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.

Introduction
Pizzicato Five Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Translators: andrei cunha
Man from studio: hai sassoku

O-kiraku gokuraku kara ne

Ugo-ugo kun: o-nen-ne
O-nen-ne toka

Lhuga-chan: (laughs)

Man: hai ii?

Lhuga-chan: ochitsuite yo

Man: oi, chanto tatte,
Tatte ita ho ga ii.
(asks someone else:)
Tatta ho ga ii desu ka?

Ugo-ugo kun: hora
Koboshimakutte
Koboshimakutte

Man: daijobu.
Swatta mama
No ho ga ii desu ka?
Hai ja.
O-kiraku gokuraku
Kara ne.

Ugo-ugo and lhuga:
O-kiraku gokuraku!

-----------------------------------------
Man from studio: ok let's do it.
Start from 'o-kiraku gokuraku' (*)

Ugo-ugo kun: hush hush
Little baby...

Lhuga-chan: (laughs)

Man: you're ready?

Lhuga-chan: calm down!

Man: hey you! be a nice boy
And stand up.
(asks someone else:)
Should they be standing up?

Ugo-ugo kun: look out!
You're spilling this
All over the place.

Man: it's ok.
Should they be
Seated?
Ok we're all set.
Start from
'o-kiraku gokuraku'

Ugo-ugo and lhuga:
O-kiraku gokuraku!

Overall Meaning

The song "Introduction" by Pizzicato Five is essentially a playful conversation between three individuals in a recording studio. The lyrics appear to be nonsensical, but are primarily focused on getting ready to start recording the song. The first section includes one of the individuals calling out "wake up paradise" and "nap time," potentially indicating a break or a nap before recording. The following conversations include someone laughing, a request for someone to stand up, and a comment about spilled liquid.

The nonsensical and playful nature of the lyrics may be a reflection of the overall sound and style of Pizzicato Five's music. The band is known for their quirky blend of 1960s-inspired pop, electronic beats, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The conversation-like structure of the song is also reflective of Pizzicato Five's approach to music, as their songs often include spoken word elements and samples from other sources.

Overall, "Introduction" by Pizzicato Five is a lighthearted and carefree opener that sets the tone for the band's playful and eclectic sound.

Line by Line Meaning

O-kiraku gokuraku kara ne
Starting from a state of enjoyable paradise

Ugo-ugo kun: o-nen-ne
Ugo-ugo kun: Sleepy time

O-nen-ne toka
Something like a lullaby

Lhuga-chan: (laughs)
Lhuga-chan: (laughs)

Man: hai ii?
Man from studio: Okay, sound good?

Lhuga-chan: ochitsuite yo
Lhuga-chan: Settle down

Man: oi, chanto tatte,
Man from studio: Hey you, stand up straight

Tatte ita ho ga ii.
It's better to stand up

(asks someone else:)
(asks someone else:)

Tatta ho ga ii desu ka?
Is it really better to stand up?