Applause -Kassai- / Naomi Chiaki

Song Introduction (Kassai)

Song Title: Kassai (Title Meaning: Applause)
Artist: Naomi Chiaki
Lyricist: Ō Yoshida
Composer: Taishi Nakamura
Arranger: Hiroshi Takada
Label: Nippon Columbia
Overview:

Released on September 10, 1972, as her 13th single, this song won the 14th Japan Record Award in the same year.

Article Sources:
Naomi Chiaki – Wikipedia
Kassai (Naomi Chiaki’s Song) – Wikipedia

About the Song

“Kassai” is Chiaki Naomi’s 13th single, released on September 10, 1972, and stands as a cornerstone of her career. This song achieved an unprecedented feat by winning the 14th Japan Record Award a mere three months after its release.

The lyrics paint a poignant portrait of a female singer grappling with grief after receiving news of a loved one’s passing, yet persevering to perform love songs onstage. The song is deeply personal to Chiaki Naomi, who once confided, “I don’t want to sing this song,” reflecting its profound emotional impact.

“Kassai” was marketed as a “private novel” by Chiaki Naomi, inviting listeners to connect with her personal experiences. However, the truth emerged that the lyricist, Ō Yoshida, was unaware of her personal history when writing the lyrics. This serendipitous alignment between the lyrics and Chiaki’s life made for a powerful promotional strategy.

Chiaki Naomi’s soulful vocals and expressive delivery elevate “Kassai” to a masterpiece that continues to resonate with listeners. Her voice evokes a profound emotional response, solidifying its place as a timeless classic. The narrative unfolds as the female singer receives a telegram while in the midst of a performance.

いつものように　幕が開き
恋の歌　うたう私に
届いた報せは　黒いふちどりがありました

あれは三年前　止めるあなた駅に残し
動き始めた汽車に　ひとり飛び乗った

ひなびた町の　昼下がり
教会の前にたたずみ
喪服の私は　祈る言葉さえ失くしてた

喝采/ ちあきなおみより

Translation (Unformal)
The curtain ascended as always,
As I poured my heart out in a love song,
A mournful missive arrived.

Three years past, I’d left you at the station,
Boarding a departing train, alone.

In the quiet afternoon of a small town,
I stood before a church, clad in black,
My prayers faltering on my lips.

From “Applause / Naomi Chiaki”

英語訳の提案
オプション1：直訳に近い表現

This song depicts a heart-wrenching, sorrowful story, and her poignant, penetrating vocals bring tears to the listener’s eyes. She retired from her singing career after the death of her beloved husband. I believe this song is a masterpiece that perfectly captures her life.

オプション2：より詩的な表現

This song weaves a tale of profound sorrow and loss, and her haunting vocals evoke tears from the listener. She retired from the music industry following the tragic passing of her husband. This song is, in my opinion, a masterpiece that encapsulates her life.

Song Video

Artist Introduction (Naomi Chiaki)

Artist: Naomi Chiaki
Real Name: Mieko Segawa
Birthday: September 17, 1947
Place of Birth: Tokyo, Japan
Official Websites:
Nippon Columbia
TEICHIKU RECORDS

Artist Introduction (Naomi Chiaki)

Naomi Chiaki is a former Japanese singer and actress, known for her unique voice and expressive singing, which allowed her to perform a wide range of musical genres.
In particular, her 1972 single “Kassai” was a major hit and won the 14th Japan Record Award.

Her signature songs, such as “Kassai”, “Gekijou”, and “Yakan Hikou”, were known for their dramatic lyrics and storytelling, earning her music the label “dramatic kayō” (dramatic ballads).

Chiaki had a close relationship with music from an early age.
By the age of 4, she had already begun performing, singing jazz at U.S. military camps. She made her debut in 1969 with the song “Ame ni Nureta Bojou” (Love Soaked in the Rain), and continued to release numerous hit songs thereafter.

In the 1970s, she gained popularity as a sultry idol and appeared on variety shows, captivating audiences with both her humor and performances.

After marrying actor Eiji Go in 1978, Chiaki gradually distanced herself from the spotlight, prioritizing her life with her husband.
Though she reduced her singing activities, she continued to release deep and profound songs like “Rouge” and “Yoru e Isogu Hito”.

In the 1980s, she resumed her career more actively, but following her husband’s death in 1992, Chiaki completely retired from public life.
Since then, she has rarely appeared in public, effectively living in retirement.

Despite her absence from the public eye, Naomi Chiaki’s voice continues to be loved, with her CDs and videos still being released.
While there is a strong desire for her to return as a singer, she has reportedly not responded to such requests.

Her unique expressiveness and presence remain etched in the hearts of many to this day.