RC Succession are perhaps Japan's longest-running active band, although it … Read Full Bio ↴RC Succession are perhaps Japan's longest-running active band, although it has gone through many changes over the years.
The origins of the group's name remain obscure, but according to some it is a mispronunciation of an in-joke among the band members.
The group first started as a Tokyo-based folk trio in 1966 when leader Kiyoshiro Imawano was still in junior high school and playing in a Ventures copy band.
The group is hard to classify, but in early years their sound was mostly R&B fashioned music played acoustically. Imawano, however, has quite a distinctive high warbling voice that is not typical of soul singers, and which frankly some people find annoying.
More than a singer, he is known as a lyricist for his clever and timely lyrics.
RC Succession developed a reputation early on as a strong live band, but did not have a hit record until 1972, and then not again for a long time after that.
In the late 70s the group took on a more electric sound, as well as an odd glam influenced look, with Imawano in particular often appearing in loud clothing and heavy makeup.
The group became part of a hot late 70s scene which included Yellow Magic Orchestra, The Plastics, and Sandii & The Sunsetz, created when these groups began interacting with foreign bands and releasing internationally.
RC Succession did not catch on internationally as much as some of the others, but they did take part in a famous concert in 1982 called "The Day of R&B", which took place at a packed baseball stadium and included as headliners Chuck Berry and Sam Moore of Sam & Dave.
The event was filmed and released as a video. Another thing in 1982 that helped establish them as a major act was a collaboration with Ryucihi Sakamoto called "Ikenai Rouge Magic".
The single's jacket and promotional picture featured Imawano and Sakamoto kissing - quite a shocker at the time.
The song was also used in a popular TV commercial. Among the best-known RC Succession songs are "Ameagari No Yozora Ni" and "Toranjitsu Rajio".
RC Succession have often collaborated with other artists, and Imawano marks among the highlights of his career working with his heroes Booker T. & The MG's.
RC Succession are also unusual in that for a Japanese pop band they are fairly political and outspoken. They are one of the few Japanese bands that regularly play benefits, and Imawano has spoken out against war, nuclear power and in favor of Tibetan freedom.
In 1988 the group recorded an album of cover versions of famous songs re-worked with Japanese lyrics, called Covers.
Among them was a version of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" with anti-nuclear power lyrics. Their record label at the time, however, was Toshiba-EMI, and given that Toshiba had nuclear related business they refused to release the album, which eventually came out on Kitty Records.
Johnny Thunders of the New York Dolls also appeared on this album on a re-make of "Eve of Destruction".
Imawano also stirred up controversy when he formed the side project Timers (slang for marijuana), and did a rock version of the national anthem "Kimigayo".
Imawano seems to have many interests and hobbies. He has written children's books and is widely known as a big bicycling enthusiast.
He has also dabbled in acting, appearing in the movies Otakus in Love in 2004, and in Takashi Miike's film The Great Yokai War in 2005. He has been one of the most frequent performers in the history of the Fuji Rock Festival. Since the festival began in 1997 he has appeared in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005, and is booked for 2006. He famously rides his bike to the festival's mountain setting.

June Bride
RCサクセション Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

降りしきる雨の中
ふたりはお役所へ急ぐ
着飾った花嫁は
びしょぬれのこの雨の中
June Bride June Bride
June Bride 君だったんだね
あんな男ひきうけたのは
まるで気がつかなかったな

あんな奴と結ばれるなんて
やさしい君さ
June Bride June Bride
June Bride
君は June Bride

花嫁はほら雨の中
急いで暖めてやれよ
June Bride June Bride
June Bride 君だったんだね
おめでとう June Bride
おめでとう June Bride
幸せになってね
靴の中までびしょぬれの
June Bride
おめでとうおめでとう
おめでとうおめでとう
おめでとう June Bride
June Bride June Bride
June Bride June Bride
June Bride June Bride
June Bride June Bride

June Bride June Bride
June Bride June Bride

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of RCサクセション's song "June Bride" depict a scene where a bride and someone (presumably the groom) are rushing to the city hall in the pouring rain. Despite the bride's drenched state, the chorus celebrates her as a "June Bride." In the verses, it is revealed that the bride had blindly accepted the proposal of a man without realizing his true nature. The lyrics emphasize the kindness and innocence of the bride, who, despite the rain and unexpected circumstances, remains determined and continues on her path towards marriage.

The repeated refrain of "June Bride June Bride" signifies the significance and uniqueness of the bride's situation. The rain that drenches her symbolizes the unexpected challenges and hardships she faces on her journey. This adversity is juxtaposed with the celebration and congratulations expressed in the chorus. While the outside world may view her situation as unfortunate, the lyrics honor the bride's resilience and hopeful spirit.

The mention of warming her shoes in the rain suggests a gesture of comforting and supporting the bride. This act of empathy and care from the singer is seen as essential, further highlighting the kind-hearted nature of the bride. The repetition of "June Bride" in the latter part of the song serves as a rallying cry - a celebration of the bride's resolute spirit and a testament to her ability to find happiness despite the challenges she faces.

Overall, "June Bride" captures a snapshot of a bride's journey through rain and adversity towards marriage. It emphasizes her determination, resilience, and unwavering hope for a happy future, despite the unexpected circumstances surrounding her union. The lyrics invite listeners to empathize with the bride's struggle and join in the celebration of her courage and strength.

Line by Line Meaning

降りしきる雨の中
Amidst the pouring rain

ふたりはお役所へ急ぐ
The two of us rush to the registry office

着飾った花嫁は
The adorned bride

びしょぬれのこの雨の中
Soaked in this rain

June Bride June Bride
June Bride, June Bride

June Bride 君だったんだね
You were the June Bride

あんな男ひきうけたのは
I didn't even realize I had accepted such a man

まるで気がつかなかったな
I completely failed to notice

あんな奴と結ばれるなんて
To be joined with such a person

やさしい君さ
You, who are kind

June Bride June Bride
June Bride, June Bride