In December 2009, they released an album 0. as a limited release of 500 copies in Aomori. Since the album created a lot of buzz and they were flooded with inquiries, they eventually released the album nationwide as 0.6.
As the intense worldview of their lyrics grabbed the attention of listeners with quick ears, they made a major debut with 爆弾の作り方 (How to Make a Bomb) released from Sony Music Associated Records in June 2010.
“a band led by Hiromu Akita from Aomori”
It was the only information officially shared about the band, but they have expanded their fan base by word of mouth, mostly through the Internet, to such an extent that their latest album ねえママ あなたの言うとおり (Hey Mom, It's Just as You Say) went up to number 8 in the Oricon weekly album chart.
When performing live, they have a unique style where they play behind a screen that covers the whole stage and projects various images to go along with the music. Their shows have been much talked about, and some say it gives the audience a sense of watching a film and enjoying live music at the same time.
They are also known as their music videos with CG animation and have won a variety of awards worldwide.
In 2010, their music video for 夏を待っていました ("Waiting for the Summer") won the Excellence Award at the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival. amazarashi’s 夏を待っていました and サカナクション's アルクアラウンド were the only music videos that won the awards that year.
Furthermore, they have attracted interest throughout the world as they won prizes at Annecy International Animated Film Festival (originally a part of Cannes Film Festival) in France, SIGGRAPH ASIA 2011 (the world’s biggest computer graphics event), one dot zero 2011 (a digital animation festival in London), and more.
More info can be found on their official homepage at http://www.amazarashi.com.
Bunki
amazarashi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
分岐点 選択肢 分かれ道 どっちみち答え合わせは明日以降
実りの季節の投資も 見通しの悪い小売業
未納家賃で頭たれ舌打ち がんじがらめ のたうちまわり
慢性的貧困に差した魔が 反社会的思想 明日は我身の
四の五の言ってる間に 飛行する夜行列車 逃避行
星系から星系 星巡り 過ぎる景色 時間は日めくり
現実逃避も果ての果て 誰も追いつけない水際まで
夢見心地 世俗との交差点 我に返る ここ 金貸し査定
正しいと正しいの間 宙ぶらりんの魂の声を聞いた
西も東も悪手だ 右も左も暗い四面楚歌
それでも迫る 道を選ぶ 掴み取れば自身の死すら気高く
脅されてるぞ銃器で 後になれば分かる今が分岐点
正しいと正しいの間 宙ぶらりんの魂の声を聞いた
西も東も悪手だ 右も左も暗い四面楚歌
それでも迫る 道を選ぶ 掴み取れば自身の死すら気高く
脅されてるぞ銃器で 後になれば分かる今が分岐点
The lyrics of amazarashi's song "Bunki" delve into themes of reflection, decision-making, and the complexities of life's paths. The opening lines, "今振り返ればあの時だって今がその時なのかも知れない" ("Looking back now, perhaps that time was also this time"), suggest a contemplation on the fluidity of time and how every moment could potentially be a pivotal one. The idea of a "分岐点" (bunkiten), a fork in the road or a point of divergence, is introduced, emphasizing the importance of choices and the uncertainty of outcomes. The lyrics convey a sense of uncertainty and the need for introspection in facing these crossroads.
The imagery of "飛行する夜行列車 逃避行" ("A night train flying through the night, an escape") paints a picture of escapism and the desire to flee from the pressures and dilemmas of reality. There is a mention of struggling with chronic poverty and societal pressures, hinting at a sense of entrapment and desperation. The lyrics touch on the themes of societal disillusionment and the allure of dissociation from the mundane world, highlighting a struggle against oppressive forces and a yearning for liberation.
The repetition of the lines "正しいと正しいの間 宙ぶらりんの魂の声を聞いた" ("Between right and right, I heard the voice of my soul dangling in space") underscores a search for moral clarity amidst ambiguity and ethical dilemmas. The contrast between "西も東も悪手だ 右も左も暗い四面楚歌" ("Both west and east are wrong moves, both right and left are a dark and desperate situation") further emphasizes the conflicted nature of decision-making and the haunting presence of external threats and pressures.
Ultimately, the lyrics of "Bunki" encapsulate a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and defiance in the face of adversity. The repeated refrain of facing the "分岐点" and the realization that even amid coercion and danger, the present moment holds the potential for transformative choice, speaks to the power of agency and self-realization. Through vivid imagery and introspective reflections, amazarashi crafts a poignant narrative on the complexities of existence, the pursuit of truth and meaning, and the enduring human spirit in navigating life's intricate paths.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Hiromu Akita
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind