Off Course : Message songs with beautiful harmonies

Off Course was a group active from 1967 to 1989, led by main vocalist and songwriter Kazumasa Oda and his ally Yasuhiro Suzuki. Their music is known for the messages in their lyrics.
The band’s name comes from the fact that many of its key members graduated from engineering colleges. They were expected to become engineers or architects, but they went “off course” and chose music instead.

Nemurenu Yoru : Off Course sings about hating the bondage of love

Off Course originally played folk songs, but from the late 1970s, their style became more rock. Their hit song “Nemurenu Yoru” was released in December 1975. This song is sung and performed by the two original members, Oda and Suzuki, from which you can enjoy their beautiful harmonies typical of folk songs.

“Nemurenu Yoru” means “a sleepless night.” The song expresses the desire for freedom, rather than being bound by love. It’s similar to songs like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” Commodores’s “Easy,” or some American country and western songs.
In Japan, however, very few hit songs have this kind of message, except for “Nemurenu Yoru.” The song shows how love can sometimes take away your freedom, and this message still feels relevant today.

Oda’s lyrics have a magical power — they express the feelings deep inside your heart, even ones you may not notice. They often say the words you wish someone would say to you. That’s why Off Course’s songs can feel like they are singing directly to you. And “Nemurenu Yoru” is one of those songs.

Umarekuru Kodomotachi No Tameni : Off Course’s positive, future-focused attitude

Off Course’s first big hit was “Sayonara,” released in December 1979. As usual in the music industry, producers wanted to follow it with another love song to keep their popularity growing. After all, it had already been 10 years since their first single.

But Off Course insisted on singing what they truly wanted to sing. In the end, their wishes were respected, and “Umarekuru Kodomotachi No Tameni” was released in March 1980. This song asks what we can do for the children who will be born.

The lyrics have a strong social message, filled with love and responsibility for the next generation. This positive, future-focused attitude is one of Off Course’s greatest qualities.

Reference : Nobuaki Ōnuki – Kazumasa Oda Interview “Tashikana Koto” (2005/ M-on entertainment)

Kotoba Ni Dekinai : A song born from the crisis of Off Course’s breaking up

Off Course continued to release many hits, including “Yes-No” (June 1980) and “I Love You” (June 1981), which made them even more popular. But in 1981, at the height of their success, Suzuki — who had been Oda’s closest ally since the beginning — announced to the other members that he wants to leave the band. Oda felt that he wouldn’t be able to create music if he lost Suzuki. At one point, he even considered breaking up the band. After much discussion, the band members ultimately decided to continue without Suzuki.

The song “Kotoba Ni Dekinai,” released in February 1982, expresses Oda’s deep sadness at losing his irreplaceable partner. If you didn’t know the story behind the song, you might think it’s about losing a loved one or feeling thankful for meeting someone special.

At the final national tour concert with Suzuki, Oda became so emotional while singing this song that he lost his voice. There were long moments when only the band’s instruments played. The title “Kotoba Ni Dekinai” means “I can’t put it into words” — and that feeling was shown clearly in the performance. (You can hear this version in the live album.)
After that, Oda did not sing “Kotoba Ni Dekinai” again until 2001. Suzuki himself has still never explained why he left Off Course.

The Legacy of Off Course

Off Course stayed active until 1989, with several member changes. Even then, they continued to create music with emotional lyrics and beautiful melodies. Their songs still feel like they are being sung for you.

Although Off Course’s earliest fans are now over 80 years old, the band still has many younger fans — even teenagers. Their music continues to be loved by people of all generations.

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