Quotes by artists. Wonderful words from Japanese musicians.

If the best things are the ones that sell the most, then the best ramen in the world is instant cup ramen.Hiroto Kōmoto

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'Rose of Passion' [6th Single (1990/7/25)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Jyounetsu no Bara

This is a famous quote by Hiroto Kōmoto, who has long been active as the frontman of THE BLUE HEARTS, THE HIGH-LOWS, and The Cro-Magnons.

He said it during a 2003 interview in the magazine Bridge, in response to moderator Yoichi Shibuya’s remark, “I think music that sells is good music.” In other words, just because something sells doesn’t mean it’s good, and just because something is good doesn’t mean it will sell.

It’s a mindset that’s important for anyone involved in making things, not just in music.

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Hane Keisuke

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If you can’t confess, can’t apologize, or can’t say thank you, then even if it’s just bluffing, when the moment really matters, let yourself get carried away and nail it. Otherwise, before you know it, the night will be over.TAKUMA（10-FEET）

10-FEET – goes on (LIVE)

This phrase is always said at Kyoto’s summer tradition, “Kyoto Daisakusen.” Like TAKUMA, when it really counts, both men and women should pull themselves together and look cool.

Every time I hear this MC, my heart trembles.

For those who always find themselves smoldering at crucial moments, I hope you’ll hear these words and draw courage from them.

When you get to this age, you start to think that, somewhere along the line, you might be betrayed—even if you really trust the other person. But no matter how much you think you might be betrayed, I feel life becomes terribly lonely if you don’t have feelings of care for others.Hyde（L’Arc～en～Ciel）

VAMPS – AHEAD

Hyde, the vocalist of L’Arc~en~Ciel who is also active as a solo artist and in other bands, has been a driving force in Japan’s rock scene and works with many staff and peers.

This is a famous quote of his about how to treat people.

Even while thinking you might be betrayed, you still trust the other person and act with their best interests in mind.

It may sound obvious, but it’s surprisingly hard to put into practice.

Holding this mindset likely leads to being blessed with wonderful connections that won’t betray you.

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Hane Keisuke

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My father told me not to try to become something too easily. He said I should just have fun until I’m thirty. You can’t choose a job until you understand yourself—that’s what he meant, I suppose. And I feel the same way.Ryuichi Sakamoto

ryuichi sakamoto – rain(live)

What do I like? What am I capable of? What am I trying to accomplish in life? No matter how much I think, there are times when I just can’t picture my future.

On the other hand, there are people who have known their strengths since childhood and naturally follow that path.

But isn’t it true that, in this world, the former are far more common? We work without having all the answers and step out into society.

In such times, these words give me courage: it’s okay to walk slowly while searching for your own path—there’s no need to rush.

Will you just give up easily, or will you stand up and say, “I’ll find a way to make this work”? I think the latter is easier.Namie Amuro

Namie Amuro – Chase the Chance

Rather than giving up, breaking down, and then going on living with regret and disappointment, it’s better to push through hardship and follow the path you believe in.

When someone like Namie Amuro—who has worked hard since childhood and raced through life on her talent and effort—says this, it really makes sense.

The words carry weight precisely because they come from her.

If the song isn’t good, I wonder how I’m supposed to walk around without losing face. If a man with talent this exceptional can’t write a good song, there’s no point in him being alive.Hiroji Miyamoto

Hiroji Miyamoto – Hallelujah

Hiroji Miyamoto, the vocalist of the rock band Elephant Kashimashi and an active singer-songwriter, is loved by many for his passionately moving vocals and wild stage performances.

From his famous quotes, you can feel messages like “Make the most of the strengths you have.” They can also be taken as a call to “Believe you can achieve great results and take on the challenge.” When you want to feel confident, remember these words.

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yamamoto

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I believe continuing is truly important. I try as much as possible not to create gaps that make people wonder, “What are they doing now?”Kazumasa Oda

Kazumasa Oda himself Kotoba ni Dekinai Full

To keep going— it sounds simple, but it’s hard.

Yet when we see someone else continuing, we feel encouraged; we think, maybe I can give it a try.

That’s why, says Kazumasa Oda, it’s important to keep going, to give courage to someone out there.

His enduring presence as a singer has stirred the hearts of many.

Becoming lonely, feeling lonesome, and being understood by no one—these may be the price of living as one wishes.Yutaka Ozaki

Yutaka Ozaki Quotes Collection

Yutaka Ozaki, the legendary singer who passed away at the young age of 26.

His debut and the many songs he sang like a cry captured the hearts of people in the same young generation at the time.

Whenever we try to live the way we want, it can sometimes be hard to be understood by others.

Even if that leads to loneliness, it may be something unavoidable when living true to oneself.

There’s surely a reason for you to be there. Finding it—that’s what living is all about. I found mine in rock music.Sawa Yamanaka (the pillows)

the pillows / Funny Bunny

Don’t you ever find yourself suddenly thinking about your “worth as a person” or the “meaning of life,” especially during adolescence or when you’re struggling? It’s a theme often sung about in band lyrics, too.

This quote reminds us that life is about searching for the answers.

The ones who ring that bell are you! Because you’re the ones working hard here!!Takashi Yamaguchi (Sambomaster)

“We’ve gotta do what seems impossible” / Sambomaster

Sambomaster is known for Takashi Yamaguchi’s passionate talks.

His MCs, where he speaks as if connecting his heart with each person in the audience, can almost bring you to tears, right? At their shows, they always affirm who you are and give you the courage to live for tomorrow.