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.

road movie
Mr.Children Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

いびつなうねりを上げながらオートバイが走る
寝ぼけた君を乗せてほんの少しだけ急いで
月明かりが誘う場所へ

嘆きもぼやきもため息も風に飛んでいくよ
そして幸福なあの歌を高らかに歌いながら
500Rのゆるいカーブへ

今も僕らに付きまとう幾つかの問題
時の流れに少し身を委ねてみよう
この路の上の何処かにあるはずのゴールライン
そんなビジョンを道連れにして

カーラジオも無くそしてバックもしないオートバイが走る
ただ君の温もりをその優しい体温を
この背中に抱きしめながら

泣きながら君が見てた夢は何を暗示してるの?
カラスが飛び交う空にモノクロの輝く虹
誰も笑っていやしない動物園

汗ばむ季節君がふと見せてくれた情熱
ファミレスの裏の野良犬が見てたキス
スカートの裾を濡らしはしゃいでたあのビーチハウス
そんなシーンを道連れにして

街灯が2秒後の未来を照らしオートバイが走る
等間隔で置かれた闇を越える快楽に

また少しスピードを上げて
もう1つ次の未来へ

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Mr.Children's song "road movie" depict a journey on a motorcycle, with the singer carrying a drowsy companion as they hurry towards a place illuminated by moonlight. The uneven waves of emotions and frustrations are left behind as they soar through the wind, singing a happy song together. The 500R motorcycle takes them to a gentle curve, as they navigate through some of life's problems.

The song reflects on the couple's current challenges, suggesting that they let go and surrender to the passage of time. They are accompanied by a vision of a finish line that should be somewhere along this road. The motorcycle continues to ride, without a car radio or any reverse gear. The warmth of the person seated behind the singer brings comfort, as they embrace their gentle body temperature.

The lyrics mention a dream that the crying companion was watching, hinting at its hidden meaning. The sky filled with crows and a monochrome shining rainbow create a scene where no one in the zoo is laughing. In the sweaty season, the passion that the singer glimpsed from their companion is shown. A stray dog behind a family restaurant witnessed their kiss, and memories of an exuberant beach house where the hem of a skirt got wet are also shared along the journey.

The street lights illuminate the future two seconds ahead, as the motorcycle continues to race. They accelerate, surpassing the intervals of darkness and indulging in the pleasure beyond. They are ready to speed towards the next future.

Line by Line Meaning

いびつなうねりを上げながらオートバイが走る
The motorcycle runs, accelerating on the uneven waves.

寝ぼけた君を乗せてほんの少しだけ急いで
Carrying you, half asleep, we hurry for just a little bit.

月明かりが誘う場所へ
To the place where the moonlight invites us.

嘆きもぼやきもため息も風に飛んでいくよ
Our complaints and sighs, all fly away with the wind.

そして幸福なあの歌を高らかに歌いながら
While singing that happy song out loud.

500Rのゆるいカーブへ
Towards the gentle curve of the 500R.

今も僕らに付きまとう幾つかの問題
Still, several problems haunt us.

時の流れに少し身を委ねてみよう
Let's surrender ourselves a little to the flow of time.

この路の上の何処かにあるはずのゴールライン
The goal line that should be somewhere on this road.

そんなビジョンを道連れにして
Let's bring that vision along with us.

カーラジオも無くそしてバックもしないオートバイが走る
The motorcycle runs without a car radio or a rearview mirror.