Thanks to the Japan Probe for digging up this video clip from Japan's fabled Fountain of Trivia show. It features the legendary 1978 Masato Shimon rendition of the theme from "Star Wars".... With lyrics. Yes: with lyrics. Long discussed in Japan in the same hushed, reverential tones reserved for "the Star Wars Holiday Special," it's finally online for you to appreciate. And now, without further ado, allow me to provide the translation you so richly deserve:
Star... Wars!
Star... Wars!
Star... Wars!
Star... Wars!
Far, far away, beyond the galaxy
The flames of justice light the night sky
To protect the peace in space, you’ve got to defeat Darth Vader
Laser beams, spitting red fire
Swing your lightsaber
Space is in trouble! Now’s your chance!
Luke, ganbare!
Shoot, “wing fighters!” Until your enemy is pulverized!
Far, far away...
As the sticker on the album jacket proclaims, "it's the Japanese version of the Star Wars theme you've been waiting for!" Unfortunately, the clip is only a medley, giving the lyrics an almost haiku-like feel. And you'll have to hunt down the full version for the afro-licious Shimon's mind-blowing falsetto lyrical rendition of the cantina song. In the meantime... Shoot those "wing fighters" before Lucasfilm shoots 'em off of YouTube first!
Oh Masato Shimon!
I have this song in .mp3, he is a fantastic singer
Posted by: Flavio | June 02, 2007 at 09:56 PM
Isn't there an entire missing verse about "Ojyo Leia"?
Posted by: Patrick Macias | June 03, 2007 at 03:37 AM
Comedy act, or earnest period piece revisited as kitsch? I'm assuming the former, given the voice over and facial expressions - either way this guy deserves "national treasure" status!
Posted by: Ryan | June 03, 2007 at 06:24 AM
The song is a dead earnest period piece; the video pastiche is a "Fountain of Trivia" thing. And yeah, I think it's missing at least two verses.
Fortunately, the whole deal is available at nearly any "karaoke box" in Japan -- I think Patrick and I need to go investigate, preferably after a beer or six.
Posted by: Matt | June 03, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Make sure you get that on tape, OK?
Posted by: Ryan | June 08, 2007 at 05:13 AM
Any chance of re-uploading this video? It's been deleted. It's so rare to see Masato Shimon, let alone him singing live.
Posted by: Angie | July 20, 2007 at 07:01 PM