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.

September Song
Pizzicato Five Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(mihoko hashizume/akira kamonomiya)
Translators: andrei cunha, curtis cifuentes

Hito no nami wo surinuke
Futari damatte aruku
Kugatsu no machi
Hiru sagari wa

Mada mabushisugite

Motto yukkuri aruite
Kata wo daite hoshii no
Demo anata wa
Hitome ki ni shite
Yorisoi mo shinai

*mitsumerarete itai
Anata ni wa
Hito-natsu no kirameki
Watashi-tachi
Kaeta hazu
Amai kaze wo
Omoidasasete yo*

Motto yukkuri aruite
Kata wo daite hoshii no
Demo anata wa
Hitome ki ni shite
Yorisoi mo shinai

Repeat **

--------------------------------------
Trying to find a way in the crowd
We walk in silence
In this town in September
The early afternoon sun
Still too bright

I want you to walk slower
And put your arm around my shoulder
But you mind
What other people will think
And won't draw closer

*i want you
To look at me
That glittering summer
Was supposed to
Have changed us
I want you to remind me of
That sweet breeze*

I want you to walk slower
And put your arm around my shoulder
But you won't
You mind other people too much
And won't draw closer

Repeat **

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Pizzicato Five's "September Song" describe two people walking together in a crowded town in September. The singer wants the other person to slow down and walk with their arm around them, but the other person is hesitant to do so because they are worried about what other people will think. The singer pleads for the other person to look at them and be reminded of a past summer that was supposed to have changed them.

The song's lyrics are quite simple, but they are expertly crafted to convey a sense of yearning and nostalgia. The singer is clearly looking back on a past relationship and wishing they could recapture some of the magic they shared. The use of the word "glittering" to describe the summer suggests that it was a time of happiness and joy, and the singer wants to be reminded of that feeling. The repetition of the chorus underscores the singer's longing for connection and highlights the tension between the two characters.

Overall, "September Song" is a poignant meditation on the passage of time and the difficulties of maintaining meaningful connections with others. It suggests that even when we find ourselves surrounded by people, we can still feel isolated and alone.

Line by Line Meaning

Hito no nami wo surinuke
Trying to find a way in the crowd

Futari damatte aruku
We walk in silence

Kugatsu no machi
In this town in September

Hiru sagari wa
The early afternoon sun

Mada mabushisugite
Still too bright

Motto yukkuri aruite
I want you to walk slower

Kata wo daite hoshii no
And put your arm around my shoulder

Demo anata wa
But you mind

Hitome ki ni shite
What other people will think

Yorisoi mo shinai
And won't draw closer

mitsumerarete itai
I want you to look at me