Quotes by artists. Wonderful words from Japanese musicians.

I am who I am today thanks to 1% talent and 99% perseverance—by continuing to put in the effort.Namie Amuro

Truck 73 Body Feels EXIT cover

These are the words of Namie Amuro, one of the female artists who represent the Heisei-era J-POP scene.

Everything about her—her singing, dancing, visuals, and even her aura—is part of her appeal, making her an undeniably charismatic artist.

Many people likely think she was gifted with such talent, yet even she shows us that 99% of it was earned through continuous effort.

One percent talent and ninety-nine percent persistence… For those striving toward their dreams and goals, these words can be a source of strength.

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Hane Keisuke

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A well starts out muddy; if you keep digging, clear water will spring forth.Saburō Kitajima

Saburo Kitajima – Northern Fishing Grounds

When someone like Saburō Kitajima, who has been singing for decades, says it, it carries weight and you can’t help but be convinced.

Even if results don’t come right away at first, if you keep working hard and stay consistent, one day you’ll get what you’ve been striving for—at least, that’s the lesson it feels like he’s imparting.

Results will come. Whatever they are, please praise yourself more than anyone else in the world.Tsunku♂

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

These are the words of Tsunku♂, who has released numerous classic songs as the vocalist of Sharam Q and is also active individually as a producer for Hello! Project.

The message is that when you take action, results will follow, but no matter what the outcome is, you should praise yourself wholeheartedly.

Of course you should when the result is good, but even when it isn’t, tell yourself, “Well done.” By learning to praise yourself wholeheartedly, you’ll be able to give it your all again next time.

I think these words are filled with insights that only a top producer like Tsunku♂ could offer.

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Hane Keisuke

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It’s important to work backward from your dream.TERU（GLAY）

GLAY / Winter, again

These words say that to make your dreams come true, it’s important to decide when you want to achieve them, work backward from that point, and clarify what you need to do right now.

They were spoken by TERU, the vocalist of the rock band GLAY, who formed a band in his teens and made his CD debut just a few years later.

No doubt, throughout his band activities, he advanced by constantly considering what mattered most at each moment to achieve his dreams and goals.

Because these words come from someone who splendidly fulfilled the dreams he had as a teenager, they carry great persuasive power, don’t they?

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Hane Keisuke

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You mustn’t erase what you’ve developed or your individuality.Yohei Kawakami ([Alexandros])

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

These are the words spoken by [Alexandros]’s vocalist and guitarist, Yohei Kawakami, in a 2019 interview with Rolling Stone Japan.

When asked why their then-recently released album, Sleepless in Brooklyn, featured many songs with Japanese lyrics despite their aim to succeed overseas, he answered as follows.

It reflects his desire to make it on the world stage without losing what he has cultivated through his work in Japan.

He has a clear vision of the kind of artist he wants to be, and his words are very cool.

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Hane Keisuke

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Knowledge and experience are the greatest assets that can never be taken away from you.GACKT

GACKT「ANOTHER WORLD」

After serving as the vocalist for the rock band MALICE MIZER, GACKT has been active as a solo artist.

In the popular New Year’s TV program “Geinoujin Kakuzuke Check,” where he always delivers outstanding results, he shared these words on the show.

He places great importance on accumulating knowledge and experience in everyday life and in the way he lives, and that’s likely why he can continue to maintain such an exceptional sense.

These words help explain why GACKT is so cool.

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Hane Keisuke

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To stay true to your own style, it’s important to have the attitude of “today over yesterday.”Tomoyasu Hotei

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – Bambina

After his work as the guitarist for BOØWY, Tomoyasu Hotei has been active as a solo artist.

His trademark is a guitar decorated with a geometric pattern known as the G design, and he has produced numerous classic songs.

When these words come from Hotei—who has firmly established his own style—they carry real weight.

They seem to capture his constant drive to improve and to take on new challenges.

Whether in work, hobbies, or dreams, these words will surely encourage anyone who’s striving day by day.

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Hane Keisuke

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