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.

Lovers Rock
Pizzicato Five Lyrics

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(konishi/takanami)
Translators: ed valdez, ted mills

Dare ka ga
Uwasa shite iru
Mabushii natsu no
Koi no yukue

Natsu no asa futari
Yawarakai ame o abide
Sukitooru midori iro

Tenshi mo
Kuchizukeru yoo na
Mabushii natsu no
Koi no yukue

Ai no kotoba o
Sasayaite mo
Koibitotachi wa
Itsumo kikoenai furi
Hohoemu dake

Tenshi mo
Urayamu yoo na
Mabushii
Monogatari no tsuzuki

Natsu no gogo futari
Kusa no ue madoronde iru
Tokedasu midori iro

Soshite kisetsu wa
Kawaru keredo
Koibitotachi wa
Nani mo kizukanai furi
Hohoemu dake

--------------------------------
Someone
Is gossiping
A dazzling summer
Love's destination

Together on a summer morning
Basking in the gentle rain
Clear green

The angels too
Seem to kiss
A dazzling summer
Love's destination

Even though words of love
Are whispered
Lovers
Always pretend not to hear
Just smile

The angels too
Seem jealous
Dazzling
The story continues

Together on a summer afternoon
Sleeping on the grass
The green melts away

And the season
Changes but
Lovers

Pretend not to notice anything
And just smile

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pizzicato Five's "Lover's Rock" depict the secrecy and subtlety of love during the summer season. The first verse suggests that someone is spreading rumors about a couple’s summer love affair, and the second verse portrays the couple's gentle morning together, amid cooling rain and serene greenery. The angels too, it seems, are touched by the couple's tender intimacy. Despite the words of love exchanged between the couple, they resemble the angels in one regard as they choose to act deaf to them, seemingly pretending not to hear.

The third verse echoes the first, as the season changes in the afternoon, and the green of summer melts away. Despite the change, the lovers still carry on their beautiful affair, oblivious to the world around them, pretending that they don't notice anything and just smile. The chorus repeats the notion of a dazzling summer love, where the light of the sun illuminates everything, including their love. The lyrics of "Lover's Rock" evoke the fleeting nature of summer love, revealing the idea that as seasons change, the love too may come to an end.

Line by Line Meaning

Someone
An anonymous person

Is gossiping
Spreading rumors or information about others

A dazzling summer
A bright and lively summer

Love's destination
The goal or purpose of romantic love

Together on a summer morning
With one another in the morning during the summer

Basking in the gentle rain
Enjoying the soft, light rain

Clear green
Vivid, transparent green

The angels too
Even heavenly beings

Seem to kiss
Appear to share a loving embrace

Even though words of love
Despite verbal expressions of romantic feelings

Are whispered
Are spoken in a low voice