Connections
The idea for this entry came to me when Kostas asked me whether there is a link between KAT-TUN and libertarianism. I don’t think the boys have ever talked about their political views, if they have an opinion on political issues, but I figured that examining their lyrics might give me hints about the way they think. For me, of course, their optimism and positive spirit can only be linked with libertarianism, and one of my favorite KAT-TUN songs, Rhodesia, has some very interesting lines. So, I started examining more of their lyrics and it was pretty illuminating.
Certainly, most of their songs are love songs. Their first positive aspect: even the saddest among them are never whinny. And even in this kind of songs there are lines that can reveal some of their philosophy. Moreover, their combination of power and sweetness is for me the quintessence of romanticism (in the lyrics, the music and their style as well).
The original lines are naturally in Japanese and the translations were not done by me, but by many other people.
First of all, there are lines that refer to objectivism. Like…
Definite things surely exist in this world somewhere
From Bokura no Machi de - definite things, absolutes, ah, Ayn Rand has certainly talked about this concept. Not only they exist but they serve as a basis as well. The implicit desire to find them means that it is not about faith - certainly not religion, because it is extremely easy to find. It is practically everything with a material existence and also things that are called values. (Yeah, you got it. Religion ≠ values)
This bitter world laughs, tempting you
Saying don’t trust anyone, hate the truth
From Rhodesia - The desire for an objective truth - because the truth untouched cannot be but objective. If this what we all seek, we will be able to trust each other.
Then some other lines are certainly individualistic, like...
The cheeky tone is not the problem
From My Weather - I am not sure how Yuichi means it, but I guess, like me, he doesn’t mind arrogance, as it often means a person with character.
Just accept this crime, this punishment
Embrace this love, this ego
From Rhodesia again - What can be more individualistic than saying that love is a satisfaction of the ego? And combined with the willingness to accept one’s actions and consequences it is exactly what individualism is about.
The masked adults walking by, all in the same clothes
From Harukana Yakusoku - This line probably refers to businessmen, all dressed in suits. The Japanese businessmen are not a symbol of enterprising, but the symbol of employees abiding to rules and doing what the boss commands. The fact that they dress the same reminds us of the communist idea of equality. So this is not only individualistic but also libertarian, as the libertarian idea of business is one where creativity and initiative are not suppressed. It is also an expression of dislike of how some things are in Japan
As a back-up, I don a more fitting mask
But lining up such unbelievable lies
Won’t change my world
Even the dreams I spoke of were a pretence
I felt like I was already grown-up
And clicked my tongue at things.
From Real Face - What do you think of adults who disdain everything as childish and dislike the selfish desires of children? Desires are naturally selfish. We can’t desire for someone else. But desires are what makes us want to go on.
Strip yourself of pride
You won’t be prisoner of the artificial world
From Lost - At first glance this is a weird line coming from Tatsuya. He must be a proud person. (He has said he wants to look cool at whatever he does, hasn’t he?) But from my own experiences I know that sometimes, when pride is tarnished, worn out, it must be stripped off like dirty or old clothes. Of course, you don’t go out naked! You either wash you clothes or buy new ones! He might have had similar experiences. And what does he think of an artificial world? For that I am not sure, but remember that he lives in Japan, where what the others think about you is very crucial. Of course he could mean the Johnny’s world, but I don’t think he would back-stab his “father” and mock the fans.
I always left the work to others
And wasn’t afraid of anything everyday
But I couldn’t believe
So I ran out of the house
From Harukana Yakusoku - Doing things by oneself is the epitome of individualism and libertarianism. Maybe expecting things from the others all the time gives you an idea of security, but when you realize it’s fake, you need to run away.
And of course, a line that makes me extremely happy coming from the generation of the 1980’s…
History has used up all the words
Why are we dancing? Why are we lost?
From Rhodesia
Finally, I have to say (for a second time) and they say it themselves in the Kaizokuban interview, that the whole way the band operates is highly individualistic. They do not try to be homogenous and do the same things. They cooperate but support each other as persons as well. They give a lot of value to their solo performances, and when one of them does something independently, the others will support him.
This analysis was made only by the lyrics of some songs. I couldn’t find translation of all of them. But I found the translations for almost all, so I don’t think I will need to add anything later. Maybe when they have a new single or album? ; D
Certainly, most of their songs are love songs. Their first positive aspect: even the saddest among them are never whinny. And even in this kind of songs there are lines that can reveal some of their philosophy. Moreover, their combination of power and sweetness is for me the quintessence of romanticism (in the lyrics, the music and their style as well).
The original lines are naturally in Japanese and the translations were not done by me, but by many other people.
First of all, there are lines that refer to objectivism. Like…
Definite things surely exist in this world somewhere
From Bokura no Machi de - definite things, absolutes, ah, Ayn Rand has certainly talked about this concept. Not only they exist but they serve as a basis as well. The implicit desire to find them means that it is not about faith - certainly not religion, because it is extremely easy to find. It is practically everything with a material existence and also things that are called values. (Yeah, you got it. Religion ≠ values)
This bitter world laughs, tempting you
Saying don’t trust anyone, hate the truth
From Rhodesia - The desire for an objective truth - because the truth untouched cannot be but objective. If this what we all seek, we will be able to trust each other.
Then some other lines are certainly individualistic, like...
The cheeky tone is not the problem
From My Weather - I am not sure how Yuichi means it, but I guess, like me, he doesn’t mind arrogance, as it often means a person with character.
Just accept this crime, this punishment
Embrace this love, this ego
From Rhodesia again - What can be more individualistic than saying that love is a satisfaction of the ego? And combined with the willingness to accept one’s actions and consequences it is exactly what individualism is about.
The masked adults walking by, all in the same clothes
From Harukana Yakusoku - This line probably refers to businessmen, all dressed in suits. The Japanese businessmen are not a symbol of enterprising, but the symbol of employees abiding to rules and doing what the boss commands. The fact that they dress the same reminds us of the communist idea of equality. So this is not only individualistic but also libertarian, as the libertarian idea of business is one where creativity and initiative are not suppressed. It is also an expression of dislike of how some things are in Japan
As a back-up, I don a more fitting mask
But lining up such unbelievable lies
Won’t change my world
Even the dreams I spoke of were a pretence
I felt like I was already grown-up
And clicked my tongue at things.
From Real Face - What do you think of adults who disdain everything as childish and dislike the selfish desires of children? Desires are naturally selfish. We can’t desire for someone else. But desires are what makes us want to go on.
Strip yourself of pride
You won’t be prisoner of the artificial world
From Lost - At first glance this is a weird line coming from Tatsuya. He must be a proud person. (He has said he wants to look cool at whatever he does, hasn’t he?) But from my own experiences I know that sometimes, when pride is tarnished, worn out, it must be stripped off like dirty or old clothes. Of course, you don’t go out naked! You either wash you clothes or buy new ones! He might have had similar experiences. And what does he think of an artificial world? For that I am not sure, but remember that he lives in Japan, where what the others think about you is very crucial. Of course he could mean the Johnny’s world, but I don’t think he would back-stab his “father” and mock the fans.
I always left the work to others
And wasn’t afraid of anything everyday
But I couldn’t believe
So I ran out of the house
From Harukana Yakusoku - Doing things by oneself is the epitome of individualism and libertarianism. Maybe expecting things from the others all the time gives you an idea of security, but when you realize it’s fake, you need to run away.
And of course, a line that makes me extremely happy coming from the generation of the 1980’s…
History has used up all the words
Why are we dancing? Why are we lost?
From Rhodesia
Finally, I have to say (for a second time) and they say it themselves in the Kaizokuban interview, that the whole way the band operates is highly individualistic. They do not try to be homogenous and do the same things. They cooperate but support each other as persons as well. They give a lot of value to their solo performances, and when one of them does something independently, the others will support him.
This analysis was made only by the lyrics of some songs. I couldn’t find translation of all of them. But I found the translations for almost all, so I don’t think I will need to add anything later. Maybe when they have a new single or album? ; D