と過ごした時間があるから 僕は恵まれてるって言える
Because I had time with you, I can say that I am blessed
始まりも終わりも どこかあやふやで
The beginnings and endings are somewhat vague
頭の切り替えが 上手くいかないまんま
I struggle to switch my mindset
何気なく笑い合えたな 今もそうならいいな
I hope we can still casually laugh together like before
忙しく過ごしてるかな? 誰かと出会っているかな?
I wonder if you are living a busy life? I wonder if you have met someone?
やわらかい風が吹いたら また目を瞑って
When a gentle breeze blows, I will again close my eyes
元気で過ごしてるかな? そんなことを思うんだ
I wonder if you are doing well? That's what I think about
やわらかい風が吹いたら やわらかい風が吹いたら
When a gentle breeze blows, when a gentle breeze blows
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kazutoshi Sakurai
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind