Before his debut, in November 2007, Shimizu sang in English on amateur night at the Apollo Theater in New York City. He was called a "one in a million soul singer" by a local newspaper in New York. The second time he performed at the Apollo Theater was on November 19, 2008. He sang the song "Sukiyaki" by Kyu Sakamoto in Japanese, where he was given a standing ovation from an audience of 1,500 people. He said he sang it because he wanted to show his Japanese pride and demonstrate the beauty of the Japanese language.
Shimizu's first single, titled "Home", was released on February 20, 2008, and he appeared on Music Station two days after the single's release to promote it. "Home" peaked at ranked at number 5 and sold 27,820 units in its first week. After 17 weeks, it had sold 125,735 copies. His second single, "Aishiteru" (アイシテル, I Love You), was released on June 4, 2008 in Japan. It ranked at number 4 and sold 22,778 units in its first week. After 12 weeks, it had sold 47,114 copies. Shimizu released his third single "My Treasure" on October 22, 2008. It ranked at number 15 and sold 9,540 units in its first week. After 5 weeks, it had sold 15,365 copies.
He also collaborated with Miliyah Kato. Together they released 4 singles and an album, in 2014 they did a tour together.
His most recent album - "White" - was released in 2018.
Studio Albums
[2008.11.26] Umbrella
[2010.03.03] Journey
[2011.03.09] COLORS
[2012.03.21] Naturally
[2014.03.12] ENCORE
[2016.03.30] PROUD
[2017.06.28] FLY
[2018.06.27] WHITE
Split Albums
[2014.04.02] THE BEST (Miliyah x Shimizu Shota)
Cover Albums
[2012.11.28] MELODY
Best Albums
[2015.02.25] ALL SINGLES BEST
Cherish
Shota Shimizu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
自販機のコーヒー
そうさ僕には数えるほどしか
見つけられなかった
だけど僕は変われたよ
君と出会えたおかげで
ただ一緒に歩いているだけで
La la la
鼻歌もやっと
楽しそうに歌えたよ
ほら 新しいメロディ
My home, my place
My love, my life
My family
この街に溢れてる
こんなに沢山の
大切な人たち 守りたい
見慣れた同じ景色も
もっと 見つめてみて
本当は素敵に思えるものを
通り過ぎてるかも
本当か嘘かをいつも
気にするのは嫌だよ
疑いながら生きていくなんて
僕には難しい
La la la
鼻歌のあとに
少しだけ風が吹いた
ほら きっとうまくいく
My home, my place
My love, my life
My family
まだ叶わない夢も
いつか話すから
その時 君は隣にいて
My home, my place
My love, my life
My family
この街に溢れてる
こんなに沢山の
大切な人たち守りたい
My home, my place
My love, my life
My family
まだ叶わない夢も
いつか話すから
その時 君は隣にいて
好きじゃなかった自分のこと
君のおかげで好きになったよ
La la la la la, la la la la la la la
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh ooh
The lyrics of Shota Shimizu's song "Cherish" paint a heartfelt journey of transformation and newfound appreciation for the warmth and love found in everyday moments. The opening lines reflect a sense of simplicity and scarcity, comparing the warmth found in a vending machine coffee to the few things the singer could find solace in. However, the tone shifts as the singer expresses how meeting their significant other has changed them fundamentally, allowing them to find warmth and comfort simply by walking together.
The chorus reinforces this newfound sense of belonging and love, with the repetition of "My home, my place, my love, my life, my family" emphasizing the importance of loved ones in the singer's life and their desire to protect and cherish them. The imagery of a familiar city overflowing with important people further highlights the theme of connection and appreciation for those who are dear to them.
The second verse delves into a reflection on familiar sights that may have been overlooked, urging the listener to take a closer look and discover the beauty in things that may have been previously unnoticed. The lyrics touch on the struggle between truth and lies, expressing a desire to live without constant doubt and suspicion, as it is something the singer finds challenging. However, the message remains optimistic, suggesting that things will work out in the end, symbolized by a gentle breeze following a tune.
The closing lines beautifully encapsulate the evolving self-perception of the singer, as they confess to once disliking themselves but finding a newfound love for who they are thanks to their significant other. The repeated "la la la" and "Ooh-ooh" in the final lines evoke a sense of joy and lightness, representing the transformative power of love and the singer's gratitude for the positive changes it has brought into their life. Overall, "Cherish" portrays a touching narrative of personal growth, love, and the importance of treasuring the special bonds we share with others.
Line by Line Meaning
あたたかいものといえば
When it comes to warmth
自販機のコーヒー
Vending machine coffee
そうさ僕には数えるほどしか
Yes, I could only find a few
見つけられなかった
I couldn't find more
だけど僕は変われたよ
But I was able to change
君と出会えたおかげで
Thanks to meeting you
ただ一緒に歩いているだけで
Just by walking together
心があたたかい
My heart feels warm
La la la
La la la
鼻歌もやっと
Finally humming
楽しそうに歌えたよ
I could sing happily
ほら 新しいメロディ
Look, a new melody
My home, my place
My home, my place
My love, my life
My love, my life
My family
My family
この街に溢れてる
This town is overflowing
こんなに沢山の
With so many
大切な人たち 守りたい
I want to protect the important people
見慣れた同じ景色も
Even the familiar same scenery
もっと 見つめてみて
Look at it more closely
本当は素敵に思えるものを
Things that are actually wonderful
通り過ぎてるかも
Might be passing by
本当か嘘かをいつも
Always questioning the truth or lies
気にするのは嫌だよ
I don't like worrying about it
疑いながら生きていくなんて
Living while doubting
僕には難しい
Is difficult for me
鼻歌のあとに
After humming
少しだけ風が吹いた
A little breeze blew
ほら きっとうまくいく
See, everything will work out
まだ叶わない夢も
Even dreams that have not yet come true
いつか話すから
I will talk about someday
その時 君は隣にいて
At that time, you will be by my side
好きじゃなかった自分のこと
Things about myself that I didn't like
君のおかげで好きになったよ
Thanks to you, I grew to like them
La la la la la, la la la la la la la
La la la la la, la la la la la la la
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh ooh
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Shota Shimizu
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind