This is an email exchange between Nobuo & Nojima, the scenario planner and lyricist for the main theme ‘Suteki Dane’. Nojima had just been assigned to America on business tri and they are discussing about the development of the main theme. Here ‘Nojiman’ refers to Nojima and ‘Nobiyo’ refers to Nobuo ^_^ they are nicknames given to each other. Translated by Etho from the CD Final Fantasy X OST.
5/14 Nobuo:
You must be tired! How tired you are I’m not too sure though.
So..could we have a talk about something outside of the FFX soundtrack before you head for the US? I know you’re gonna beg me to talk about something more interesting if I venture into work-related matters, but actually I do want to get something off my chest. So, are you game?
5/14
Nojima:
Understood.
5/14
Nobuo:
Well then, what shall we talk about then?
How about ‘Suteki Dane’?
5/15
Nojima:
Hi! How are you doin’?
I’d just returned to my hotel and it’s cloudy over here. The clouds have been covering the blue skies of California for the past few days. Hmmm... about Suteki dane. I remember that song. While deciding on the appropriate singer, it’s a little sudden that I added a touch of ‘Okinawa’ into it, ain’t I? Frankly that’s still a mystery to me. I’ve talked to the Section Designers who told me they were going for the asian feel for the game and somehow I wonder why Square Sounds came out with the idea of an Okinawan influence. I guess it could be the names of the main characters. Well in the end I chose Ms Rikki, a folk singer from Amami, though not exactly from Okinawa but it’ll suffice. Her voice is truly sweet!! So. you’ve started composing for the game?? I didn’t expect you to start this early. It’s tough, ain’t it? I had a tough time writing the lyrics too. In the beginning I don’t have any inspiration for the words of the song, and I had to think slowly while watching the scene where the music is gonna be played in the game. Once I’d gotten the idea, the image of Rikki’s Live performance immediately came to my mind. I GOT IT! I exclaimed, and it was then that I suggested Rikki to the sound department.
5/15
Nobuo:
Maybe before I touch on what Nojiman had said, I had a recent interest in Lapis Lazuli and Ireland. Somehow I find the Irish make music very professionally with the seemless infusion of their own unique folk culture into it. People would go to bars after their daily work, they’d drink, dance and play instruments. Anyway, the other day, I told myself that I’d be better if I can finish the tune of the song in one day, and the next thing I knew, it was finished within the hour! But the lyrics. hmmm...I had to change the melody twice to fit in with the lyrics.
Hey! Maybe we should go celebrate at The English pub after the song’s done?? Actually I was pretty surprised at the title ‘Suteki dane’. I was thinking of other titles and that one just struck me, and I was like..’HUH?!’ In my mind I was thinking ‘Suteki dane futari te wo tori aruketa nara’(Isn’t it wonderful, if we hold our hands and walk together). The impression was quite unique I must say. I was speechless.
5/15
Nojima:
Firstly, STOP CALLING ME NOJIMAN! How many times must I tell you that?
I’ve heard about the Lapis and Ireland thingy from you before. I like the nuance of Irish music. It’s kinda alive. Makes you in a state of deep thought. I’ll embrace any artiste out there who can achieve that can of mastery and beauty similar to Irish music.
Hmm... The English pub, eh? Never heard of that place. Well, it’s fine by me, we could not only celebrate our completion of the main theme, but to your continued good health as well!
‘Suteki dane’ what a wonderful phrase. I like it when I hear someone who says it in real life, especially women. Unlike the usual ‘Ii’ or ‘KAWAII!’, people say Sutekidane nowadays.
I remember when I was on a field trip to Kyoto during my High School time, I was at this temple, which its name eludes me, there was this small garden inside. And there she was, sitting in the midst of the garden and nah, it’s best I stop here. Just some personal memories. Wooo, it’s all coming back.
5/16
Nobuo:
To NOJIMAN,
If I can differentiate clearly between Live Music and Sophisticated Music, that’ll be best case.
But in the eyes of those people, my music is probably like junk food. I’m searching for interest in weaving knowledge and intelligence into musical works. But then in Japan, it’s hard to judge the true worth of music if it doesn’t sound sophisticated enough. People here seem to reject what is from our own culture. Let’s talk the 3-chord pipa (a lute) for example that has been with us for generations, but we don’t know a single folk song that uses it at all. Instead, we have loads of Japanese who appreciates the foreign piano. And we seem to have a lot of copy bands popping up all over the country! I’m not a cynic, nor am I someone who hails at foreign imports, but I am in the music industry and such things flows in me. When I don’t see certain things, I will be caught in a dilemma. Ah, it’s difficult to convey through words, I wish we could meet up one day.
5/16
Nojima:
To NOBIYO:
Yeah, you’re bad at complex ideas.
I do think of my own hobbies and interests as well, and a lot of times I don’t have any commitment to each for a long time. Well, as Jecht would say, Things that can done tomorrow, is best left til tomorrow. It’s like telling oneself that there would always be a better tomorrow.
Well, back to the topic of FFX music.
I have done the piano piece for the intro scene. And if there’s anyone who’s writing the scenario I hoe he understands the situation. In terms of scenario, I don’t think it’s very established yet. When it comes to planning scenarios, it’s difficult to materialize the final version. You have to get the opinions of many development staff and inevitably there will be a clash of ideas. For example, some woman doesn’t like me but I do like her on the other hand. It’s like professing your love for her and waiting in vain for a reply. So, in view of that, I think I feel very fortunate that we all agree on common grounds whenever I see the intro scene.
5/17
Nobuo:
That piano theme wasn’t planned to be used in FFX, was it?
Last year I got the idea of the tune from a flutist whom I consulted for help, which I quickly requested for use in FFX. I coaxed the team in using it for certain event scenes, but they always relpied ‘Hmm...perhaps'. In the end, they decided to try using it on the opening screen. And I was surprised that it was just perfect for the scene! I hurriedly sent an email to Toriyama, telling him ‘Toriyama! That song is perfect for that scene! It’s GOOD!’ When the staff reviewed the opening scene, there was a sense of common agreement on it. In the end, that theme together with Sutekidane became the main theme for FFX. Hard to believe, isn’t it?
It’s like a girl who suddenly professes her love to you, not too hard to imagine for your case huh.
5/17
Nojima:
Ahhh...I just can’t take that tune out of my mind! I already did that for ‘Nobiyo’ and now this!
Anyway, speaking of which, I have to confess that I love the idea of using the Prelude in this installment. I think this is the second time I’m confessing something to Nobiyo. That piano theme is gonna play a big role in this FF. But for the Prelude, it’s a reassurance for fans of the FF series. I think the inclusion of an arranged version has many deep implications.
5/17
Nobuo:
Oh, the Prelude.
I remember during the final stages of development of FF1, there was a sudden last minute request by Sakaguchi.
Hey, I want some music to go in HERE. It’s of Utmost URGENCY! which upon given that order, I hurriedly conjured something in 10 minutes.
Actually it’s quite embarrassing as I NEVER expect that tune to span over 10 sequels!
5/17
Nojima:
Oh yeah, the director of the recording studio is Jack. Here, ‘take five!’ means taking a short break. And I think I know the origins of the title of that Deeb Blueback song, how moving!!
In Beverly Hills, 1 bottle of beer and 1 bottle of wine is all it takes to get drunk.
5/23
Nobuo:
Now at Okinawa. Enjoying my vacation. Haha I’m kidding.
But the Okinawa part is true. I’m here to assist in filming the MTV of Rikki.
It’s my first time in Okinawa, and as much as I had hoped to enjoy this place, but we are thoroughly exhausted filming from day to night. The weather has hasn’t been too good though. But it’s interesting to know that whether it’s a business tri to LA or Okinawa, we can still communicate with each other about work so conveniently via mail.
Anyway, it takes time to develop a game, doesn’t it?
During that period, our state of health is not always good, and we don’t have a chance to get a proper rest. My condition deteriorates by the year. Since this is going to last for a long duration, I’m not too sure how I’m gonna cope.
Darn! Can we have something lighter to talk about?? Topic change please!!
By the way, I’ll be staying in Okinawa until this Friday.
OH YES! I was featured in the 5/21 issue of TIME magazine! (But I haven’t seen it yet.)
5/23
Nojima:
Oh, why can’t we just have ordinary mails?
Are you OK, filming the video in such bad weather? I’m sure the heavens will be on your side.
Over here, Hollywood is still continuing to be cloudy.
How do we pass the time during the development period? Anything.
Will has nothing to do with your state of body or your mind. There isn’t any connection at all.
I got that idea from a magazine. Don’t understand? Like instead of ‘NN’, why not try saying ‘YA!’. Then again I don’t think we’re used to using English replies. Then again, I don’t really know what I’m talking about ..ooohhh I’m beginning to feel uneasy, ooohhh.
Oh, I was watching the WWF at Anaheim (?), and boy, was that entertaining!!
It was crowded and it was thoroughly entertaining to watch. I LIKE it!
Just like games, you create things that many people would appreciate, otherwise you’ll lose the driving force. If only I could understand English, I might have enjoyed this much more. Oh, sorry for my ramblings, it’s now 1:30am in the morning. Good night.
5/23
Nobuo:
Heaven is really on my side as the location of our filming was not too bad at all.
Since Rikki is familiar with that location, it was a breeze! It’s really quiet here in Okinawa. You can’t hear anything other than the sound of insects, birds, the wind, the waves. And yes, the soft scent of the grass.
I’d forgotten all about work and indulged myself in an imaginary world of the Lapis, even though it’s a bit a waste of time. During the development period, I was depressed but I have to bear with it. Come to think of it, that’s not a good thing to do. I thought of some good ways to change my mood, but for the moment I chose to end it. I had to sacrifice everything to attain that, much like in the military. If only I can know how to be just a little more idle.
5/24
Nojima:
Thanks for the trouble!
How was Rikki?? Is it similar to the spirit of Gajumal and Yuunagi? They are the spirits of the forest as characterized in the manga titled ‘The Spirit of the Grapes’ (ah,how nostalgic!) , which I tink the title was superb. I recommend that manga to you. Even though I’ve only read the first book, but the content remains etched inside me. Who or where FFX stands, that’s an interesting thought. Have you ever thought of this?
I think of it as something made u of a few music, novel, manga. A battle between Antonio Butaki vs T.J.Sin. On the streets of Sapporo. It’s not especially dynamic but somehow it’s always inside me. Thinking about all this just makes me homesick L, even at my age.
5/24
Nobuo:
I declare that Rikki should be the last person alive on Earth. I should request her to direct more videos, just like how Miyazaka Mayumi or Utada Hikaru direct their own. It’s a pity I have not heard of the manga, could I borrow it from you? The only manga I’d bought recently was ‘Manga of Japanese History’, and it was a complete set of 50 issues! As for music, I only have 1 album of Kitsushima, just how bad am I? But I do have 100 mp3s of his songs, and there’s no limit to what you can find. I thought of Elton John’s album too but a pity I didn’t get any. I also have a debut album of Yumi-chan, but I didn’t have any recollection of her songs. Until recently I replayed all these old albums and it all comes back to me again. Sometimes it’s good to analyze the song and decide for yourself how good the song is, rather than just follow your beliefs blindly, it’s good to do some searching inside your own heart.
5/26
Nojima:
It must be enjoyable looking at Rikki. I’m amused at your purchase of the 50-issue manga. Impulsive buyer? Reminds me of the time I was test-listening to a speaker system at Akihabara and I went home and ordered it online. I do agree with your views on song judgement though.
Anyway, I am now terribly home-sick. It’s lonely not being able to understand English AT ALL, but I have no choice. I miss hearing Japanese so much, hoping someone would call me on the phone, but then again that voice would sound distant, oh well.
5/28
Nobuo:
I’m thinking of the stuff that I can do within these 5day trip. I’ve started planning ever since morning (and it’s now 3pm in the afternoon). From 4m onwards, I have to go for rehearsal for the vocalization of Aeris Theme at Mad Studios. Oh! This reminds me I have completely forgotten to write out the draft of appreciation for the polling site! Ah heck, I’ll leave that to tomorrow (<-tsk tsk)
You’re homesick??
Is that so? Whenever one has to live in the hotel for work reasons, your living patterns have been set out for you. Despite the fact that I seldom watch TV when I’m abroad, but I still don’t find any meaning in watching it overseas. That is why when I was in Hawaii, my TV was always tuned in to MTV. At the same time, I wonder to myself who in the world would ever make a long-distance call from home.
5/28
Nojima:
Hi, you must have had a long day. It’s Monday 12am here. Due to the schedule, I have extended my stay here for a couple more days. Today I was passing through the streets near Beverley Hills Hotel. This hotel is famous for staff sporting Hotel California jackets. After my visit there, I humming the tune of Hotel California inside my mind. I can remember the tune even under suc circumstances, not bad the more I think of it, the more my tears.
I never thought I would cry on a foreign land in such a manner.
Oh yeah, MTV! I’ll try that. Whenever you hear the voice of someone very dear, it’s so near yet so far! That special background noise of a long-distance call is quite stimulating within my heart.
5/29
Nobuo:
I have a little free time on my hands after fixing all the data errors. We are discussing over a couple of drinks over the debugged recordings. The vocalization of Aeris Theme was oversaw by my personal fiddler specialist, James Ediger. When I first heard his demo tape, I got a shock. He wasn’t just playing the guitar and the fiddle within one take and adding in the vocal. I expect jumbled noise when infused with those phrases, but it turns out it was the sound of tuning instruments. It’s my first time seeing someone using live performance as a demo tape. Tomorrow will be the actual recording of Aeris Theme. I can’t wait to do it, that song has such a deep hidden meaning to it.
About your extension stay, deepest sympathies from me.
5/29
Nojima:
Hey, Nobiyo, you’re gradually trying to mail me almost daily. I’ve said what I wanted to say, and there isn’t any need for you to reply that often.
Looks like you are having fun with work on Aeris Theme. Great move for the new arrangement! And Rikki is gonna sing it! (simulating it now in my mind) Ooooo applause!!
Well, I’ve decided to do SOMETHING during my extension. I was at the bookstore today and bought a English Language Guide for Foreigners. I took a quick glance through it and realized that the instructions and explanation was written in English! I found it hard to read further that’s OK, I have lotsa time.
PS: Regarding your photograph featured in TIME magazine... well, your face looked weird...