Song Introduction (Saboten no Hana)

Song Title: Saboten no Hana (Title meaning: Cactus Flower)
Artist: Tulip
Lyricist/Composer: Kazuo Zaitsu
Label: EMI Music Japan
Overview:

The 8th single by Tulip, released on February 5, 1975.
It was used as the theme song for the 1993 TV drama “Under the Same Roof” and became a revival

Source of Article:
Tulip (band) – Wikipedia
Cactus Flower(Song) – Wikipedia

About the Song

This song was reportedly created by the author Kazuo Zaitsu when he returned to his family home in Fukuoka and was inspired by the cactus flower that his mother had been growing.

The lyrics depict a young couple living together, and due to a minor misunderstanding, the woman leaves the room on a cold winter’s day.

What remained were the gloves she had been knitting halfway and the laundry she had started washing.
Her scent still lingered there.

The male protagonist also shed tears as he left the room.
The cactus she had been tending bloomed a small flower, as if to announce the arrival of spring. But their love ended there.

It is a masterpiece that beautifully captures the bittersweet and sorrowful memories of youth.

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Artist Introduction (Tulip)

Artist: Tulip
Original Members:
Kazuo Zaitsu (Band Leader) – Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard
Toshiyuki Abe – Vocals, Guitar
Tatsuya Himeno – Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard
Masatoshi Ueda – Drums, Vocals
Shinichiro Miyagi – Bass, Vocals
Formation Location: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Official Sites:
TULIP | Victor Entertainment
Tulip – UNIVERSAL MUSIC JAPAN
Kazuo Zaitsu Official Site

Artist Trails

Tulip is one of the bands with a long history in the Japanese music scene.

In 1970, they moved from Fukuoka to Tokyo, underwent some member changes, and eventually began their full-scale activities with a lineup consisting of Kazuo Zaitsu, Tatsuya Himeno, Toshiyuki Abe, Masatoshi Ueda, and Akira Yoshida.

In 1972, Tulip made their major debut with the single “Mahō no Kiiroi Kutsu” (The Magic Yellow Shoes).

Their third single, “Kokoro no Tabi” (Journey of the Heart), released in 1973, became a huge hit, topping the Oricon charts in japan.

Following this, they continued to produce hit songs such as “Seishun no Kage” (Shadow of Youth) in 1974 and “Saboten no Hana” (Cactus Flower) in 1975, solidifying their reputation as one of the leading bands of the 1970s.

By 1979, the band entered a new phase, incorporating synthesizers and digital equipment to create a pop and grand sound, pioneering new directions in pop and rock genres in japan.

However, they faced commercial struggles, and member departures became frequent.

In 1985, Himeno, Abe, and Ito left the band. Zaitsu continued with new members, but by 1989, the band decided to disband.

In 1997, they successfully reunited and resumed live activities with a focus on the original members. This reunion was met with enthusiastic support from fans, and they continued to hold regular reunions and performances.

Throughout their long career, Tulip has faced various trials including member departures, deaths, and changes in musical style.
Despite these challenges, they have continually evolved and walked alongside their fans through their music.

Tulip’s music has had a significant impact on the Japanese pop scene and continues to be loved across generations.

Their songs convey messages that reflect the times, and their melodies are deeply etched in the hearts of many people.