Pizzicato Five (often nicknamed "P5") is a legendary Japanese group that fo… Read Full Bio ↴Pizzicato Five (often nicknamed "P5") is a legendary Japanese group that formed in 1984. Arguably the first group to popularize shibuya-kei from underground circles, they also later on began experimenting with the style, with what some called an innovative genre all their own, blending traditional Japanese pop, alternative, soul, funk, jazz, ye-ye, acoustic folk, and early electronic music, among others. They are also perhaps best known to audiences in the west in their later incarnation as a duo of Nomiya Maki (野宮真貴) and Konishi Yasuharu (小西康陽).

They are widely credited to have spearheaded the "Shibuya-kei" movement of Tokyo in the 90s, along with Flipper's Guitar.

They are known for their eclectic and energetic compositions, which often sound like "new" releases from the late 1960s hipster scene. Their catchphrase--"A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular"--captured the group's ironic stance but eager attitude. The group broke up in March 2001.

A hugely prolific group, Pizzicato Five would release at least an album-per-year along with various EPs and remix albums during their 16 year-career.

Both Nomiya Maki (野宮真貴) and Konishi Yasuharu(小西康陽) currently enjoy solo careers - with Konishi Yasuharu(小西康陽) producing other artists ranging from Puffy and SMAP to Cornelius and kahimi karie(カヒミ・カリィ) - alongside collaborative remix compilations - from Ella Fitzgerald and The Supremes to classic Disney and Thunderbirds (as in Super-Marionated) music on his Shibuya-based Readymade Records label.

On Thursday March 31st, 2011, exactly 10 years after Pizzicato Five disbanded, Konishi Yasuharu announced a new solo project called Pizzicato One. The first release, titled One and Ten Very Sad Songs, consists of covers of English songs, each featuring vocals by various internationally-known artists from around the world.

現代人
Pizzicato Five Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

現代人は自動車免許を持ってます
現代人はクルマに乗るのが
当たり前です
どこへ行くにも
デートするのも
通勤通学
ちょいとそこまで
昔の人ならいざ知らず

現代人なら当然ですよね
現代人はクルマに乗るのが
大好きです
歩くのなんて現代人とは言えません
現代人は携帯電話を持ってます
現代人はケイタイ持つのが
当たり前です
どこへ行くにも
メールするのも
仕事の話も
内緒の話も
国民番号制度には
やっぱり大反対ですけれど
あなたの携帯電話の番号
よければ教えて下さいとりあえず
現代人は携帯電話か大好きです
ケイタイ持たなきゃ
いまどき恋もできません

昔の人ならいざ知らず
現代人なら当然ですよね
現代人はパソコンなんかも
持ってます
現代人はパソコン使えて
当たり前です
仕事をするのも
インターネットも
IT革命
大歓迎です
昔の人ならいざ知らず
現代人なら当然ですよね
現代人はそういうのが大好きです

こういう時代に生まれた
あなたは幸福です

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are from the song "現代人" (Gendaijin) by Pizzicato Five, a Japanese pop band. The song reflects on the lifestyle and mindset of modern society. The opening line states that modern people have a driver's license, implying that owning a car is considered a regular part of life for them. Whether it's going anywhere, going on dates, commuting to work or school, or even just going a short distance, it is seen as natural for modern people to rely on cars. The lyrics contrast this with the past, suggesting that it was not the case for people in earlier times.

The song goes on to highlight other aspects of modern life, such as owning a mobile phone being commonplace. It mentions how modern people use their mobile phones for various purposes, from messaging to work-related discussions and even private conversations. The lyrics also touch upon the controversial topic of national identification systems, expressing opposition towards them. However, the singer asks for the listener's phone number, indicating a desire to connect and communicate with others.

The lyrics further emphasize that modern people also own and use computers, specifically praising the advent of the internet and the IT revolution. The song concludes by suggesting that being born in this era brings happiness, implying that being part of modern society offers opportunities and conveniences that were not available to previous generations.

Line by Line Meaning

現代人は自動車免許を持ってます
Modern people have driver's licenses

現代人はクルマに乗るのが当たり前です
It is common for modern people to drive cars

どこへ行くにもデートするのも通勤通学ちょいとそこまで
Whether going somewhere, going on a date, commuting, or just going around the corner

昔の人ならいざ知らず現代人なら当然ですよね
Maybe not for people from the past, but it is natural for modern people

現代人はクルマに乗るのが大好きです
Modern people love to ride cars

歩くのなんて現代人とは言えません
Walking is not what we consider modern people to do

現代人は携帯電話を持ってます
Modern people have mobile phones

現代人はケイタイ持つのが当たり前です
It is normal for modern people to have mobile phones

どこへ行くにもメールするのも仕事の話も内緒の話も
Whether going anywhere, sending emails, talking about work, or having secret conversations

国民番号制度にはやっぱり大反対ですけれど
I am definitely against the national ID system, though

あなたの携帯電話の番号よければ教えて下さいとりあえず
If you don't mind, please give me your mobile phone number, for now