ARCHIVED HTML - Hoshi Ni Negai Wo - Wishing on a Star

Hoshi Ni Negai Wo, while released on the Be Your Girl single by Kawabe Chieko, is also the first ending theme (episodes 1-13) from the anime series by Production I.G called "Otogizoushi", which is basically about the feudal era of Japan. Production I.G. is also responsible for the animation sequences in hit films such as Kill Bill Vol. 1-2. If you liked the animation styles in that movie, you'll definately like the rest of Production I.G.'s work. They are also responsible for anime like Sakura Wars, Blood: The Last Vampire, Ghost in the Shell, and Furi Kuri (even though Furi Kuri's storyline was done by Gainax Studios, the actual animation company responsible for its artwork is Production I.G.) Kawabe is actually associated with some amazing works outside of her own!

Dark Sailor Mercury - Ilse

Tone/Mood:

OK, more Kawabe reviews.Very calm melody. The beat also. The couplets aren't very long. Just very short. Hoshi ni negai wo, means wish upon a star, and last week, I saw a film with the same title. Whatever. This is my favorite pgsm song. I think I maybe put it under the staff's favorites.

Placement:

Not in the series. I think they could have used it in one of the Usagi/Mamoru moments.

Memorable:

Yes, it is for me. The lyrics are beautiful I think. The melody is very calm. You're getting relaxed if you listen to it.

Lyrics:

Though the dreams wished upon a star
Come true one by one
I can't catch up to you at all

Since the dreams wished upon a star
Come true one by one
I want to get the closest to you

I wish we could be together
Under a cloudless blue sky

Kawabe Chieco is the only actress from pgsm, who wrote the lyrics by herself (with someone else). The song gets something personal in it. I really don't understand why the other actress don't do that. Chieco's lyrics are great. The lyrics aren't useless and I like the last lines. I wish we could be together under a cloudless blue sky. The rose-colored days pile on top of one anothUnmei datte kizuita keredo

Overall rating:

This is my favourite song, so 5 hearts. This is definitely the best song that Kawabe Chieco ever made. I like the lyrics, and the melody etc. etc. Chieco, you can sing and act so great, go for it!

Sailor Mercury - Topaz

Tone/Mood

Hoshi Ni Negai Wo sounds like a jazzy slow dance song to me. In the music you feel the need to find the thing you are looking for and need. As for the singing it fits nicely. You can really hear the words and how they match the music. Her voice is clear but still very soft.

Placement

on Chieco's CD single "be your girl"

Memorable

The song is nice and beauitful. Never let anyone tell you different. But its well ... it just does not have that something that grabs you and holds on. The song just does not have the "i can listen to this song over and over"

Lyrics

I wish we could be together
Under a cloudless blue sky

How dreamy! The words are like a sad fairy tale or a Disney movie^^ She wants to make up with her lover or boyfriend. Its as if she is sitting at her window looking up at the moon and stars wishing on them. Wishing that this were better between them and that he was closer to here sitting there with her looking in the beauty of the sky.

"I don't want to become a memory"

There is a lot in the words that also make its seem she is afraid that this is the end and they may break up. She longers for this to not be true and if she can just hear him again she know all is not lost.

Overall Rating

I would give this song a 3. Its great and sounds lovely. The words are beautiful. But it lacks that something special

Princess Sailor Moon - Kaitlin

Tone/Mood

The song is very calm and peaceful sounding. It sounds like something that would be used as the ending theme for an anime. It's your classic j-pop ballad. Chieko has a GREAT voice. She really suits the song. However something about the song doesn't say "Naru" to me. Probably because this isn't a PGSM release. It's a very sweet song though. The refrain sounds awesome.

Placement

Not used in the series. Off of one of Cheiko's CD's.

Memorable

Not really memorable because it wasn't used in the series. It is extremely memorable if you're a Chieko fan though.

Lyrics

The lyrics are all very sugary-sweet. The translation definately suits the song. One of my favorite verses has to be:

"Is today going to end in another three hours?
We can see each other tomorrow but I just want to hear "good night"
I don't like fighting..."

I know that I've felt that way too. The last couple verses really stick with you too.

"Since the dreams wished upon a star
Come true one by one
I want to get the closest to you

I wish we could be together
Under a cloudless blue sky "

Very gentle lyrics for a gentle song. Innocent reflecting a young girls love.

Overall Rating

4 - Beautiful song, but I never search it out. Maybe I'll do so more often from now on.

Sailorasteroid - Sailor Pluto

Mood:

Sad. But a good kind of sad. Hearing Chieco lament is hearing a voice doing what it was meant to, holding long notes and singing them with passion. The best part is the final chorus where she sings countermelody to the normal chorus, taking it up an octave and making a triplet out of the "hitotsu" line, going way up for the "anata ni" and rejoining herself at the end. Also worth noting is the fade, which lasts through another chorus and gives you an opportunity to sing karaoke. At least, that's what I use it for.

Placement:

None, but should have been. Imagine, Minako is there, doing another rendition of C'est la Vie, and Naru jumps up and shouts, "Oh, I can do that much better!" She'd jump up on stage and do this song, and all the people would tear up their Minako albums and scream for Naru, and then the senshi would go to Venus and say, "Sorry, but we're kicking you out and making her Sailor Naru. Please hand over your tambour."

Memorable:

It is, though less so as Chieco keeps putting out singles. However, it was this month's fivesome that changed me from being a fan of Sailor Moon music to being a fan of J-pop music.

Lyrics:

Well, here's one case when translation simply doesn't do it justice. (This is often the case.) "Hitotsu hitotsuzutsu kanau nara" just begs to be sung. As far as their meaning, well, wishing on a star is a downright mundane device for a J-pop song, as opposed to the flowery language you usually hear.

Overall:

Kawabe Chieco has a way with a ballad, and this could well be her best, depending on your mood. Five.

Sailor Uranus - Nickole

Tone/Mood

This song has a very calm, decent, and beatiful tone to it. I love how Kawabes voice does well with the background music! :)

Placement

I suppose its on one of the CD's.

Memorable

Definatly! Its so beatiful.... definatly a great song to listen to while your daydreaming....ah......

Lyrics

Since the dreams wished upon a star
Come true one by one
I want to get the closest to you

I wish we could be together
Under a cloudless blue sky

These lyrics are very beatiful and easy to understand, probably some of the best lyrics that a PGSM actress, has song.

Overall Rating

I will definatly give this song a 5! Its such a serene song, one I'd love to liste to for a long time. ;)

Princess Serenity - Elly

Tone/Mood

Very soft and dreamy. Chieko's voice kind of blends into the background a bit in the beginning, but this is expected in the opening to a ballad. This song actually reminds me of the Blue Bear wallpaper I had on my desktop when this song was first released over BitTorrent. It was dark blue and had little stars everywhere, it was really cute. Kind of odd, really, since the wallpaper so perfectly matched this song =)

Placement

Unfourtunately, this had no placement in PGSM. It was featured on Kawabe Chieko's first single, Be Your Girl. Personally, I think Kawabe should have been cast as one of the inner senshi - most likely Komatsu, because I didn't think she was as pretty as Kawabe, or as talented. For all the Komatsu fans, I'm sorry =p I have to agree with Sailorasteroid on this though, Kawabe should have been Venus, and Komatsu should have been Naru.

Memorable

For me, yes. I listened to this song even before I had watched any episodes of PGSM, This will always be my reminder of the times when I was interested in PGSM but had never seen it, if that makes any sense. For Kawabe fans this is her most-loved song. I can't think of a Kawabe fan that DOESNT like this song o.O;;

Lyrics

Out the window is the rain that blocked my plans
"If you're sorry about today, come get me"
I want to say, but it's no use

Almost anyone that has been in a long-term, serious relationship can relate to this. During arguments and stuff, it can be especially painful to admit that you want them to hold you. At least, I can think of a few times where I've felt this way, but didn't want to say it. Those involved in marriage and the like can also relate, I think.

Is today going to end in another three hours?
We can see each other tomorrow, but I just want to hear "good night"
I don't like fighting...

Here's the truth to relationships, people. Days sometimes end with arguments, even if you fall asleep next to the person. I can remember a couple of times when Tim and I were arguing, and he rolled over and said "good night", and refused to say anything else. That's pain, people, in a very subtle way. Kawabe's got it down.

Though the dreams wished upon a star
Come true one by one
I can't catch up to you at all

Honestly, I can't say that I understand what Kawabe is trying to say here. Shouldn't she just like, wish upon the star to catch up to him, or something? Bah. This eludes me entirely.

Overall Rating

This song gets a five. I'm a softie for love songs, even if I think most of them are redudant, trite crap. Kawabe Chieko is actually a personal favorite artist of mine because of PGSM, so I'll have a hard time giving her songs bad ratings. I guess I'm just a little biased. This song is my favorite from Chieko thus far, if for nothing else because it was my first impression of her.

Sailor Neptune - Ruth

Tone/Mood

A love ballad to put it at best. Not slow but not upbeat-right in the middle. I would find this song being used at a school dance or any place that allows a slow dance. ^__^ When I listen to this song I feel warm and the song makes you think about certain things. ~_^ A beautiful song and I love it!

Placement

-----

Memorable

For all Kawabe Chieko fans it better be! LOL! The song is gorgeous and I don't see why people don't like it. I think it would be more memorable to a person if the said person is in love or has a crush, and the song is playing on the radio while they write in their journal/diary about how they would like to be Ms. so and so over and over. Not that I do that...hehehehehe

Lyrics

"If the dreams wished upon a star
Come true one by one
I want to get the closest to you

We have every day now, but
I wish this would continue forever
"I don't want to become a memory"

After reading the lyrics I noticed the above and I immediately thought that she is chasing after a boy but he doesn't see her in the same way. Chieko is claiming that she wishes they could be together and she's trying her hardest to get his attention but she continues to fail. Wah!!!!!!! The rest of the lyrics are beautiful in thier own right, but I just found the above interesting.

Overall Rating

4 Hearts. I didn't give this a full 5 as it's not the best song for her voice. Although this song is much better then 'Be Your Girl', I still think that this song is good. I suggest everyone download this song and decide for themselves. ^^

Sailor V - Jessica

Tone/Mood

The tone is gentle, as well as the melody and she manages to keep her voice in the same soft tone for most of the time. It's as if she's looking back on a memory that was painful, yet her tone of voice shows acceptance.

Placement

None

Memorable

Out off all her songs I've heard so far, I'll admit this is the only one I haven't been caught humming or singing in my mind. That aside, the lyrics are decent and quite truthful, memorable for that aspect.

Lyrics

Out the window is the rain that blocked my plans
"If you're sorry about today, come get me"
I want to say, but it's no use

The lyrics show regret at stubborn behaviour, that in turn seems to be a weakness. Explains arguments perfectly; when you want to make things right, but you refuse to make the first move and refuse to even try and make them apologise because you think wanting for everything to be okay will be seen as weakness, which just makes everything worse.

Overall Rating

3/5 - I'm not really a fan of slow songs, but that's just my preference.

Tuxedo Mask - Kero-chan

Tone/Mood:

It is a peacefully melody, where the music and Chieco's voice make a great ballad. The title of the song fits perfectly; you could just sit and relax while you hear this song, or see the starry night sitting aside your window.

Placement:

It's her second song in her first single. I was expecting her first non-sailor moon album. The first time I heard both songs I was amazed of her beautiful voice and the musical arrangements. I have already heard Chieco in the Sera-Myu "Ai no Sanctuary" and I really liked the way she sang, but her first single, made me a complete fan of her.

Memorable:

When you hear Chieco, you have to be her fan. Her voice is really amazing, and her songs are actually good. You can know when someone makes and effort to do something, because she made a great effort and she put her heart on this project. You can definitely say that she was born to be a singer.

Lyrics:

WOW! Now that I have read the translations, I like even more the song. The lyrics are just so good; it is good how they started with 'Be your Girl' and 'Hoshi ni Negai wo' as her first songs. They contrast so much, one is pure jpop, and the second one is a nice ballad with well done lyrics.

We have every day now, but
I wish this would continue forever
"I don't want to become a memory"

That has to be my favorite part; you can see how she is in need of her love. Even though they had a problem, she wants to be with him, she doesn't want to be forgotten any time soon. She wishes upon a star so that her longing for being with her only love can come true.

Overall Rating:

Excellent song! Nice lyrics, nice melody and finally but not least, great girl and great voice. Chieco you go girl! 5 stars of course!!! XDDDD

Sailor Mars - Akarui

Tone/Mood

Well, I think the first time I heard this song was when I downloaded the first single off... somewhere, I don't remember lol. I had heard the first song, and, well, the first thought I had was "Wow, she can sing, I like!" . Then, what I like with that song is what I call the "multi-mood effect". LOL. Sometimes I'll be happy and want to put it on, sometimes not, same for all moods. Which means it's an excellent song for me, cause there are songs I can't put on anymore because of the mood they put me in :P . The tone doesn't seem too sad, but that's just me (I don't look at the lyrics at once when I listen to a song). Somehow I would label this a romantic song ^^;;

Placement

None (I personnally like to place it in my playlist when I'm on a Chieco listening marathon XD) . Shame on PGSM writers :D

Memorable

Memorable ? Hmm, yes, I think so. First because Chieco is particular to the Sailor Moon universe (first Mercury in the Myus then Naru in PGSM), second cause, well, she knows how to sing and the music is just what I like. I know I like many many genres, but dammit, this one just sticks to my mind. *hugs Chieco*

Lyrics

Well, when putting the lyrics and matching them with the music in my mind, I have a dilemma, aha. See, when I first listened to the song, I thought it was one of those happy slowy songs and all. So it made me feel quite great. But then, of course, I read the lyrics and somehow, they made me uneasy cause they reminded me of some stuff.

Though the dreams wished upon a star
Come true one by one
I can't catch up to you at all

This verse, for example, doesn't remind me of anything particular, but I think I can say this is the part I like best. She likes this person, she knows her wishes can be true but apparently it can't with this person and she can't follow...

Overall Rating

I would say 4. I cannot put 5 because this is not her best song :) , but the voice flows and fits perfectly :)

Sailor Luna - Emo-chan

Tone/Mood

This sounds like a pretty song. It has a sad tone to it a little bit, but is still a funky tune. Not as good as Be Your Girl, though^^

Placement

N/A

Memorable

I don't think I will remember this song as well as Be Your Girl, but it's still a pretty song.

Lyrics

If the dreams wished upon a star Come true one by one I want to get the closest to you

and

I wish we could be together Under a cloudless blue sky

Those are my favorite words from the song. The words are pretty and sound really good with the tone of the song.

Overall Rating

I'm giving this a 3.5 because It's a cute song, but I didn't like it as much as her other songs. It has that "I want to bring a lighter, so i can light it and swing it from side to side" feel to it.

Nephrite - Frosted_Rain

Tone/Mood

Soft tone, relaxing mood. It is more different than the other soft songs from the PGSM collection. Good mix of sounds. She sings very well and clearly. Truly a talented singer!

Placement

Too bad it is not used in the PGSM series. One of her songs in her first single. What's the problem of the production staff of PGSM not using some songs of Chieko? Because... she's Naru on the PGSM series (brewing more conspiracies).

Memorable

Oh, so relaxing... so warming during lonely nights... It's like Komatsu Ayaka's other soft songs, but this song is getting better...

Lyrics

Hoshi ni negatta sono yume wa
Hitotsu hitotsuzutsu kanau kara
Anata ni mottomo chikazukitai

Hitotsu no kumori mo nai aozora ni
Futari de naretara ii ne

I miss my girlfriend... (I have a girlfriend, japanese girlfriend). I really wish we could see each other again not just relying on chat or email. But I look forward on meeting her again this october... yahoo!!

Overall Rating

"Starlight, starbright... blah blah blah".... Oh the stars is not with me today... A good song from a talented singer and model (perhaps more talented than Komatsu Ayaka and Kitagawa Keiko combined). 4 hearts out of 5 hearts. A little flaws of the song, but nicely done.

Kuroki Mio - Kara

TONE/MOOD:

This sounds like a lot of Chieko's other songs. I really, really want her to branch out. I wish she'd do more songs like 'Cry Baby Cry.' The tone is, quite simply, Average Chieko. It doesn't really get under my skin or into my heart the way the aforementioned other song does, but it's a decent, laid-back song.

PLACEMENT:

From Kawabe Cheiko's 'Be Your Girl' single

MEMORABLE:

Not really. It sounds far too much like the majority of other things I've heard by Chieko. If you put this next to her other songs, I probably couldn't tell it apart from the others.

LYRICS:

I tend to get annoyed at sappy love songs, but lately they've gotten to me. Here's another example of lyrics being a saving grace. They're nothing terribly special, but they're sweet enough.

OVERALL RATING:

2 hearts out of 5. It's a sweet and heartfelt little song, but I didn't 'feel' it the way I think I was intended to.

Sailor Jupiter - Joy Azama

Tone/Mood

I first heard this song after I downloaded it through this website, and playing it in my laptop while I write a song review. Now, this song, in my opinion, is better than 'Be Your Girl'. I liked the sort-of mystical mood that it delivers. It seems like a romantic song for me. This song makes you want to daydream or watch the stars at night while it plays in the background. Nice beat, can't help but smile! I loved the part when Kawabe raises her voice a pitch higher, it adds to the beauty of the song's tune. A typical teen song.

Placement

Not placed in the PGSM series, only on CD.

Memorable

Definitely memorable for me! I know little Japanese, and I definitely know what 'Hoshi' is, it means 'Star'. I am sucker for songs with celestial bodies and with anything nature included in its lyrics (e.g. Stars, Moon, Sun, rain, trees, river, etc).

Lyrics

Out the window is the rain that blocked my plans
"If you're sorry about today, come get me"
I want to say, but it's no use

Though the dreams wished upon a star
Come true one by one
I can't catch up to you at all

Is today going to end in another three hours?
We can see each other tomorrow, but I just want to hear "good night"
I don't like fighting...

I think these lyrics fit Kawabe, and is applicable to people who are experiencing pain because of a fight or misunderstanding between friends. Nice lyrics! It applies to reality, like wishing that everything will be alright. Fights are never good, it causes stress, and a lot of worries, and this song talks about a girl who is in the same situation.

Overall Rating

5 out of 5 hearts! Great song, great mood! Like I said, better than 'Be Your Girl'. I could memorize the lyrics in no time if I could just listen to it everyday. Furthermore, I think this one is more like a Mandy Moore style (e.g. 'Your Face', 'Walk Me Home', 'I Wanna Be With You', 'Only Hope', and 'Cry'.)

Prince Endymion - Alex

Tone/Mood:

Nice-sounding peace. "Hoshi Ni Negai Wo" is like Naru-chan from PGSM - elegant and pretty. Kawabe Cheiko's voice is very soft and makes this peace even more beautiful.

Placement:

Unfortunatelly, Naru's songs weren't placed in PGSM series and specials.

Memorable:

No. I don't know why, but it seems that "Be Your Girl" is much more memorable to me, but perhpas not for Naru's fans because her first peace was "Hoshi Ni Negai Wo".

Lyrics:

ROmantic lyrics... :

"If you're sorry about today, come get me"
"I want to get the closest to you"
I also like that there is sense in them, unlike in most J-Pop songs.

Overall Rating:

3 hearts for Naru's song.

Kunzite - Loreal

Tone/Mood:

A slow calming song. It just really makes me want to sway. Her voice really fits with this sort of song. A very sweet sound.

Placement:

No where I can think of.

Memorable:

Konna mainichi de mo Zutto tsuzukimasu you ni "Omoide ni naritakunai" I loved that part of the song. The song didn't really strike a chord with me until she sang that part. Again, she has a very flowy voice.

Lyrics:

These lyrics struck me as very cute. Very disney-ish with the whole "wish upon a star" line.

Overall rating:

I will give this song a 4 out of 5. It's a cute song and should have been in the series somewhere.

Sailor Pluto - Ciao

Tone/Mood

A nice, sweet slow song. I'm not usually such a fan of slower ballads, but this one (as well as Matsushita-san's) is an exception, rather than the rule. The tone is a bit wistful on this song. Kind of like the title says 'Wishing upon a Star'.

Placement

Not in the series.

Memorable

As this is the first time I've heard this song, it could easily become a staple in my music folder. I really like Kawabe-san's voice and her choice of songs really fits. Of course, it helps to have the writing credits *grins*

Lyrics

I think that she's really outdone herself on this song. The lyrics really fit the music, the whole tone of the song is brought out by the lyrics, which have been co-written by Kawabe-san herself. It makes you wonder what kind of bloke would leave this pretty girl home alone on a Saturday night, as it sounds like she's talking from experience.

Overall Rating

Altho this song is good, it's not quite up to the title of my favourite. It is among my favourites tho, which is good. I will give it 4/5 hearts because it is such a sweet, wistful song that kinda sweeps you up into the lyrics and takes you down the lonely road of dreams and wishing upon a star.