Michie
George Ojisan
It is my sad duty, I suppose... after years of loving the band, the
music and the entire evolution of Shonen Knife - to report to everyone
here - (and you are all "the best" fans in the world...) that Michie
Nakatani has left Shonen Knife.
I had received this information very recently, and it has confirmed what
I knew a long time ago... but never spoke of openly - that Michie was
not happy with the band's situation... and it became more clear to me
that - some changes were in the wind.
I recently sent an email to some very close friends who have enjoyed a
closer association with Shonen Knife - in the US and Japan - to
encourage them not to openly venture this information on the Net.. until
something definitive had come from the band, themselves.
Naoko and Atsuko appeared on a Japanese TV show yesterday, ("PAPAPAPA
Puffy"). There were credits on the show which stated, "Shonen Knife
were 3 members, but one member left the band."
Naoko said, "She had something on her mind. She went to somewhere
island".
It was obvious that Michie was not involved in the recording of
"Yamucharou" - but the band has done minor side projects before, and
this was not in itself - that unusual. However... when I began to get
reports from close friends in Japan who hear from Michie often... she
had not been in contact for a while.
I'm sure there will be an immediate and across-the-net reaction to this
news. It has already appeared on the Jun Ebihara Shonen Knife Mailing
List in Japan, and the announcement was timely enough: many Japanese
fans watched this show to see Shonen Knife... and learned of this news
at that time. I emailed to Joel Boucher, among others, and he wrote
back today... "well, guess there's no need to keep it secret any
longer".
He's right. As webmaster for the Shonen Knife NeXuS... I will have no
further comments at this time. I would ask that fans understand...
this is a tough business... and Shonen Knife have paid a lot of dues
since they formed in 1982. I'm sure more information will be made
available soon.
I've been in the music business since I was 13... and Shonen Knife have
held a very special place in my life since I discovered them for myself,
in 1991.
I will have no further comments on the Newsgroup at this time. The
Shonen Knife NeXuS will not change immediately - I will leave it as it
is, and the next updates will be posted over the July 4th weekend. I
will post my further thoughts on things... as I receive more
information, and deal with my personal sadness.
God Bless Michie, Naoko and Atsuko - few have remained so true to their
original vision - for so long, and so beautifully.
I will paraphrase Kappa-chan Mamiko: I'm very sad, but I love Shonen
Knife and Michie... forever.
George Ojisan
Shonen Knife Missionary USA
The Shonen Knife NeXuS
http://home.earthlink.net/~gwiz/ShonenLA.html
Joel Boucher
time. I only hope Michie continues to make music. She is a great
talent, it would be a shame and a great loss if she quit entirely.
Maybe after some time off we'll see the Michie solo albums start to
come out. I'm holding onto this thought to help deal with the great
sadness that Shonen Knife as we knew it is no more.
A major chapter in my life is over. Shonen Knife had a huge impact on
me. I will always cherish the memories of the last six years.
I'll still be a fan of Shonen Knife, Naoko is a brilliant song writer
too. But I will no longer be the fervent otaku.
I'll try to be grateful that Shonen Knife lasted as long as it did,
and put out so many wonderful albums. Right now I only feel grief.
I guess I'm rambling, but this will probably be my last post. So long,
everyone.
--Joel
merm...@my-deja.com
> It is my sad duty [...] to report [...]
> that Michie Nakatani has left Shonen Knife.
I offer this thought--
"Walk the path together as long as you can, and
when you must part, never hold your companion
back.
Should one seek to have no feelings at all
regarding friends? After all, the sages constantly
warn against attachment. Yet emotion is part of
what makes us human. We may understand
philosophically why a companion must leave, but we
need not deny our feelings as we walk on alone."
--Deng Ming-Dao, "365 Tao"
AndyB
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Share what you know. Learn what you don't.
Bakaboy712
Rob
"I may not be the smartest/I may not be the strongest/I'm happy just to be
me."-Catch Your Bus
Richard Alger
were happy with the situation. Michie certainly seemed happy when I saw
her in concert last summer. I feel totally lost now... I just don't know
what to think.
Rick
No HTML, just a lot of love!
Tim Pollard
I tend to lurk more than post (at least in this newsgroup), as although I'm
a great Knife fan, I pretty much rely on you guys out there for information
about them. That means that I had no idea that Michie would be leaving, and
I'm quite shocked, as it seems (at least to me) very sudden. I saw them on
their UK tour a few years ago, and have been collecting their CDs ever
since.
One of the things I find exceptional about this newsgroup is its respect for
the individual members of SK, not prying into private lives, making cheap
shot comments or spreading rumours. It shows posters here to be dignified
and responsible, and that can only be a good thing.
However, please bear in mind that the 'net seems to be the only place I can
get information (the UK seems to be a SK desert, sadly), and news like this
does seem to be what (at least in part) newsgroups were intended for.
Obviously I would presume that no-one would like to spread wild gossip, but
posts which essentially say "I knew something was going on, and why, but now
it has I'm not saying any more" are uniquely frustrating to those of us with
no SK contacts other than this group.
I *absolutely* do not mean to offend anyone here, but a little more news
would be much appreciated... you guys are my only contact with SK and this
story, and that means I'm relying on you to tell me what's happening. You
seem to know a great deal, and I'm sure you can sift through whatever
'political' or painful information need not be widespread, and let other
fans who care as much as you do know a little more of what (and why) this
has come about. Thanks.
Yours sadly,
--
Tim Pollard
====================
|| http://timpollard.com ||
====================
"I can't walk on water, but I can run on lager"
George Ojisan <gw...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:377ADF...@earthlink.net...
> Shonen Knife Fans:
>
> It is my sad duty, I suppose... after years of loving the band, the
> music and the entire evolution of Shonen Knife - to report to everyone
> here - (and you are all "the best" fans in the world...) that Michie
> Nakatani has left Shonen Knife.
>
DragonMa37
discovered them when they seem to be at their peak creatively, glad I hadn't
"missed my bus" so to speak. Though this may not spell the end of SK, it
certainly will mark a radical change. You can't subtract a distinct voice like
Michie's and not expect it to effect the harmony (I guess that works on two
levels). I don't mean to get stupid, but I imagine that many of you are like
me, you invest a lot of emotion into the things you love, especially something
forged with emotion like music. My wife and I recently bought a new house and,
although we love the house, one of the main attractions is the fact that our
close friends live next door. If they up and moved tomorrow I would still love
my new house, but one of it's greatest charms, one of the things that made
living here special, would be gone. I guess that's how I feel about seeing an
artist I have connected with move on (or maybe it's just a stupid analogy). I
would be very interested in finding out more about the reasons for her
departure. I think there are some blanks I'd like to fill in. Sheesh, what a
drag.
Kris
Realbiglar
Naoko and I had some correspondence this week, as promotion for the new Shonen
Knife CD, "Yaramucharou". I interviewed her via email, for the use of radio
people who are playing Shonen Knife records (and some print & TV people, also).
Interestingly, Naoko answered the questions just hours before the "PAPAPAPA
Puffy" telecast. She did not mention to me that Michie had left the group.
I want to say that Naoko seemed very cheery, friendly and confident, with a
clear direction for the future. And, that I really like "Yamamucharou". I would
like to ask you to support this record, by buying it. Naoko intends to continue
to release CDs in the United States, and to tour America. I think she deserves
some support and encouragement, and she has mine.
The "Q&A" part follows. Let me state again, this is a promotional interview for
"Yaramucharou".
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Larry King: Tell us about your new CD "Yamucharou". Is this a new sound for
you?
Naoko Yamano: This song is a kind of an omnibus song. I wrote and sing this
song and the lyrics are written by Hikaru Ohta who is a famous young comedian
in Japan. Producer is Aigon from Japanese rock group called El-malo. This song
is not pure Shonen Knife style but it is a new trial. I wanted to create a
fake Chinese world.
LK: I heard this was a tea commercial in Japan.
NY: In America, it may strange for U.S. rock musicians to play TV commercial
song but it is fun thing in Japan. 'Yamucharou' is a name of tinned and
bottled Jasmine tea producted by Japanese drink company. We can watch the TV
commercial on TV now.
LK: Who is singing on "Yamucharou"? I heard you sang all parts, but it sounds
like Michie is also on the chorus to me!
NY: I sang all parts of this song even fake Chinese rap part.
LK: Who did the"Yamucharou" remix?
NY: It was remixed by Aigon from El-malo.
LK: The 2nd new song is "Hamigaki". Is this record heard on Japanese
television, like "Yamucharou"?
NY: We can watch and listen 'Hamigaki' on a TV program called "Minna-no Uta"
(Everyone's song) of NHK (Japanese National Television) in June and July. The
program is that NHK broadcast their recommendable songs to all Japanese
nations.
Shonen Knife's song was chosen as a national recommendable song! 'Hamigaki'
means brush your teeth.
Lk: "Banana Chips" was end theme for a children's television show last year.
Are songs such as "Hamigaki" especially intended for a younger audience?
NY: I didn't intend only for a younger audience. Everybody need to brush their
teeth. Right?
LK: Can we expect a new Shonen Knife album this year, in Japan or US?
NY: I'm writing new songs for our new album. The new album will be released in
November this year or January next year. We are looking for U.S. deal now.
LK: Will you make concert appearances this year in the United States?
NY: We will make concert appearances after release the new album. I can't wait
to see you American fans again!
Naoko Yamano (Shonen Knife)
Jussi Ritola
Jussi
...remove POISTA before replying by e-mail...
Recital Employee
Truely shocked !...I always thought that Shonen Knife were a band that
would never never split...
so tight and full of super-cult energy !...I will miss Michie's sound
!...but hey !... keep on rockin' SK !!!!...
and can't wait to get hold of their next album !... keep em coming !....
N-UK
George Ojisan <gw...@earthlink.net> wrote in article
<377ADF...@earthlink.net>...
> Shonen Knife Fans:
Monstreboy
know this is sad news for us, but there are reasons for all things that happen.
Whatever the reason is, and however saddening this may be to us as fans, I only
hope all things work out one way or another for all involved.
Remembering the Happiness,
Alan.
Eggie
the band closely since 1989 and loved every piece of music they've created.
I will continue to support Shonen Knife and I wish Michie the best in her
future....
EgG
BORNRED208
>It is my sad duty, I suppose... after years of loving the band, the
>music and the entire evolution of Shonen Knife - to report to everyone
>here - (and you are all "the best" fans in the world...) that Michie
>Nakatani has left Shonen Knife.
Wow. I'm really sad to hear that. My first reaction is to ask why, but I know
it really doesnt matter. The next thing that comes to my mind is that I'm
grateful that I got to see SK (Happy Hour Tour '98) before Michie left. It was
my first time even though I've been a fan since "Rock Animals".
I only hope that the split was amicable since the girls had been friends for so
long.
I'd hate to think of Michie and Naoko not speaking to each other. I'd like to
take this opportunity to thank Naoko, Michie and Atsuko for so many great songs
and albums over the years and I look forward to future works from the Fab
Three.
I'd also like to thank George Ojisan for providing info on the girls projects
and I'm sure he'll continue to provide info on future projects.
Good luck to Michie on whatever path her life takes!
Bob "Baggs" Bagley
John Hunt
so in others. Very sad just the same. As you point out the people who are most
"in the know" have been very careful in protecting the group's privacy. I've
even gotten a few unfavorable comments sent my way over once poking a little fun
at the extremes it goes to at times. Such things as their ages, marital status,
etc. are almost forbidden topics. It occurs to me that the answer to what has
happened may well be as much about choices Michie is making in her personal life
as in personal or creative differences with the other group members. Of course
this is "guess work" on my part but I suspect it may well have some relationship
to Michie's decision. If what I'm thinking is correct then they are probably on
good terms with each other but one sometimes must chose between family and
career.
John
Dean Mentjes
It's hard to add anything at this point. You guys all put it so well.
I've thought about this all day, and I still don't know what to say.
Mamiko said it best, "I'm very sad, but I love Shonen Knife and
Michie... forever."
Me too.
I'm also hopeful for the future, and extremely, extremely thankful for
the wonderful Shonen Knife experiences I've had. They are the Best.
Naoko is writing songs... I can't wait to hear them! I'm a Knifer for
Life. Also, I'm already hoping for some music from Michie, too. I love
and support them equally.
Time will tell so much more. For now, I just want to express love and
very best wishes for Michie, Naoko, and Atsuko.
~ Dean
Knife Collector #74
Casbah
>
>Naoko said, "She had something on her mind. She went to somewhere
>island".
>
part of the (great) Pretty Little Baka Guy CD. The sound is terrible
and their playing ability is at best questionable but the 3 songs from
April 17, 1982 are some of my favorite Shonen Knife of all time
because they seem to be having the time of their lives. It sounds like
there must be about 15 or so people attending this show and when
the songs end they are laughing and, if I'm not mistaken, cheering for
themselves. It's 1982 and the Shonen Knife spirit is already there
and, not to mention, some great songs have already been written.
So what's the point? Well, I am going to miss that special chemistry
that all 3 of the members brought to the band but as one the titles of
the song says, "I'm a Realist".
I am still excited by the future of Shonen Knife. We all know the
Yamano sisters rule (and that would include the feline sister, Sally).
I've always felt that Shonen Knife has always been Naoko's special
baby more than anybody and I think there is a lot of really good
things to come.
As for Michie, she totally and completely rules! I am hoping that
'somewhere island' is a tropical island with lots of 'fruits and
vegetables'!!! Casbah
Long live the planet of Knife!
Douglas North
to see our girls perform live, and now I may never see them. I pray that
they will reunite, if only once, to bring back their own brand of joy to
the world. I hope Michie is doing well, wherever she is, but I'm sure
she's doing what she feels she needs to do. Wow, Now I know how you guys
felt in 1970 when Paul made his little "announcement". I have no more to
say other than I hope to hear more on this story in the near future.
Until then...
Love, Peace, and Shonen Knife,
Douglas
VLeberre
I don't want to know why she goes away, but I'd like to know if the nice Michie
feels good.
SK is on the road since such a long time...
Please Naoko and Atsuko, make us good funny songs for keeping us happy...
Vincent
George Ojisan
=--------------------------------
Dear Vincent:
Hi, this is George Ojisan in L.A. I just read your fine thoughts on the
Shonen Knife Newsgroup. Many fans have expressed your feelings to me
here and privately. I share your feelings of "loss" of something truly
special...over the recent news. However, it is the way and it is the
road. Michie is following her personal dream. I love her, encourage
her... and look forward to her future news! 17 years on the road - is
as you understand: a long time. But, we are looking at it as "a great
introduction" for what can be!
I am seeing little personal "tributes" online and even "it's all over"
pages popping up a little. Totally understandable - everyone relates to
this Magic Band in completely personal ways. I know them as "Shonen
Knife" together, and I know them as distinct individuals ~ "Naoko,
Michie and Atsuko" - 3 creative and beautiful people. Their decision
was mutual - and I'll say it simply: They talked, and talked and
decided. The Shonen Knife NeXuS continues to provide news and updates
about the history, present and future of Shonen Knife. It will focus on
these aspects in the future online editions. As long as the NeXuS will
continue - no one will be without news and honest current information
about Shonen Knife.
I have noticed some fans making comparisons to the "breakup of the
Beatles". In some respects - such as Nina voiced here - that is
certainly valid. But, I feel that people who wish to focus on the past
- when the members of Shonen Knife are at the top of their creative game
- is just not the true path. How many "members" have worked through
"The Rolling Stones" - if any one needs a comparison?! Yet, last time
they toured here - they were still definitely, "The Rolling Stones".
Shonen Knife is vital, healthy and following their vision - and that's
Michie to a "T" also.
Please look forward to great new music (that includes "good funny
songs", Vincent!) from Naoko and Atsuko's Shonen Knife... and happy
news from Michie in the future, too.
dewa mata,
George Ojisan
for the love of 3 knives...
Knife Collectors N.America
http://home.earthlink.net/~gwiz/ShonenLA.html
casb...@nodogsyahoo.com
wrote:
Hey George, ever get the feeling that you are talking to yourself
again? :-)
Ok, I'll say it for everybody. I HATE IT, I HATE IT, I HATE IT!
but, hey, I'm excited about a whole CD full of new Naoko songs too!
I was checking the new releases on the CDJAPAN website and I noticed
there was a new CD single by a "Miki" Nakatani but she is just some
Japanese TV star.
rats.
Casbah
George Ojisan
Yeah, I checked Miki out too... haha.
Talking to myself, sure - no prob - it's nice to talk with someone who
makes a little sense once in a while... #%^) Actually, I'm talking with
a lot of people in these matters. I'm excited for their future music,
too. I don't mind getting on here and saying so.
Besides... now, I'm talking to you to! *smile*
G!
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