[Song Rev. #192]
"Christmas-ha issho-ni" by Mariya Takeuchi
Hi. Today's song is "Christmas-wa issho-ni" (I'd love to spend Christmas with you.) by "Mariya Takeuchi".
This is a stylish & warm pop song, but with a bit of dramatic, and longing tone.
It might be for reflecting the heroine's feeling, waiting her boyfriend come back home from a long distance away on Christmas eve.
The singer is "Mariya Takeuchi", and her stylish, but friendly pop songs have long been popular with music fans.
If you like, please listen.
Links to the music shops, offering song samples, are located on the bottom of this page.
Some contents have been put away in tabs with "▶" mark in each section, so please click it to see.
This will be the last post for this year, and we are planning to post the first song of the next year on the 9th January 2021.
Thank you for visiting our website. We would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Satsuma, Smooth Sound J-pop.
Cover art today
Song data
| Title | Christmas-ha(wa) issho-ni |
|---|---|
| Artist | Mariya Takeuchi |
| Album Title | |
| Catalog Number | WPCL-10407 |
| Track No. | 9 |
| Duration | 5:43 |
| Released | 2007 |
| Publisher | |
| Lyricist | |
| Composer | |
| Arranger |
About the creators
Mariya Takeuchi Lyricist & composer
The Lyricist, and composer "Mariya Takeuchi" is also a singer of this song.
We would like to come back to her in "About the artist" section later.
Tatsurō Yamashita Arranger
"Tatsurō Yamashita" is a singer-songwriter, lyricist, composer, arranger, guitarist, music producer, and radio personality active since 1973.
With no doubt, he is one of the most acknowledged, and influential music creator in Japanese popular music scene. And whenever, he releases a new album, it naturally tops the chart.
"Yamashita" has many hit songs in almost half a century of his career.
Among them, his 1980 hit song "Ride on time" is particularly popular, and 1988 song "Christmas eve" has been one of the most preferred Christmas song in Japan.
And it is also widely known, that he is the husband of his wonderful wife "Mariya Takeuchi".
Early times
"Yammashita" began to contact with music in his childhood.
He participated in a marching band, and played a small drum when he was a school boy.
In middle school, he teamed up a rare amateur Pop-rock band, but features chorus.
Surprisingly, this band self-pressed vinyl LP, and released it as a private album, when then are finishing band activity.
And this finally led "Yamashita" to form his first professional band, "Sugar Babe" with 4 other members in 1973.
A unique Pop-rock band, "Sugar Babe" lasted for 3 years, and broke up in 1976 after released 1 album.
Soon after the breakup, "Yamashita" began to perform as a solo singer.
As a solo singer
For "Yamashita", the first 2-3 years after became independent in 1976, was a challenging period.
But in 1979, his 2 single records, "Lets dance baby" (Particularly "Bomber" on B-side), and "Let's kiss the sun" became smash hits.
By these 2 songs, he began to be recognized by the music fans.
"Yamashita" continued to release stylish Pop-rock, and finally in 1980, his 6th solo single, "Ride on time" topped the chart.
In the same year, his 5th album of the same title, "Ride on time" also reach number one in the charts.
By these major successes, "Yamashita" became one of the most popular singer-songwriters in the Japanese popular music scene.
Christmas eve
In 1988, one of his nice pop-ballad, "Christmas eve" (1983), was selected as a commercial jingle for a TV advertising of Shin-kan-sen (bullet train) by JR-Tokai.
The combination of a short drama and a beautiful music of "Yamashita" was so impressive, and therefore this TV advertising became extremely popular.
Naturally, the advertising was serialized.
At the end of the day, it was aired for 3 years on every day in December. And "Yamashita"'s "Christmas eve" has become just like a standard number for Japanese Christmas.
Actually, its popularity is exceptional.
"Christmas eve" still wins first place in various popularity polls for Christmas song, even after 30 years from its first release.
Recent
Now, "Tatsurō Yamashita" is one of the most prominent singer-songwriters in the Japanese popular music scene, and having busy days as a capable music creator.
For more detailed information, please check with the related page of Japanese Wikipedia (linked below), since there is a biography about him, and a translated version by Google is still useful.
Song image & Lyrics
Open
Link to the lyrics
Copyright notice on the lyrics link
Sound impression
Stylish & dramatic
After a short, and a bit sentimental Christmas jingle, the electric guitar, drums, bass, electric piano, acoustic piano, and string synthesizer begin a gentle introduction.
In the first part, the drums, bass, electric piano, acoustic piano, electric guitar, and percussion form a basic ensemble, and supports "Takeuchi" 's charming & warm vocal, with slight natural vibrato, to shine.
In the latter part of the song, the melody dramatically turns into a bright & hopeful tone in major key.
Chorus, jingle bell, and the brass section, composed of the trumpets, trombones, ans saxophones, also join and create a festive atmosphere.
1, 3, 6-(7), 9...
You might have noticed an impressive guitar strumming on this song.
This rhythm pattern, putting accents, on the 1,3,6-(7), and 9th beat in 16 beats, (like the chart above), is frequently used on "Taturō Yamashita"s songs since early days.
As long as we know, this rhythm was seen in his 1978 song, "Paper doll". Since then it has been applied for many tracks.
His 1979 song, "Rainy walk", which we have introduced earlier, is also an example.
Because of the constant appearance, this rhythm is almost understood as his sound logo.
That is perhaps why we seem the same rhythm in "Mariya Takeuchi's songs.
Musicians and instruments
The musicians and instruments on this track are as follows:
- Vocal
- Mariya Takeuchi
- Drums
- Yasuo Sano
- Bass
- Kōki Itō
- Electric Piano & Acoustic Piano
- Hiroyuki Nanba
- Percussion
- Motoya Hamaguchi
- Computer & Synthesizer
- Shigeaki Hashimoto
- Background Vocal(s)
- Yurie Kokubu, Kumi Sasaki, Mariya Takeuchi
- Trumpet
- Susumu Kazuhara, David Herzog
- Trombone
- Fred Simmons, Hiroki Satō
- Tenor Sax
- Makoto Hirahara
- Baritone Sax
- Atsushi Tsuzurano
- Computer, Electric Guitar, Keyboards, Glocken, Percussion & Background Vocals
- Tatsurō Yamashita
Thanks to these first choice musicians, this rich, authentic, and non-artificial sound has been achieved, we believe.
Reference
About Google translate
About the artist
Mariya TakeuchiSinger song sengyō shufu
"Mariya Takeuchi" is a singer-songwriter, lyricist, and composer active since 1978.
"Takeuchi" has been famous as one of the most prominent, and preferred pop singers since debut. And, keeping nearly unrivaled popularity, even she is almost never appearing on TV media, particularly after marriage.
As a song writer, she is also well known, through the dozens of hit songs she has written for other singers in popular music scene.
A singer, "Mariya Takeuchi" debuted in 1978 with a single, "Modotte oide, Watashi no jikan " (Come back to me, my time.).
Since then, 48 singles, and 11 original, 9 best albums, and 1 live DVD(BD) have been released until now.
(Ref: Wikipedia-en, Mariya Takeuchi)
Early times
According to some interview reports with "Takeuchi", she's played the piano since she was a child.
When she was a high school student, she went to the United states as an exchange student, and studied for 1 year.
In the American high school, she participated in the school's chorus group, so this maybe another music experience for her.
After came back to Japan, "Takeuchi" went on to University in Tokyo to study English literature.
At the campus, she joined a college music circle which encouraged members to play any style of music in there. "Takeuchi" also took part in a music group aiming to be a professional.
Through the band activities, "Takeuchi" got acquainted with the people in the music industries.
And one thing led to another, "Takeuchi" finally debuted as a solo singer with her first single, "Modotte oide, Watashi no jikan" (Come back to me, my time.), and her 1st album, "Beginning" in 1978.
Interestingly, our writer "Satsuma" found and bought this album within few days from its release, just after it was appeared on the shelf of a nearby music shop.
He spent almost all of his monthly allowance to purchase this LP record, even he had virtually no idea about the album, nor the singer.
We don't know what attracted him so much at that time. But we can say he was lucky, since the album is still one of his favorite.
Break & confusion
From the debut to March 1980, roughly a year and half, "Takeuchi" released 4 single records together with 3 fine albums.
Fortunately, 3 of 4 singles, including her first big hit, "Fushigi-na peach pie" (Miraculous peach pie), were chosen as commercial jingles for popular consumer brands. And naturally, they became hit songs.
Her 3rd single, "September" had no such advertising bonus, but remained in top 100 for nearly 6 months.
For this achievement, "Takeuchi" was nominated for "Japan record award" in 1979, and received a New Artist award as the first such prize in her career.
So, her takeoff as a Pop singer can be said as a smooth one.
Naturally, "Takeuchi" became a popular singer, and began to be treated as an idol star in the entertainment business.
In the late '70s, the people in the music business still treated young female singers more or less as idol stars, regardless to their professional background.
Among them, "Takeuchi" was particularly popular, and therefore, she had to deal with an idol star like jobs, which sometimes she couldn't be happy with.
But more critically, the life as an idol star was far too busy for normal human.
"Takeuchi" had been successful, and rising as a serious Pop singer.
Therefore, an idol star like position she was put, and associated jobs with that role were really stressful for her, since she was feeling this was not the direction she meant to be.
In 1981, she decided, and declared a temporary shutdown for restarting.
Marriage
While "Takeuchi" was feeling uneasy about the awkward situation she was left in, "Taturō Yamashita", her senior at work, gave her sound advices, and became a strong ally for her.
"Takeuchi" & "Yamashita" gradually came close to each other, and in April 1982, they got married.
According to an interview report with "Takeuchi", she is not a very much business-oriented person by nature, but as a woman, she prefers to make a stable home first, and if possible, she wants to write, and sing songs at a reasonable pace.
She told this in other expression, saying she can get on with her work, as long as she has happy home.
Because of these reasons, her public exposure was reduced, and the release of new album became less frequent after marriage.
But it is more or less a natural consequence by considering various factors. And seemingly, she is happy with current pace.
As a songwriter & "Linda"
As a professional songwriter, principally writes for other singers, "Takeuchi" has been showing outstanding talent, from the early period of her career.
The first song she wrote for other singer was a pop-ballad, "Linda" (1980) performed by a Pop-rock singer, "Ann Lewis".
(Actually, "Linda" is the middle name of Ann Lewis. [Ann 'Linda' Lewis]. Ann is a friend of "Takeuchi", and "Linda" was written to celebrate Ann's marriage in 1980. The song soon became a popular marriage music at that time.)
For the recording of "Linda", a competent musician "Taturō Yamashita", who was still single at this timing, was also invited as a Chorus arranger, and singer.
And this provided an opportunity for "Takeuchi" & "Yamashita" got to know each other more, and this episode finally led them to get married.
So, "Linda" was like a cupid for them.
A professional writer
"Takeuchi" had gradually began to be recognized as a capable song writer.
After marriage in 1982, "Takeuchi" temporarily stopped releasing songs by herself, but conversely, her activity as a songwriter became increased.
In 1982, she wrote a cute Pop-ballad, "Kenka-wo yamete" (Please stop fighting) for one of the top idol stars, "Naoko Kawai".
This slightly tender and moist ballad opened a new horizon for "Kawai", and it became a hit song.
And moreover,
- Chiemi Hori
- Machi-bouke(Stood Up), 1982
- Yukiko Okada
- Dreaming Girl- Koi Hajimemashite(How do you do, my love?), 1984
- Hiroko Yakushimaru
- Genki-wo dashite(Cheer up!), 1984
- Akina Nakamori
- Eki(Station), 1986
- Ryōko Hirosue
- Maji-de koi-suru 5-byō-mae>(5 seconds to fall in love), 1997
- Mana Kana
- Inochi-no uta(The song of life), 2009
etc.
By writing these excellent songs, "Mariya Takeuchi" is regarded as one of the most promising song creator in the Japanese popular music scene.
"Takeuchi" released a unique compilation album "Mariya's Songbook", which contains 15 original tracks performed by the original singers, like listed above.
If you like, please give it a try.
As a singer
After married, "Takeuchi" began to put almost perfect trust on her partner "Tatsuro Yamashita", at least on music related things.
So, whenever she plans to release new song, or album, consults with him, and asks him to produce, and possibly provides song arrangement for her song if he can.
On the other hand, "Taturō Yamashita" is , with no doubt, one of the most popular, and busiest singer-song writer. And in addition to that, he is known as the highest level "music craftsman", and an exceptional perfectionist too, at least for music.
Therefore, "Takeuchi" needs to wait for a while, until "Yamashita" can share some time for her song.
That might be one reason why the interval of her album release is so long. (3-9! years.)
But in any case, "Takeuchi" seems to be comfortable with this pace, since her priority is to keep her home cozy, and wishing to continue music activity at a comfortable pace.
In fact, the combination of "Takeuchi" & "Yamashita" is strong, and amazing.
"Takeuchi" has rare talent to put female's delicate sentiment into the words, which can resonate with wide generation of women. And the melodies she creates have typical "Takeuchi" world, even they sound just natural, and nothing eccentric at all.
And, "Yamashita" is an exceptionally capable music man, who has been leading Japanese popular music powerfully for a long time.
As a result, all of the 6 albums, which "Takeuch" released after marriage, namely,
- VARIETY(1984)
- REQUEST(1987)
- Quiet Life(1992)
- Bon Appetit!(2001)
- Denim( 2007)
- TRAD(2014)
admirably topped the chart.
It is actually a great record as a woman pop singer in Japan.
Perhaps "Yumi Matsutōya", and "Miyuki Nakajima" are only equivalent singers, though the backgrounds are slightly different.
Singer-song sengyō shufu
"Mariya Takeuchi" & her husband "Tatsurō Yamashita" occasionally, and jokingly call "Takeuchi" a "Singer-song sengyō shufu" (Stay-at-home-mom, as well as professional singer, and songwriter.).
Because, "Takeuchi" put priority on taking care of her families, raised a child, but she is also enjoying life as a singer-songwriter, by utilizing available time in the daily life.
Regrettably in Japan, working environment, particularly for married women have not been improved for a long time.
In some interview, "Tatsurō Yamashita" mentioned that, even in the music industry like "Looks progressive" community, the situation for married women is more or less same with other industries. In other words, not very supportive.
So, just continuing being a singer, is not an easy task for married women, let alone continuously hold top of the chart, is a miraculous, and unprecedented achievement.
Therefore, he also said that, as a staff member for "Mariya Takeuchi", he is first of all very proud of her, continuing being a singer-songwriter in such non-straightforward environment, prior to praise her incredible achievement.
Christmas songs
There are 3 well-known Christmas songs of "Mariya Takeuchi",
namely,
- Konya-ha hearty party (Hearty party tonight, 1995)
- Suteki-na holiday (Wonderful holiday, 2001)
- Chiristmas-ha issho-ni (Today's song, 2007)
First 2 songs were written for "Kentucky Fried Chicken" as commercial jingles for their TV advertisings.
Surprisingly, the 2nd song "Suteki-na holiday" is still in use even in 2020 season. (ref: prtimes.jp, Kentucky Fried Chicken, 2020-11-26)
So, "Takeuchi"'s Christmas song, "Suteki-na holiday" has also been a popular & famous standard for Japanese Christmas, just like another brilliant masterpiece, "Christmas eve" by "Tatsuro Yamashita".
Wherever you are, you can hear these 2 songs throughout the Christmas season if you are in Japan.
Then, people say that December is the month for "Mariya" & "Tatsuro".
Plastic love
We were not really aware of the happening in 2018, but "Mariya Takeuchi"'s 1984 song, "Plastic love" again came under spot light, but among foreign listeners this time.
Due to the language barrier, Japanese pop music were almost never listened in overseas in the days they were released.
So, it is delightful to hear news, reporting revival hits of nice Japanese songs in the inter-net society.
Because that is one of the major reasons we are writing a blog like this.
Recent
Since around 2006, "Takeuchi" has been gradually increasing her pace of work, and actively releasing singles, and various compilation, and best albums.
For a long time, she was not holding any live concert, but now, she is planning to have concert tour from April-May 2021.
General information about the tour is available from this page.
If you like please join.
Note:
Due to the current pandemic, all event schedules are subject to changed at any time.
Please check the latest information on the ticket vendor"s (vatious) websites, or a "Mariya Takeuchi"s.
-
(Ref: www.mariyat.co.jp,
biography)🇯🇵
Video clip
Finally, we would like to introduce a music clip of "Mariya Takeuchi"'s 1992 hit song, "Uchi-ni kaerou (Let's go home) - My sweet home" from her 8th studio album, "Quiet Life".
This video clip looks to be uploaded uploaded 3 years ago by "Mariya Takeuchi VEVO".
"M.T. VEVO" seems to have posted 2 music clips of her so far. One is this, and the other is "Plastic Love", which unexpectedly revived in 2018.
So, if you like, please check "Mariya Takeuchi VEVO" page to see the video clip of "Plastic Love".
Actually, we suppose "Uchi-ni kaerou (Let's go home)" is one of the best example proving the power of "Takeuchi" & "Yamashita" as a team.
As we mentioned earlier, "Takeuchi" & "Yamashita" seems to be generating more power when they work as a team, as if they are causing a chemical reaction.
So, perhaps the strengths of "Takeuchi" & "Yamashita" are supportive each other, right from the beginning.
Amazing.
If you like, please listen.
Music Samples
9
(試聴する)
AD: Listening samples (Free)
hmv.co.jp
recochoku.jp
itunes.com (track.09)
9
Japanese Letters
| Song Title | クリスマスは一緒に(Christmas-ha issho-ni) |
|---|---|
| Artist | 竹内まりや(Mariya Takeuchi) |
| Album Title | Denim |
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