Super Tarako Fun Happy Time Thursday, 30th November
It's the song that's warmed hearts across the pachinko parlours of Japan, and it's taught the world how to love again. I'm talking of course about Tarako Tarako Tarako , by newcomers Kigurumi .
But before I go on, I feel some background information is necessary.
Kewpie is a famous Japanese food company, with it's signature product being their delightfully creamy mayonnaise. Their mascot is a chubby cheeked, apparently naked little boy, promising a hug. More of him here: http://www.kewpie.co.jp .
TARAKO:
Sometime in early 2006 (perhaps late 2005), Kewpie comissioned and aired a commercial for their new 'Tarako' pasta sauce. It featured a young girl of European decent (notable in a Japanese commercial), about to help herself to a plate of pasta, when she is bombarded by an army of bobbing kewpies, replete in red, cocoon-type things. For some logic I can't fathom, the company doesn't want their commercials being seen as often as possible, and is doing their best to remove infringing copies from Youtube.
here .
More commercials followed.
BEHOLD!
Clearer version available directly on youtube, here .
Not content to squander such a melody on mere television , Kewpie Corporation and Victor Entertainment let loose Tarako Tarako Tarako onto the unsuspecting populace of Japan, on September 6, 2006. On a day that may well overtake the Emperor's Birthday in terms of cultural significance, Japan was awoken by two singing, dancing, shoeless angels, Rena and Haruka, and once agained remembered the magic of being a child. Drunken old men, convinced they could never again love or be loved, took to the streets in joyous groups, soaking themselves in that magic that is Tarako Tarako Tarako.
Here is my revised version of the lyrics, originally appearing on my Myspace page.
When my stomach is rumbling - they come to me
CHORUS:
When I boil the pasta - they come to me
If I get the urge they are on my shoulder*
CHORUS
Year in and year out - they come to me
If I get the urge, they are in my mouth
CHORUS repeat ad naseum.
Japan-wide success followed. As a matter of course, they had a spot on everyone's favourite TV show, "Super Music Power Time With That Creepy Old Guy With Sunglasses Happy Fun TV Why Not?" (actual title: 'Music Station')
here .
With the world forever changed by their heart-warming innocence and funny red hats, the girls (or at least their record company) weren't happy to leave it at that.
Youtube
Cynics may argue that it is merely a rehash of their previous success. What they fail to take into account is that it is bookended by a completely different piece of music, and there is a key change near the end which may or may not be the same vocal track pitched up an octave. And look, they're wearing cute little booties now, so all you haters just back off.
Some pertinent links:http://www.kigurumi777.com
http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/tarako/ (Japanese, though contains links to purchase the CD single, and a link to Tarako: The game!
And with that, I'll leave you all with the prophetic words of Jesus Christ:
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Manga Mattch Sunday, 5th November
We had an international festival at uni this weekend. I busted out the flannel and headed on down. I was supposed to help the Chinese students sell dumplings, but I um, didn't.
This is Hitomi, in a special dress.
She looks scared.
Mandatory girl in Yukata.
Genki da yo!
This is my friend Akihito (right) with one for all the ladies.
What's a festival without a giant animal for the kids to jump around in?
"Wun wun !" (woof woof)
I was also lucky enough to meet the ever so lovely Miss Donut.
His name is Masaki. He's cool. His mum is Tanzanian.
Every circle/club group contributed something to the festival, by way of selling food (90%) or doing something else. The art group (or something) lined up a group of people to draw caricatures. They only cost 200 yen! That works out to less than $2.50 Australian.
Here is me with the artist.
Her name is Mutsuki. I wanted to pay her more, but she would not allow it.
THE END
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Images (most of them anyway) and words © Matthew
Strain 2006.
