Tokyo Kirigirisu

Tokyo Kirigirisu
CD cover
Single by Maeda Yuki from the album Maeda Yuki Zenkyoku Shuu ~Kenchana~
Native title	東京きりぎりす
Released	July 16, 2003
Genre	Enka
Format	CD, miniCD, cassette tape, digital download
Length	15:46
Label	zetima
Maeda Yuki Singles Chronology
Previous	Tokyo, Yoimachigusa. 3rd single (2002)
Next	Sarasara no Kawa 5th single (2004)
Other Covers
miniCD cover Cassette cover

Tokyo Kirigirisu (東京きりぎりす; Tokyo Grasshoppers) is Maeda Yuki's fourth single. It was released on July 16, 2003 in three different formats (12 cm CD, 8 cm CD and on cassette). This is her last single release in the 8 cm format, and her first one on the record label Zetima (her previous work was released under the Teichiku Label).

The single was promoted really well, with many special meet and greet events. It was also released in three different formats, as well as promoted in a unique way: If you attended a special store (listed on the web site), you’d get a uchiwa (a fan).

TracklistEdit

1. Tokyo Kirigirisu
2. Kaeri Sobireta Furusato wa (帰りそびれた故郷は; My Hometown That It Is Too Late for Me to Return to)
3. Tokyo Kirigirisu (Original Karaoke)
4. Kaeri Sobireta Furusato wa (Original Karaoke)

Concert PerformancesEdit

1. Tokyo Kirigirisu
   • Hello! Project 2003 Natsu ~Yossha! Bikkuri Summer!!~

Single InformationEdit

Tokyo Kirigirisu

• Lyrics: Saitou Daizo
• Composition: Tao Shoumi
• Arrangement: Ryuzaki Kouji, Kanazawa Shigenori

Kaeri Sobireta Furusato wa

• Lyrics: Ueda Momiji
• Composition: Tao Shoumi
• Arrangement: Ryuzaki Kouji

Oricon Chart PositionsEdit

Total Reported Sales: 1,661

InterviewEdit

Yuki Maeda said in an interview in 2003:

Q = Interviewer / A = Yuki Maeda

Q: Your 4 single “Tokyo Kirigirisu” (Tokyo Grasshopper) was released on July 16 . Your second single was “Tokyo You-Turn” (Tokyo, U-turn), Third one was “Tokyo Yoimachigusa”, And the next single was also titled with “Tokyo”… (lol)

A: Yes, I was quite surprised too. I was jokingly saying,“What? Tokyo, again?” (lol). It’s a coincidence, really.

Q: The first song, which was released after changing your record company, was called “Tokyo Kirigirisu”. I noticed you also released your shuffle unit’s single around the same time.

A: That’s right. It was a multi-taking process, and looking back, my schedule was really hectic. Looking back though, I’m really glad I was able to challenge new projects and spend very meaningful days.

Q: Speaking of different, I noticed “Tokyo Kirigirisu” had a different arrangement from previous songs. A: That’s right. It was upbeat, and had a dance routine as well. I remember my fans were dancing with me.

Q: I think it is rare for enka to see the fans dancing with the performer.

A: I agree. I think I am lucky enough to be able to possess the strength of both worlds from enka and Hello! Project.

Q: What is your opinion on “Tokyo Kirigirisu”?

A: As a first song after switching to a new record company, I felt like I could start fresh again. I really felt like I could try my best at a new company, and I was thinking like that while singing “Tokyo Kirigirisu”.

Q: Lyrics are very philosophical. It’s about the deep meaning of life.

A: That’s right. Specially the parts, “Jinsei wa / Satou de tsutsumu budoutsubu / amaku suppai mononanosa” (Life is /like a sugar-coated grape/ it’s sweet and sour). Of course, I am part of the lyrics and we can all relate to a character from the song, so I sang as if I was dedicating the song to my listeners. I was hoping the song leaves some kind of feeling inside each and every one of the people who listen to it. I hope people from a wide range of age groups will have the opportunity to listen to it. There is a very interesting dance move, so I would like as many people so sing it at karaoke places along with the dance move.

External LinksEdit

• Discography: Hello! Project (archived), UP-FRONT WORKS (miniCD, cassette), UP-FRONT WORKS (CD)
• Wikipedia: Japanese
• Lyrics: Tokyo Kirigirisu