Sunday, June 12, 2022

[lyrics] The Greatest Album

The Greatest

Hey, the greatest日々は噴き出すChampagne
祝っていく (Oh na na na, hey)
Do you know? 今は自分をもっと愛するパラダイム
待ちに待った時代じゃない?

笑顔を偽っていないで(今日の君が)
自分史上最高の自分には変わらないEveryday
(Time to get on)

You’re the greatest on my mind
君は君のまま既に完璧な存在で誰も敵わない
Greatest on my mind
何も気にしなくていいから もっと愛を自分へ
(G.R.E.A.T.E.S.T. in in my mind G.R.E.A)
未来はWill be alright
(G.R.E.A.T.E.S.T. in in my mind)
ブレない一切
You’re the greatest one

空を染めていくSunset
答えを問うMyself (Oh na na na, hey)
君が輝くから見える世界 一緒に踏み出していこう

ずっと高め合っていたくて(今日も君が)
解き放つMagic 奇跡が止まらないEveryday
(Time to get on)

You’re the greatest on my mind
君は君のまま常に完璧な存在で誰もがOnly one
Greatest on my mind
何も気にしなくていいから もっと愛をそそいで

胸の奥にYeah 閉じ込めていた
涙のわけが 言葉になった瞬間から
(G.R.E) 動き出す明日 (G.R.E) You don’t care

You’re the greatest on my mind
君は君のまま既に完璧な存在で誰も敵わない
Greatest on my mind
何も気にしなくていいから もっと愛を自分へ
(G.R.E.A.T.E.S.T. in in my mind G.R.E.A)
未来はWill be alright
(G.R.E.A.T.E.S.T. in in my mind)
ブレない一切
You’re the greatest one

抱きしめる/DAKISHIMERU (The Greatest Ver.)

サイドシート バックと携帯投げ込んで
粉雪光るカーヴを抜ける カブリオレ
ひとり気ままに ビルの月を追い越すの
I KNOW LONELINESS IS BEST FRIEND

わかってるの 6時半待ち合わせても
あなたいつも 7時過ぎに現れる
やりたいこと思い切り やりたいんでしょう?
MAMA SAYS A MAN IS DREAMER

本音って 言えないもんだね
(CAN'T LOVE ANYMORE お互い様ね)
最高に 愛してるのに

抱きしめる 弱いあなたさえ
TRUE LOVE 私には天使
どうなったって ただあなたが好き
帰る場所なら その胸

忙しい朝選び取る 履き慣れてるSHOES
諸行無常 シンデレラは本の世界
シアワセは以外と足元 無口にDANCE
BABY WILL YOU DANCE TAKE A CHANCE

道が一本だけなら
(SHOW ME WHERE TO GO?手の鳴るほうへ)
迷うことないのに

ひとりずつ それが望みなら
地の果てまで 走るわ
傷ついた その羽を癒す
SO SWEET てのひらをあげる

(Narration)
Hey, what is that you’re looking for?
The first time I saw you,
I didn’t expect this arrow to fly straight into my heart.

Tell me why is it so hard to control these emotions?
I’m not a girl, but I’m not a woman either.
Hold you!

本音って 言えないもんだね
(CAN'T LOVE ANYMORE お互い様ね)
最高に 愛してるのに

抱きしめる 弱いあなたさえ
TRUE LOVE 私には天使
どうなったって ただあなたが好き
帰る場所なら その胸
ひとりずつ それが望みなら
地の果てまで 走るわ
傷ついた その羽を癒す
SO SWEET てのひらをあげる

make a secret (The Greatest Ver.)

どうすればキミのこと
もっと近くに感じれる?
遮るものが多すぎて
そっと伸ばした指先

夏の日 見た海の青
祝ってくれた birthday
少しずつ増えてく
二人にしかそうわからないこと

Won't you make a secret? 瞳から
溢れる meaning 囁く love
Won't you make a secret?
まだ誰にも気づかれたくない
take me take me away

どうすれば迷わずに もっと強くなれるんだろう
悪いことはしてないんだし
ちゃんと胸張っていればいいね

夕映えの街 急ぐ人
風に溶けてく yesterday
うたた寝したキミにkissをしたよ
起こしちゃったのかな

Won't you make a secret? 出来るなら
このまま永遠 つかみたい
Won't you make a secret?
こみ上げる 時めき とまどい
let me let me

Won't you make a secret? この想い
握りかえす手の強さを
Won't you make a secret?
いつまでも緩めないでいてね
hold me hold me tight

You and me got a secret love
Can we keep it between us?
You and me got a secret kiss
Can we keep it on the hush?
You and me got a secret love
Can we keep it between us?
You and me got a secret kiss
Can we keep it on the hush?

Won't you make a secret? 瞳から
溢れる meaning 囁く love
Won't you make a secret?
まだ誰にも気づかれたくない
take me take me

Won't you make a secret? この想い
握りかえす手の強さを
Won't you make a secret?
いつまでも緩めないでいてね
hold me hold me tight

You and me got a secret love
Can we keep it between us?
(Won’t you make a secret?)
(Won’t you make a secret?)

コノヨノシルシ/KONOYONOSHIRUSHI (The Greatest Ver.)

好きな映画のように人は
生きられないと 知っているから
誰も恋に 落ちるたびに
自分だけの物語 求めすぎてしまうでしょう

目の前 不思議そうに
微笑む 君と僕は・・・

地図もないのに めぐり逢えた
それは愛と そっと信じたい
涙に届く 距離にいるよ
僕に君は かけがえのない
コノヨノシルシ

違う街で 生まれたから
違う日々を 過ごしたふたり
けれどふいに 同じ歌を
口ずさむ奇蹟かさね 同じ夢を今は見る

かすかな 未来だけど
僕らに 似合うといいけど

微熱(ねつ)もないのに 頬が熱い
すべての風 僕は感じる
きみの哀しみ 拭えるほど
そばにいるよ 離れたくない
コノヨノシルシ

目の前 不思議そうに
微笑む 君と僕は・・・

地図もないのに めぐり逢えた
それは愛と そっと信じたい
涙に届く 距離にいるよ
僕に君は かけがえのない
コノヨノシルシ

地図もないのに たどりついた
そこに花と 君が揺れてた
特別じゃない 恋だけれど
僕に君は かけがえのない
コノヨノシルシ

AGGRESSIVE (The Greatest Ver.)

LET'S SAY I LOVE YOU IT'S SO EASY

SAYONARA…愛する君 振り向かないわ
そばにいて伝うEMOTION 感じなきゃお手上げ

輝く光に揺れながら 生まれ変わる

愛があればSO EASY 悔やまず生きるStyle
ホントにめぐり逢う人の 胸暖かいでしょう
愛があればSO EASY

始まりは今日かもね 擦り抜けた人波
誰でも ひとつ位 抱える涙あるね

ビルの空浮かぶ笑顔に くちづけを

愛し合えばNOT LONELY 未来に贈るSMILE
きっと出逢えるそう君と 向き合えた日あるから
愛し合えばNOT LONELY

愛があればすべてを 乗り越えられる
生きることは誰かと 歩き続けること

愛があればSO EASY 悔やまず生きるStyle
伝え合う熱がきっと 心結びつける

愛し合えばNOT LONELY 未来に贈るSMILE
きっと出逢えるそう君と 向き合えた日あるから

愛があればSO EASY

Sweet Impact (The Greatest Ver.)

what you feel, what you see, 耀いてる あなたの愛 触れたとき
Lady Love 目覚め 私は今 生まれ変わる

寂しくなんかないって 強がって意地を張って
誰も見ていない場所で SO 涙流していたけど
溢れ出すこの想いを あなたに伝えたとき
柔らかな風吹き抜けて この感情を揺さぶった

胸の奥 浸透してゆく
Inspired my love

what you feel, what you see, 衝撃的 あなたの愛 包まれて
Lady Love 目覚め 私は今 生まれ変わる
ときをとめて want you feel everything こんな風にいつまでも
あなたと過ごせるように輝いていたい

Fall in with you baby...

逢いたい気持ち募(つの)って ユメノトビラ 開けたら
心“Fly High” 騒ぎだして SO 眩しい笑顔見つけたよ

あなたがそう、教えてくれたの
Inspired my love

tell me what, tell me 'bout..., 伝説的 この感覚 守りたい
Lady Love 素敵な夢 私だけに見せて
大好きだと思う気持ちがとめどなく あふれ出し
切ないくらい 愛しさが私を包む

Fall in with you baby...

what you feel, what you see, 衝撃的 あなたの愛 包まれて
Lady Love 目覚め 私は今 生まれ変わる
ときをとめて want you feel everything こんな風にいつまでも
あなたと過ごせるように輝いていたい

Fall in with you baby...

what you feel, what you see,

tell me what, tell me 'bout...

Every Heart -ミンナノキモチ/Minnanokimochi- (The Greatest Ver.)

いくつ 涙を流したら
Every Heart 素直になれるだろう
誰に 想いを伝えたら
Every Heart 心満たされるのだろう

長い長い夜に
怯えていた遠い星に 祈ってた

めぐるめぐる時の中で
僕たちは 愛を探している
強く強くなりたいから
今日も 高い空 見上げている

どんな 笑顔に出逢えたら
Every Heart 夢に踏み出せるの
人は 悲しみの向こうに
Every Heart 幸せ浮かべて眠る

いつかいつか
すべての魂がやすらかになれるように

めぐるめぐる時の中で
僕達は 生きて何かを知る
ときに笑い 少し泣いて
今日も また歩き続けて行く

幼い記憶の片隅に
あたたかな場所がある so sweet
星たちが話す未来は
いつも輝いていた so shine

めぐるめぐる時の中で
僕たちは 愛を探している
強く強くなりたいから
今日も 高い空 見上げている

めぐるめぐる時の中で
僕達は 生きて何かを知る
ときに笑い 少し泣いて
今日もまた 歩き続けて行く

LISTEN TO MY HEART (The Greatest Ver.)

Woe Baby 何を見てるの?
向かい風 その向こうに
どんな未来画を 瞳細め 描くの?

Oh Baby 淋しい夜には
飽きる程 電話した
だけど ホントの 淋しさって 消えない・・・・

(never say ever say never ever say)
Woe 時を 越えるたび 気づくね
(every night every night never ever say)
心は 果てしなくて

Listen to my heart
Looking for your dream
求めるその場所は 自由なの? 孤独なの?
私はそばにいる?

Listen to my heart
Looking for your dream
止まない風の中 たどり着く 輝きを
信じてる

Woe Baby やっぱり思うの
後悔だけはしたくない
ありふれた想い 君にだけつぶやくよ

Oh Baby 愛なんて言葉
重過ぎて 言えないけど
みつめていたい みつめられていたいよ

(never say ever say never ever say)
Woe もしも 違う明日が来ても
(every night every night never ever say)
忘れない その瞳

Listen to my heart
Looking for your dream
どれくらい歩けば めぐり逢う? 満たされる?
優しくなれるだろう

Listen to my heart
Looking for your dream
この街の何処かに あたたかい風が吹く
場所がある

(never say ever say never ever say)
Woe 時を 越えるたび 気づくね
(every night every night never ever say)
心は 果てしなくて

Listen to my heart
Looking for your dream
求めるその場所は 自由なの? 孤独なの?
私はそばにいる?

Listen to my heart
Looking for your dream
止まない風の中 たどり着く 輝きを
信じてる

DO THE MOTION (The Greatest Ver.)

「愛し合う」っていいんじゃない シビレちゃうよな響きね
会いたい想いの次の BEAT どんな想い待ってるの?

ちょっと待ってください OH BABY 意味深な求愛
LOOK AT ME こみ上げる恋こそ まさに麗しき天然

戸惑う乙女の純情 君が手招く波音
気づいてる もう LOVE HAS BEGUN 幕は今上がるの

「愛し合う」っていいんじゃない シビレちゃうよな響きね
会いたい想いの次の BEAT どんな想い待ってるの?

バラ色の未来 DREAM&LOVE 叶うなら最高
ALL I DO 恋の歌そして DANCE 踊り 唄いましょう1000年

雲は虹色ヴィーナス 本気ですかと囁く
ごめんね涙が出ちゃう ドラマチックな黄昏

泣いてみても素敵じゃない 君と夢を見れるなら
切ないねってそれは まだまだ先のお話

むかしむかし… 今も 願うは 麗しの SOUL

戸惑う乙女の純情 君が手招く波音
気づいてる もう LOVE HAS BEGUN 幕は今上がるの

「愛し合う」っていいんじゃない シビレちゃうよな響きね
会いたい想いの次の BEAT どんな想い待ってるの?

泣いてみても素敵じゃない 君と夢を見れるなら
切ないねってそれは まだまだ先のお話

LOVE LETTER (The Greatest Ver.)

愛し合って 伝え合って もっとそばで 感じたいの
LOVE LETTER FROM MY HEART
LOVE LETTER FOR YOUR SMILE
打ち明けたい この想いを

誰のせいでもないのにねぇ いつか怖くなって
言いたい気持ち唇で カクレンボなONE-SIDED LOVE
灯り始める街明り 「好き」とMailにして
ピカピカの 光に乗せ 君に届けたいのに

愛し合って 伝え合って もっとそばで 感じたいの
LOVE LETTER FROM MY HEART
LOVE LETTER FOR YOUR SMILE
打ち明けたい この想いを

きっといつでも幸せな わけなんてないけど
やっぱり大好きな人と 幸せになりたいの
確信しなきゃ踏み出せない 自分がもどかしい
気づいたの 出逢いだけじゃ 心仕舞えないこと

誕生日は 乾杯して 同じ景色 焼き付けたい
愛したなら 愛されたい
輝く街 勇気下さい

I LOVE YOU 君に 伝えたなら
ワタシキット カワレルハズ・・・

愛し合って 伝え合って もっとそばで 感じたいの
LOVE LETTER FROM MY HEART
LOVE LETTER FOR YOUR SMILE
打ち明けたい この想いを

誕生日は 乾杯して 同じ景色 焼き付けたい
愛したなら 愛されたい
輝く街 勇気下さい

QUINCY (The Greatest Ver.)

きみがわたしのこと
サイコーにしてくれる Baby
それは自覚してた
でも 認めるの ためらってた

無視するなんて もう限界

It's a crazy crazy love
赤裸な Naked love
恋が ふたりに舞い降りる
It's a crazy crazy love love

やさしい子もいるよ
頼れるトモダチも Baby
でも 悦びを
くれるのはネ きみだけ

予感は Change my world 叫んでる

It's a crazy crazy love
きみの前では
誰も似てない子になれる
It's a crazy crazy love love

世界中で きみひとりが
Boy boy boy my boy
Oh, lock on me
この情熱の 目撃者

It's a crazy crazy love
You're the one I'm feelin' for
恋が ふたりに舞い降りる

It's a crazy crazy love
波打つ Make it love
きみは自分で思うより
ずっと sexy sexy boy boy

Crazy crazy love
赤裸な Naked love
時間よとまれ このキスで
It's a crazy crazy love love

It's a crazy crazy love love
It's a crazy crazy love love

My Dear

今日も いつも通り
Helloって 朝が来たら
Make up 微笑む Mirror


昨日 泣いた理由は
Someday 忘れられる
そうやってきた My history


瞳に映った 私はきっと
強いヒトでしょう キレイなんでしょう


これからもずっと このままずっと
そんな私が嫌いじゃない


Baby でもあなただけは
知っていてほしい
このココロの本当を
特別だよ My dear


ただあなただけは
そばにいてほしい
どんな時も いつまでも
愛を込めて My dear My dear


何度 転んだって
毎回 どうにか立って
My heart 相当タフね


脱いだ デニムの下
Something 消えない証拠
そうやって乗り越えていく Days yeah-


誰かに放った 笑顔がきっと
明日を輝かせるから


Baby でもあなただけは
知っていてほしい
ありのままの素顔ごと
抱きしめてね My dear


ただあなただけに
ココロ許して良い
世界中で 一人だけ
愛を込めて My dear
My dear…


夜が明けたなら
何度でも開ける Door
And I will go on


あなたが居たから
ここまで来れたの
I know you’re the only one hey


Baby でもあなただけは
知っていてほしい
このココロの本当を
特別だよ My dear


ただあなただけは
そばにいてほしい
どんな時も いつまでも
愛を込めて My dear
My dear
そばにいてほしい


My dear My dear
世界中で 一人だけ
愛を込めて My dear


Saturday, May 28, 2022

The Greatest Live Info

『BoA 20th Anniversary Special Live - The Greatest-』
29 May 2022 at Yoyogi National Stadium First Gymnasium

Tickets

The Greatest Seat 26,000 yen (with penlight)
Seats in front, bundled with 
- 20th Anniversary Album「The Greatest」LP+CD
- Take out bag
- Album cover badge collection
- Postcard
Pic from @ark_wave1441


Normal Seat 12,000 yen (with penlight)

*age under 20: 8,000 yen

Sitting Seat 12,000 yen (with penlight)

1F stand

Upper Seat 5,500 yen (with penlight)

2F stand


Goods


Oversize T-Shirt(M/L) 3,800yen
Muffler Towel 2,300yen
CAP ni yarareta 3,900 yen
Wireless Mobile Charger 4,400yen
Neck Strap 1,500 yen
Acrylic Multi Stand 1,800yen
Fan 800yen
Nanairo no Boro -MACARON ET CHOCOLAT- 1,900yen

Penlight (same as in ticket bundle) also separately sold for 1,200 yen

SMT BUS

Free Original Photocard with every menu

Menu 
  • ONE SHOT Americano
  • TWO SHOT Café Latte (wonder if it's really 2 shots)
  • LISTEN TO MY HEART (heart-shaped pretzel)
  • DOUBLE TAKE IT! (whip cream & custard cream so double cream)

SMT BUS snack box comes with umbrella marker!



Venue Map


Lottery

Every 1,000 yen purchase of 「GOODS」「SMT BUS」「CD/DVD/Blu-ray」, get a chance to win

A Prize:Meet & Greet 20 prizes
B Prize:Signed Poster 20 prizes

Bonus

[Special Postcard] for fans who have Message Cards from both FILM LIVE BoA the Live Edition and FILM LIVE Tour Edition

Special Postcard is this picture without the tour logo



[Original Sticker Sheet (Concert Venue Limited Version)] for fans who purchase [CD/DVD/Blu-Ray] 3,000 yen or more

(Size:210mm×297mm)

Set List

01. AGGRESSIVE -The Greatest Ver.-
02. Rock With You
03. 抱きしめる
04. Shine We Are!
05. 七色の明日 ~brand new beat~
06. Sweet Impact
07. LOVE LETTER -The Greatest Ver.-
08. Every Heart -ミンナノキモチ-
09. コノヨノシルシ -The Greatest Ver.-
10. DO THE MOTION -The Greatest Ver.-
11. make a secret -The Greatest Ver.-
12. BUMP BUMP! feat.VERBALm-flo
13. UNIVERSE feat.Crystal Kay & VERBAL(m-flo)
14. Shout It Out
15. LISTEN TO MY HEART
16. LOSE YOUR MIND
17. Only One
18. NO.1~Double~ID; Peace B~Lookbook~奇蹟~気持ちはつたわる~Amazing Kiss
19. MASAYUME CHASING
20. VALENTI
<Encore>
21. The Greatest
22. キミのとなりで
23. QUINCY
<Double Encore>
24. LONG TIME NO SEE











The Greatest Promotion

Self cover project

digital releases of 10 self cover songs for 10 consecutive weeks leading up to album release

Tie in

[The Greatest]: NTV Morning News TV Program "Sukkiri" Theme Song for the month of June

Truck Ad

2 Trucks running around Shibuya


Board, Flag

Around Shibuya Station

■5/23(月)~5/29(日) 京王井の頭線渋谷駅改札内フラッグ・柱 ■5/23(月)~5/31(火) バスケットボールストリート(渋谷センター街)フラッグ

Around Shibuya and Shinjuku


Tuesday, May 17, 2022

The Greatest Album Info

BoA 20th Anniversary Album『The Greatest』2022.05.30 Release


LP+CD <The Greatest Seat Version>

Only available as part of 『BoA 20th Anniversary Special Live - The Greatest-』<The Greatest Seat Ticket Bundle>

AVZ1-79835/B

LP Tracklist
○The Greatest
○My Dear
○The Greatest (Instrumental)
○My Dear (Instrumental)

CD Tracklist
○The Greatest
○抱きしめる -The Greatest Ver.- (dakishimeru)
○make a secret -The Greatest Ver.-
○コノヨノシルシ -The Greatest Ver.- (konoyonoshirushi)
○AGGRESSIVE -The Greatest Ver.-
○Sweet Impact -The Greatest Ver.-
○Every Heart -ミンナノキモチ- -The Greatest Ver.-
○LISTEN TO MY HEART -The Greatest Ver.-
○DO THE MOTION -The Greatest Ver.-
○LOVE LETTER -The Greatest Ver.-
○QUINCY -The Greatest Ver.-
○My Dear

CD ONLY <First Press Edition>

Double Face Sleeve, 12 Changing Jacket Card (Tall case size)
5500 yen (tax included)
AVCK-79833


CD ONLY <Standard Edition>

3080 yen (tax included)
AVCK-79834



SOUL Shop Purchase Bonus

Clear File (A4 size)



Other Shop Purchase Bonus

Original Sticker Sheet (size: 148mm x 210mm)

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

『BoA 20th Anniversary FILM LIVE ~BoA THE LIVE EDITION~ and ~TOUR EDITION~』


『BoA 20th Anniversary FILM LIVE ~BoA THE LIVE EDITION~』




【日程・会場】
■2021年12月19日(日)大阪:エルシアター
 昼公演 開場13:15 / 開演14:00
 夜公演 開場17:15 / 開演18:00

■2021年12月24日(金)東京:山野ホール
 昼公演 開場13:15 / 開演14:00
 夜公演 開場17:15 / 開演18:00

【チケット料金】
全席指定:4,000円(税込)



・Tシャツ(M/L) 3,800円(税込)
・マフラー 3,300円(税込)
・キーリング 2,000円(税込)
・ステンレスサーモタンブラー 2,800円(税込)

『BoA 20th Anniversary FILM LIVE ~TOUR EDITION~』


【日程・会場】
■2022年2月12日(土)神奈川:相模女子大学グリーンホール
昼公演 開場13:15 / 開演14:00
夜公演 開場17:15 / 開演18:00

■2022年2月26日(土)愛知:名古屋市芸術創造センター
昼公演 開場13:15 / 開演14:00
夜公演 開場17:15 / 開演18:00

■2022年2月27日(日)大阪:エルシアター
昼公演 開場13:15 / 開演14:00
夜公演 開場17:15 / 開演18:00

■2022年3月5日(土)福岡:福岡国際会議場メインホール
昼公演 開場13:15 / 開演14:00
夜公演 開場17:15 / 開演18:00

■2022年3月13日(日)東京:北とぴあ さくらホール
昼公演 開場13:15 / 開演14:00
夜公演 開場17:15 / 開演18:00


【チケット料金】
全席指定:4,000円(税込)



・プルオーバーフーディ(M/L) 9,200円(税込)
・トートバッグ 3,600円(税込)
・カードケース付きスマホリング(3種ランダム) 1,200円(税込)
・トライアングルミニポーチ 1,600円(税込)


Saturday, January 1, 2022

『SMTOWN 2022 – SMCU EXPRESS』

『SMTOWN LIVE 2022 - SMCU EXPRESS@KWANGYA』

Free Online Concert on 2022.01.01

BoA Setlist

1. WOMAN

2. Only One

3. Step Back (GOT The Beat)

4. Better


Album release on 2021.12.27

Exhibition on 2021.12.30 at SM Korea Office 1F


『SMT BUS x SMTOWN LIVE 2022 「The PLACE」』

2021.12.27
✓ 渋谷モディ1FプラザにてSMT BUS(FOOD TRUCK)を通じて各アーティストのFOODを展開!
✓ 渋谷モディ1FカレンダリウムではMD・エアくじを販売!
✓ 「SMTOWN LIVE 2022 – SMCU EXPRESS@KWANGYA」と絡んだ店内装飾やサイネージなど
ファンの皆さんにとっては見どころ満載のイベント!



















https://smtown.jp/news/13275/





Friday, November 5, 2021

A long interview with BoA celebrating her 20th anniversary Japan debut

(* ........) are my own comments

 ——May 30, 2001, you made your debut in Japan at the young age of 14. Do you remember when you decided to make your debut in Japan?
BoA: It was a casual feeling, "Oh, I'm going now?"
Because I was young, I didn't feel that japan debut or going abroad was such a serious thing.
Now, for example, if I was told "You're going to America", I would feel pressured and start worrying.
At that time, my thought was simple.

——Did you feel happy like “wow I did it!”?
BoA: Rather than being happy, I couldn't speak Japanese like I do now, so I worried about the language.
I had been studying Japanese up until then, but after that I urgently increased the class time.

——What was your impression of Japan at that time?
BoA: I thought Japan was a flashy place. There're places that you can't often see overseas, such as the scrambled intersection in Shibuya. Also, the appearance of the youngsters back then, everybody had black skin and blonde hair like Yamanba Gal and Ganguro.
I thought, "I might be too white ..." (laughs).

——What was the hardest part of your activities when you started working in both Japan and South Korea?
BoA: It's the airplane trips. I'm grateful that there was no time difference, but I had to fly out on the first flight in the morning and fly back on the last flight. It was tiring because even though the distance was short but the number of flights I took was a lot.

——When did you feel the difference in culture between Japan and South Korea?
BoA: What surprised me most was touring the CD shops (* for promotion). I did it for the first time in Japan.
At that time, I went to Tower Records, HMV, TSUTAYA, etc. and thought the places were so big.
Also, the rental shop was new experience for me. There was no such store in Korea.

——How was song recording in Japanese when you first made your debut?
BoA: At first, it was difficult to pronounce Japanese Ta and Za lines. (* namely the ta, chi, tsu, te, to, za, zu, ze, zo sounds)

——How did you remember the Japanese lyrics?
BoA: First, I write in Hangul and remember the contents. I've been able to read hiragana and katakana since that time, so I only asked them to add furigana (* small characters added to guide pronunciation) ​​to the kanji (* chinese characters in jpn language).
I would sing while reading it. Also, the small Japanese "tsu" may or may not be stretched depending on the song, so it was difficult at first.

——Now you can read kanji. It's easier to understand the meaning if it's written in kanji, isn't it? (* as opposed to writing in only hiragana/katakana)
BoA: That's right. In some cases, Kanji's are easier to read.
If only written in hiragana, it may be difficult to understand where to cut the sentence.
However, even now, I still have my staff add furigana ​​for me (laughs).

——By the way, what was the first Japanese you learned when you made your debut?
BoA: "Mr. Tanaka, where is your business trip destination?" (Laughs).
The names that appear most in the text are Mr. Tanaka for Japanese, and Mr. Kim for Korean. It's also the name of my staff. I learned Business Japanese first. Words like "Business trip", "Meeting", "Please take the call".

—— “otsukaresamadesu (Thank you for your hard work)”?
BoA: That's right. "Thank you for your hard work. Today's meeting was wonderful" (laughs).

——What a sentence for a 14-year old (laughs)!
BoA: But that was good. All the people I'd meet in Japan at work would be older, so they taught me formal Japanese, not casual Japanese. Even during interviews, people would praise me that my Japanese is proper.

——In 2003, you held the first tour “BoA FIRST LIVE TOUR 2003 ~ VALENTI ~”. The final performance was at a large venue called Yoyogi National Stadium Daiichi Gymnasium. Do you remember that time?
BoA: Actually, I don't remember much. It was my first tour, all in Japanese, and I was doing my best to perform, so I couldn't remember the sight in front of me. Which is sad. Whenever I see the video footage, I'd regret "Wow, it's amazing. Why don't you remember this?"

——Are there any songs that left an impression on you in your music activities in Japan?
BoA: "LISTEN TO MY HEART". It was the first song to be ranked in the top of the Oricon chart (5th), so I was surprised and very happy. Also, what I really think about these days is "Meri Kuri". It's been over 15 years ago, but I'm grateful to hear that it still plays in the city in winter.

——What kind of song is “Meri Kuri” to you?
BoA: It's a song that I like from the start, a beautiful song with nice lyrics. I'm very happy that everyone loved it and listened to it for such a long time. It's a Japanese song sung by a foreign singer that became a classic winter song in Japan. As a singer, I'm proud that my song is played in the streets during the season in a country where I wasn't even born in.

——Looking back, you often cry at live performances of “Meri Kuri”.
BoA: The melody is bright but painful. Especially because of its positivity, there is a sadness that touches our hearts. Rather than sad tears, it's more like happy agony, so I'm moved to the point of tears when I sing it.

——You cried during “Meri Kuri” at the encore of the 10th anniversary live “BoA THE LIVE 2011“ X'mas ”~ The 10th Anniversary Edition”. After that, when you re-sung for the DVD, you were also crying.
BoA: The first time I cried, thinking "I'm so happy. I'm never gonna be this happy again." and in the end I couldn't sing.
Then the staff told me to sing again for DVD footage. The second time I cried was tears of frustration (laughs).

——Are there any JP music videos that left a strong impression on you?
BoA: It's "Meri Kuri". People see the snow that falls in the MV and they'd ask "It's CG, right?", but actually it's real snow.
It was the first snow of Tomamu (* MV location) that year, and it suddenly started to fall like a miracle. The MV itself is beautiful and memorable.
The morning after the shooting, the scenery seen from my room's window was really beautiful.
White snow with no footprints that no one has stepped on yet. I still remember that landscape to this day.

——There are many music videos shot overseas, but do you have any particular location you remember?
BoA: I remember "KEY OF HEART" in the sense that I had a hard time.
We shot it in Los Angeles, but it's really hard to dance in those heel boots in the desert. My knees hurt so bad (laughs).
I remember how hard it was to film whenever I see the MV (laughs).

——So, are there any albums that left a special impression on you?
BoA: Each album has its own memories, from the first album "LISTEN TO MY HEART" to the latest "Watashi konomamade iinokana".

——The 7th album “IDENTITY” released in 2010 in which you wrote 6 songs / composed 4 songs, seems like it became a foothold for your self-produced career after that.
BoA: I remember that "IDENTITY" was the most difficult to produce due to various challenges.
I myself wasn't used to creating songs yet at the time, so I felt like I was learning how to write and compose songs while working on it.

——After the 10th anniversary, you have more opportunities to write and compose your own songs, including “Only One”. Please tell us what you are conscious of when writing songs.
BoA: I think the staff can create both the tune and lyrics in the style that people want BoA to sing.
That's why, when it comes to the songs I write, I try to write the tune and messages that I want to do and convey.
There is a gap between the two, but I put the highest priority on it. (* I think she meant she tried to balance both styles)

——What do you pay most attention to when writing lyrics?
BoA: It's a story flow. I want everyone to listen to the song and can relate to his/her own experiences.

——BoA has sung many songs with Korean and Japanese versions, including “Only One”. What is the difference between Korean lyrics and Japanese lyrics?
BoA: I think there is a difference in expression. Sometimes I think it's a cultural difference. Korean lyrics are more straightforward. Japanese lyrics tend to convey in a roundabout way using metaphors.

——When do you usually get the words and melody when you work on a song?
BoA: I'm not the type that have ideas all the times. I'm the type that turns to desk and work only when it comes to "Deadline! No way! I can't make it in time!"  (laughs).

——What time do you write songs?
BoA: Basically, I don't do it at night. If I decide that today is the day to work, I'd start in the morning and work until 9 or 10 pm. For the latest Korean album "BETTER" released last year, I wrote 4 songs / composed 3 songs. I worked on it from around noon to evening. I work when everyone works and play when everyone plays. That's how I concentrate on work.
 
——The live series “BoA THE LIVE” that started in 2006 has been branded and has become synonymous with BoA. What does live mean to BoA?
BoA: Recently, my passion for live performances has become very strong. Especially in the last two years, I haven't been able to perform live at all due to the corona, so I've come to realize how important live concerts are. It's the only place where fans and I can spend the same time in the same place. I used to think that live performances were part of my work, so it was common to hold concerts.
But now things are no longer the norm. I thought that I should cherish live concerts more and more from now on.

——What do you take great care of when you do concerts?
BoA: The quality of the set list. I think that will lead to the quality of the concert itself.
If I look at the setlist and find it boring, honestly, I think the fans will find it boring as well.

——Has the way you create setlists changed?
BoA: Before, I didn't really like singing old songs. However, when I go to concerts by other artists, I sometimes wonder "Why!?" if they don't sing the hit songs I wanted to hear (laughs).
I'm sure that all the fans who come to my concert feel the same way too, so I try to put old songs that I didn't sing much in the set list.

——What do you want to express and challenge for BoA, who is celebrating 20th anniversary?
BoA: Recently, I'm a judge for a program called "STREET WOMAN FIGHTER" in Korea. It's a program in which female dancers compete by dancing, and it has had a very positive influence on me regarding dance. So I want to put out a dance song. I would like to try a dance-focused song with a heavy beat to go with a cool dance.
 
——How did you spend your time during your stay at home due to Corona?
BoA: I cooked and ate at home. I couldn't go to Japan, so I cooked and ate Japanese food.
I like soba, so I boiled soba, bought soup, wasabi, grated radish and ate it. Also, last year I did more running outside. There are parks on both sides of the Han River in South Korea, and I ran nearly 10 kilometers every day. But I ran too much and lost a lot of weight last year. It's not good to be too thin, so I'm trying to gain weight this year.

——Are there any music-related changes?
BoA: I naturally have untact (* it's a made-up word in Korea. un+contact) lifestyle, so I don't have a hard time not being able to meet people.
I've always worn masks to care for my throat, so I don't feel inconvenienced, but the stress of not being able to go abroad or meeting my fans has made many of my songs quite dark. Naturally, that kind of influence is reflected in the songwriting, and the lyrics are getting darker.

——What kind of changes do you feel in music production and recording?
BoA: When I recorded remotely, it felt strange as if I became an avatar. However, I think that we will get used to working this way from now on, or should I say that eventually, the era where remote recording will be the norm is coming.

——It is becoming common to make music by sending data back and forth.
BoA: Online recording has a strange feeling different from just sending data.
When I think that someone in Japan is watching and listening to the song I'm singing right now, it feels like I'm being peeped. (* she meant mondo grosso? LOL)
Like now we're conducting interview remotely and people can see it from any country.(* You're wrong BoA. We don't see anything but text and a couple of photos.) It's a little scary and feel a little odd. I think I have to get used to it, but if possible I would like to go to Japan and record directly in the studio.

——How has your attitude toward music changed over the last 20 years?
BoA: In the past, I used to get songs from lyricists and composers and sing songs that the staff would choose, but now even though I'm not at the level of producer, but it's an environment where I can express my own opinions. I feel like we're making it together from scratch.

——The environment surrounding music has changed significantly in the last 20 years, with the means of listening to music changing from CDs to streaming/digital distribution. What are your thoughts on that point?
BoA: I feel a little lonely or sad after changing from CD to digital distribution.
I have experience with both analog and digital, and CD albums were precious in the past. It was meaningful to buy an album and listen to it while reading the lyrics card. Instead, with the increase in digital music, music has become instant, and I feel that each song is getting more casual.
On the other hand, the good thing about digital is that you can challenge various kind of songs and release them immediately, so you have more opportunities to try new things and have an adventure. Another advantage is that you can easily listen to songs released in any country.

——You have been unable to come to Japan for a long time. What do you want to do when you come to Japan?
BoA: I want to go eat abura soba! That is the highest priority (laughs). Of course, I also want to do live concert in front of the fans!

——The new song “My Dear” to be released on November 5th is the first release in about a year. How did you feel when you listened to the song?
BoA: I thought it was a simple and easy-to-listen sound. But since the main synth has unique characteristic, I think it's a song that will remain in your ears.

——What does “My Dear” in the lyrics mean?
BoA: All the fans who have supported me so far.
This song is my message song to all the fans. If I could hold a live concert, I would have released a performance-centric song because it was the 20th anniversary. But as things are, I think we still spend a lot of time at home, so I released a song that everyone can listen to comfortably at home. I thought that everyone could be healed listening to it, so I decided to release this song.

——The lyrics include words that are reminiscent of BoA's past songs.
BoA: "Denim", "Only One", "dakishimete", and so on, I think fans will notice. Also, I think that my personality, which only fans know, is expressed in the lyrics. I think they would laugh while listen. (* wrong! we cried!)

——What is your favorite phrase in the lyrics of “My Dear”?
BoA: The chorus. 'I look strong, but I'm not, but even so, pls stay by my side.'
It's a fairly straightforward phrase, and I really think it's so me. When you hear "BoA", many people may think of a strong person who dance powerfully but actually she is not so strong, just a woman who tried hard to live (laughs).
I was happy that I was properly expressed in the lyrics.

—— “My Dear” was the first birthday release in a 20-year career.
BoA: I'm happy and I think it was a meaningful release. But I don't really care about that kind of thing... I'm sorry I couldn't make a nice comment. I'm not such a romantic person (laughs).

——Finally, do you have a message for Japanese fans?
BoA: Thank you for supporting me on the 20th anniversary. I don't really feel like an anniversary year because I can't do much because of the corona, but this is not the end of my activities. This is just a passing point and I will continue to do my best in the future, so please support me! 
Let's overcome the corona wreck and meet again in Japan in good spirits! I want to go to Japan soon!

translated from: https://avex.jp/boa/news/detail.php?id=1095403 with Google's help