B'z Koshi Inaba - All About Koshi

Even in my desire (I don't wanna lose!)
Even in my expectation (I don't wanna cry!)
Even when I'm not confident
(Wanna try! Wanna fight!)
Definitely! I shall not get crushed…

FROM HIROSHI TO KOSHI
Inaba Hiroshi was born on September 23, 1964 as the second son to Inaba family who until today still runs a cosmetic store in Tsuyama, Okayama prefecture. Hiroshi or Heroshi as the neighbours nick-named him, was a lively friendly kid who always greeted everyone with a big sunny smile and a genki (=strong) voice, "Obasan, Ojisan, konnichiwa!" Those days saw little Hiroshi walking to kindergarten which was 20 minutes away from home, hand-in-hand with his big brother, Shinji.

In primary school, teachers remembered Hiroshi as a popular, smart and hard-working pupil. "Nobody called him Inaba, everyone goes Heroshi, Heroshi!" (Japanese custom is to use family name). He joined the volley-ball club and played numerous outdoor sports. Classmates particularly girls remembered him bringing them free-gifts like shampoo, soaps from the store. One of the girls, now a housewife, said, "He was popular. Some of my girlfriends gave him chocolates on Valentine's day, put love letters in his shoe-locker. But I don't think he ever replied."

His high school teacher recalled, "Inaba-kun was always niko-niko (=smiling)... the quiet type. Although he doesn't wear glasses nowadays, I remember that he was near-sighted. He was good in every subject in class, especially math which I happened to teach. I remember him enrolling into Yokohama University. I never expected that he would become a singer. When B'z debut, our local newspaper had an article about it. I couldn't believe it so I called his parents to make sure. A few years later, I accidently met him in one of our local store, this successful rockstar called out to me, 'Sensei, ohayo!' It was as if nothing had changed."

His tennis-club senpai (=senior) said, "In tennis, guys wear shorts, right? Girls would gather around the fence to see us play. Those days we usually pulled jokes on him, calling him to take off his shirt and such. He usually just smiled. Hiroshi had sense of humour and he didn't mind being bullied." Other senpai remembered another episode, "One day when he was napping, we painted obscene drawings on his shirt. When he woke up, he was so embarassed but he acted as if nothing happened and went to practise as usual and stayed until late, wearing that shirt!"

Besides sports, under the influence of brother Shinji, Hiroshi was very much into music. His classmates would come to the house and listen to rock records in their room. They asked Hiroshi, "Do you understand?" He replied, "Not really, but aniki (=big brother) listens, so I give it a go and they are really good!" Sometimes Shinji would walk in and they would have discussion about music.

It was in high school that Hiroshi started to realize his potential as a vocalist. "My friend, Hidehiro was really good on guitar. His band didn't have vocalist yet. I usually hang around them so once they said to me, 'Here, try singing this song'. They commented on how high my voice was and maybe noone else could sing it better. So I was on board." He got the adrenalin kick from singing and could not get enough of it!

Hidehiro said, "I first noticed Hiroshi's voice during tennis practise. Like everyone else, he would scream, 'Fight!' or 'Bravo'. I was enchanted with such expressive high-tone voice." The band, ICBM (named after missile) had their first and last stage performance on Culture Festival day. They played all English songs. This was reported in Tsuyama's local newspaper.

For his university, Hiroshi chose Japan's top-three Yokohama University. He told his friends, "If I don't get in, then I won't do uni." Apparently he was confident. With just one intake test, he got in and it was time to leave home.

The village-kid from Tsuyama breathed big-city air of Yokohama. He soon learnt that his new pals hang out in completely different ways and places with kids from home. But Hiroshi had his feet firmly planted on the ground. "I play hard but I also study hard. I won't do things that I'd regret." It was during his university years that Hiroshi's math grade was top-three in all Japan. This became a legend among B'z fans.

He derived fun from forming a band with classmates. Koshi commented on this, "My old band played Deep Purple or Led Zeppelin. These guys are more diversed. We played Bruce Springsteen, John Cougar, Elvis Costello and so on." They performed English rock songs on some live-houses. Not only singing, Hiroshi also learned instruments, one of his favorite was drum.

Fast-forward to B'z. Before "The 7th Blues" Koshi did not participate in arrangement process. Tak and whoever else around that time were on charge. But one time, after listening to numerous playing of a certain song, Koshi suddenly commented, "Can we keep the last one? The drum was much better." Tak was surprised, "This is the first time you ever said anything about the arrangement." After that, Koshi would take home demo tapes to listen at home and started to participate actively in the arrangement process. With B+U+M dissolved, arrangement was left solely to Tak and him. In later years, when B'z select their supporting members for Livegym, Tak chooses the bassist and Koshi decides on the drummers. Kaichi Kurose and Shane Gaalaas were his pick. ^^

B'z Fans Meet & Greet -
Waaa, how come they are all male today?!

Now back to Hiroshi. Somewhere along studying and band activities, Hiroshi also got inspired by his favorite teacher. He wanted to teach! As soon as he graduated, he started on teacher training program. But he never gave up on music. He also enrolled in singing school. However when he was to teach primary school kids, some school principal asked him to cut his hair. Hiroshi refused and with this decision, his life took another direction. "I don't wanna train to be teacher anymore." Although he still took part-time job as family tutor, he started to seriously focus in becoming a professional singer. It was probably around that time that he changed his first name to Koshi.
Note: Both Hiroshi and Koshi are of the same Kanji in writing.

PAPA & MAMA INABA
When Koshi told them that he was to become a vocalist, noone was more worried than Mama Inaba. "He already had a steady future as a teacher... he told me he would try for one year only, if it doesn't work out, he would come home to Tsuyama. So I told him if he wants to try it then he must do his best." With his parents' blessing, Koshi set out to reach his goal.

As it turned out, he did not disappoint and noone was happier and prouder than Mama Inaba. She remembered her reaction upon hearing the first demo tape, "To be honest, I was very suprised. Even though it's in Japanese, it felt foreign to me. We don't listen to such songs in a small village like this. I hadn't a clue whether that song would become a hit or not." When B'z released their first single, Mama Inaba made a round to the neighbours, "Hiroshi's new song is out. Please listen to it and tell me what you think." She wanted to help his son get as much feedback as possible.

One Livegym in Osaka, Koshi sent his parents and their many friends and relatives tickets. It was his mother's request. "I wanted to see singing-Hiroshi on stage. At that time, I only hoped that he would not make mistakes with the lyrics, that's all." But nothing prepared her with the scene she saw. B'z fans flocked in from all places in the country just to see the concerts. The family's friends were as shocked, "Some of those fans came all the way from Tokyo and have followed B'z around the country. We didn't realize on how popular they have become. Only a few days later, Koshi called us personally. He wanted to thank us for accompanying his parents to the concerts! That's very sweet of him!" A stunned Mama Inaba said, "I was very surprised to see his stage persona. It was as if he were altogether a different person."

As all B'z fans know, Koshi's parents' cosmetic-store has become a must-visit place for a B'z fan. Over the years, these visits brought life into Tsuyama's economy. Hotels, restaurants, local-shops, taxis even bike-rental services were busting with activities all year round. Few years down the road, the town mayor decided to print a special 'Inaba Koshi's Memorial Road Map' to put in the train station. On it, a clear direction was drawn on how to get to Inaba's cosmetic store, Koshi's primary school, high school, Brother Shinji's sweet store 'Kuraya' and so on.
Note: Right in front of Inaba's house, there is a family called Matsumoto. This coincidence is viewed as 'destiny' by delighted B'z fans.

For more detailed Koshi's childhood and Tsuyama please check out M's wonderful essay in B'z Sunshine!

TAK AT FIRST SIGHT
As life continued for Koshi as a family-tutor and freelance vocalist, one time he participated in a talent show and out of that performance, a low-quality demo tape was made. Therefore when Koshi received the life-turning-point phone call from a Being co. staff, that a certain Matsumoto Takahiro was interested in meeting him, he was least expecting it, "That demo tape wasn't recorded in the studio, the quality is awful. Why did anyone even like it at all?" He did not know who Matsumoto-san was to begin with, but he has got nothing to lose so they were set to meet the next day.

When Koshi saw Tak for the first time, he thought nervously, 'Aaa... I've seen him in some magazine.' At that time, Tak was already a famous guitarist in Being co., Koshi had nothing but respect towards him. On Tak's request, two days later they met again and went inside a small studio. While trying to remember the keys, Tak played The Beatles' "Oh Darling!" and "Let It Be". Koshi sang without a mic. Soon after two songs, no sound came out of amplifier. Koshi peered worriedly, "Looks like it's damaged..." Tak simply replied, "Aaa, well, let's end this."

THE GOLDEN VOICE
So what was in Koshi's voice that electrified Tak? Here are some Japan's music critics' opinion:

"First of all, it is decidedly his wide range. By nature, his voice is able to transcend smoothly from lower to higher notes, handling easily every notes and all the while producing enough amount of vibration and echo.
Secondly, in the vocalists' world, his voice can be categorized as 'voluptuous'. This means whether he is singing ultra-high notes, shouting or screaming, there is still low huskiness in it. His voice can go really high without becoming too thin or piercing. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, The Rolling Stone's Mick Jagger and Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant are all considered vocalists of this category.
Third, the 'speed'. Essential in rock music, 'speed' means the power to excite listeners/audience. This is strictly just the quality of the voice itself.
In 1998, Haruo Chikada (Japan's famous music critic) commented on "Samayoeru Aoi Dangan": "With Inaba Koshi's peerless 'speed' feel voice on full-display, dramatic mood stands out in the song. Like always, it gives me the feeling of 'doki-doki' (=heart beating fast)."
Fourth, pitch and accuracy. Even in faster songs like 16-beat, Koshi pitch do not crumble away. His accuracy causes words to come out in what seems to be miraculous timing with no akward pauses hence the lyrics flow along the melody effortlessly.
And fifth, adding to all that, his voice seems to be able to 'harmonize and converse' with Tak's guitar.
With such voice and talent already in the pocket plus experience and skills gained throughout the years, Inaba is undoubtedly one of the best vocalists in Japan."

It is no secret that Koshi takes great care of his voice. He learnt from bitter experience when he got on stage and "M-my voice is gone!" Soon he gave up on smoking and alcohol. To keep his throat from drying, even on the hottest days in summer, he refrains from using air-con and on the coldest days in winter, he wears mask outdoor. During Livegym season, the voice-care ritual begins hours before the show, he will not speak loudly if not necessary, only drinks his special 'throat-prescription-drink'. Vocal warming-up for at least 20 minutes is also never forgotten.

Mr. Big's Billy Sheehan commented, "Koshi reminds me of Freddie Mercury from Queen. Such wonderful voice and superb talent. And he really takes care of his voice!"

YOUR PIECE OF PIE = LYRICS WRITING
To today, it is still not very clear why one day Tak turned to Koshi and said, "Here, write some lyrics." Maybe he wanted to concentrate more on writing songs, maybe it was his intention to polish his partner's hidden talent, maybe his sense as a producer told him that emphasizing the sensitive-side of the band's vocalist is a good selling point. Whatever it was, he made the right decision (see Inaba's Lyrics World).

What he did not know then was the fact that Koshi was extremely shy and uncomfortable about singing in Japanese, and furthermore, his own lyrics! "Well, because it originated from the West, rock has always been English for me." True enough, all the performances he had done in the past was singing cover of English songs. This was one 'wall' that he had to break through. Luckily he got over it soon, "Matsumoto-san's guitar is amazing. I get great feeling singing along it."

Since rock was English, it was obviously easier for Koshi to put in English words first into the melody before turning them into Japanese. Not surprisingly, a fair amount of English lyrics remained stuck, usually in the chorus. For example, "Blowin' blowin' in the wind... We're dancing through the stimulation..." Those are the ones he thinks irreplaceable as the soul of the song. As for story-line, Koshi's method was he would listen to Tak's melody over and over, grab the first image that hit him and develop a story from there. Like "Koi Gokoro", the first thing that he thought of was a student flinging his bag on the way home after a day's school.

Years passed by, Koshi kept piling up vocabulary and experience. On one recent interview, he said, "Just like Matsumoto-san's melody stock, I also have lots of lyrics in stock. In everyday life, everything can be writing material. Conversation between people, my own experience, watching movies, reading books." At anytime his notebooks have to be within reach as he fills them up with thoughts and words around the clock. Even now, Koshi still uses ordinary pencils to write in ordinary note-books. His reason is simple, "Because that's how it all started."

INABA'S LYRICS WORLD
Are Koshi's lyrics really good? A certain TV station made a documentary just to explain his mad-skills on lyrics-writing. Here is what they came up with:

Rhyme~ He is good at putting rhymed words into bouncy parts of the melody, hence the whole rhythm-feel of the song comes out. That is why some B'z songs are easy to dance and sing to. Some good examples:
"ZERO"
Ima aitai, sugu aitai, sabaku no mannaka de
Nemuritai, mou nemuritai, zenbu kouraseta mama
"Love Me, I Love You"
Boku wa kitto ai wo motto daseru

Male Characteristic~ In Japanese language there is distinctive difference between male and female choice of words and language structure. Koshi's lyrics have always expressed this point strongly.
"Dattara Agechaeyo"
Dattara agechaeyo gousei ni yuke
Konna ni sugari tsuitemo, modoru basho nante nai ze
"ONE"
Wakatteru-tte, mou ikitain darou
Kizukanai wake nai darou, you're the only one

Maze and Labyrinth ~ Koshi's imagination gives B'z songs the vocabulary and story-line seldom heard before. Some of the words can mean different things that keep people guessing. For instance: butt, floor-cushion, theraphy and castration in "Fireball".

IT WASN'T ALL FUN FOR THIS ROCK-STAR
In "A Walk Into Tak's Life" it was mentioned that B'z did not sell well until their third release "Bad Communication". Two years of luke-warm reception from listeners was the hardest part of B'z life as a young band. As Koshi himself put it, the era in which 2nd album "Off The Lock" was released, was 'the worst'. He felt it more than anyone because even then Tak was still churning out songs like noone's business and his lyrics could not keep up at all. Sometimes their recording got delayed and everyone would look at him accusingly, "What have you been doing?!!" Koshi explained, "We went to many places to promote the band, when we got back, it was recording at studio straight away. On the flight, when everyone was sleeping, I couldn't spare even one minute, I had to write lyrics." Being the perfectionist that he was, even when Tak gave an OK, Koshi kept re-writing until he was happy.

All hard work paid off. On "Off The Lock" music-critics commented, "While their first album was just straight love songs, on this album the love songs have sceneries that actually stand out in 3D form. The lyrics are looking at love-relationship from a higher point of view and those characters now have more depth and background." They also sing high praises on the improvement of his vocal.

JA, RELAX SHIMASHOUKA?
Above all, Koshi loves travelling. Right after "In The Life" nightmarish schedule, he flew to New Mexico, Arizona to live with the Indians for two weeks, all by himself. It was probably stress that caused him to read about it in a book and boarded a plane to see for himself the next day. By travelling and seeing new things, Koshi finds inspiration and new ideas for his lyrics. Those days saw a lone ranger with a small guitar and note book. Yes, even when he's on holiday, Koshi is inseparable with his music.

And then there were his books. After one book if he goes "That was interesting!", next he would read everything by the same writer. One time he was reading all books by Jiro Asada whose works included "Fuyajou" (=sleepless town). The book was made into a film and its infamous main theme was "The Wild Wind" by B'z. Koshi commented, "I read the book when it was a best-seller. Such a muddled book with Kabukicho as its background. I never thought that it'd be filmed and we'd do the music for it!

AND THE ROMANCE
Koshi's first romance was a girl from tennis club in junior high. They had known each other since primary school and were always dubbed by naughty classmates as 'couple'. Maybe that somehow carved her into his heart. However the girl was rumored to be going out with one of their senpai (=senior) from the tennis club. Koshi's chance came when that senpai graduated. They played as mix-double and after the game, Koshi asked, "Can I walk you home?" After that day, she would wait for him everyday and they would walk home together. They were separated when Koshi chose Yokohama and she Mieken for university. "Both us in different place only because we have dreams to be fulfilled..." Just like these lyrics for "Mou Ichido Kiss Shitakatta" suggested, long distance relationship did not work out for them.