"Poison: Iitai Koto mo Ienai Konna Yo no Naka wa" (Japanese: POISON 〜言いたい事も言えないこんな世の中は〜, lit. "Poison: In This World You Don't Say What You Want to Say")[a] is a song by Japanese actor and singer Takashi Sorimachi from his second studio album, High Life (1998). It was written as the main theme to the drama series GTO, starring Sorimachi as the schoolteacher Eikichi Onizuka. Produced by Ken Yoshida [ja] and composed by Jinjirō Inoue [ja] with Sorimachi in charge of lyrics and vocals, "Poison" is a rock and J-pop track written in E major with an allegro tempo. The song was released as Sorimachi's fourth single on July 29, 1998, carrying the Mercury Music Entertainment label.
Upon release, "Poison" entered at No. 9 on Oricon's Singles Chart, and went on to chart in the top 20 for nine weeks. By the end of 1998, the single had surpassed 250,000 sales, taking No. 88 on Oricon's year-end chart and earning a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). A renewed single, titled the Movie Mix, was released on December 18, 1999, and peaked at No. 38 on Oricon's chart.
Post-release, "Poison" has appeared alongside various GTO projects and has been called representative of Sorimachi. In 2018, the song became an Internet phenomenon for its ability to soothe crying babies, attributed by academics to a rise and fall of a sound in the song, particularly during a guitar riff in the intro. This renewed attention caused the song to debut at No. 38 on Billboard Japan'sHot 100 chart, established in 2008. "Poison" has received two subsequent Gold certifications from the RIAJ: one in 2014 for 100,000 digital downloads, and another in 2023 for 50 million streams.
Composition and release
"Poison: Iitai Koto mo Ienai Konna Yo no Naka wa" is a Japanese rock and pop song that lasts for 4 minutes and 5 seconds,[1][2] composed in E major with an allegro tempo of 138 beats per minute, according to sheet music from Doremi Music Publishing.[3] It opens with an instrumental intro, featuring a continuously rising and falling guitar riff. In the verse and chorus, the song lays mostly flat with high melody range. Vocals remain deep throughout the entire song.[3][4]
The song was written by Takashi Sorimachi as the main theme to the 1998 television dramaGTO, in which Sorimachi also stars in the lead role as the perverted but well-intent schoolteacher Eikichi Onizuka. Writing the song, Sorimachi thought back to his own time as a student, basing the lyrics in the feelings he remembered holding towards adults and society at that time.[5] The song was produced and arranged by Ken Yoshida [ja] from composition by Jinjirō Inoue [ja]; Sorimachi was in charge of lyrics and vocals.[6]
"Poison" was released as an 8cm CD single on July 29, 1998, through Mercury Music Entertainment.[7] It is Sorimachi's fourth single overall,[8] and the second single from his second studio album, High Life.[9][10] A renewed maxi single, titled the Movie Mix, was released on December 18, 1999. It included a remake of the song created for the 1999 GTO film and a drum and bass remix entitled "Poison 2000".[11][12] Despite its popularity, "Poison" would be one of Sorimachi's final singles, followed only by "Free" in 2000.[13]
Reception
Critical reception
A comment for CDJournal described "Poison" as a song that "cheers for a man who keeps fighting without deceiving himself."[1] The site's review for the Movie Mix wrote that the chorus will possibly move many listeners to tears, calling the single an item of interest for fans. The Movie Mix review also directed praise to "Poison 2000", opining that "Poison" in a drum and bass style was "surprisingly cool."[12]
Commercial performance
"Poison" debuted on the weekly Oricon chart dated August 10, 1998, with 48,640 CD sales, placing at No. 9, its peak position. The single spent nine weeks in the top 20 of the chart, and in total charted for twelve weeks. When it left the chart in October, it had reached 270,010 sales,[7] earning it a Gold certification from the RIAJ for surprassing 200,000,[b][14] and a placement at No. 88 on Oricon's year-end chart.[15] It saw similar success on the CDTV chart, peaking at No. 9 on its weekly chart and No. 87 on its year-end chart.[16][17] "Poison" also saw significant use in karaoke, finishing 64th on Joysound's 1998 ranking.[18]
The Movie Mix single opened at No. 45 on Oricon's chart with 5,610 sales in December 1999; it rose to a peak position at No. 38 the next week in January 2000. In total, the Movie Mix charted for four unconsecutive weeks and moved 23,930 units.[11]
The song has seen more charting and certifications in the 2000s and onwards. In 2014, a 2009 digital download single of the song was certified Gold by the RIAJ for 100,000 downloads.[19] In March 2020, the song debuted on Billboard Japan'sHot 100 chart (established in 2008) at No. 38, powered by Twitter mentions and digital downloads. Billboard's editorial team attributed the resurgence to the song's virality as an Internet meme.[20] In July the next year, it took No. 41 on Billboard's Top Download chart.[21] In September 2023, "Poison" received a third Gold certification, awarded for 50 million streams.[22]
Legacy
Kadokawa publication The TV [ja] wrote in 2021 that the song had become representative of Sorimachi,[23] and CDJournal described it as his "big break" and hit as a musician in their comment for the 1998 single.[1] A 2018 survey by Yukina Satō of Social Trend News asked people to finish "Iitai koto mo ienai konna yo no naka ja...", the hook to "Poison". With 360 responses, it found that most respondents aged 5–19 during GTO's initial airing could accurately finish the hook, with an over 80% success rate for those who had been aged 14, 16, and 17.[24]
"Poison" has appeared in subsequent GTO projects. In a 2020 drama adaptation of the GTO prequel Shonan Junai Gumi, starring Ichirō Kan [ja] as Onizuka, "Poison" was featured as an insert song.[25] In July 2023, fashion site Zozotown [ja] announced a line of T-shirts based on "Poison" and the 1998 drama.[26] In September the same year, it was announced that Sorimachi would reprise his role as Onizuka for GTO Revival, set to premiere in spring 2024. The announcement caused "POISON" to trend on X, alongside "Sorimachi Takashi" (反町隆史), "Onizuka Eikichi" (鬼塚英吉), and "Sorimachi-san" (反町さん).[27]
Internet meme
In early 2018, a post was made to the "0-Year Old Childcare" thread of Japanese textboard2channel, stating that "Poison" could ease crying children and even put them to sleep if played for longer. As users of the site corroborated the song's effectiveness, the story spread around the Internet.[28] Sorimachi was told of the phenomenon several times by his management and others, and said on a November 2019 episode of Ken Radio [ja]: "If only I had known earlier, maybe I could've used it on my own kids when they were little. My older child always cried [...] If I'd have known, I would've just put on my own song."[5]
In an interview with WithNews [ja], pedagog Yōko Shimura [ja] of Saitama University attributed the song's ability to ease children to a "clear" rise and fall of sound in the song's basso continuo.[29] In July 2021, Sorimachi's talent management company Ken-On released a YouTube video in which they tested the trend with Sorimachi. The video opens with Sorimachi reacting to clips showing the song effective on children from Japan, Brazil, the U.S., the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Sorimachi then video calls with the head of the Japan Acoustic Lab [ja], who, similarly to Shimura, theorizes that the high frequency in the intro's rising and falling guitar riff is able to stimulate and calm babies up to two years old.[30][31] As of November 2023, the video has surpassed 2 million views.[31]
Live performances and covers
To promote High Life, Sorimachi embarked on the Live Tour 98 High Life throughout Japan, performing "Poison" among other songs from the album. The tour's final day, performed at the Nakano Sunplaza, was released to video on February 3, 1999. A DVD release followed on December 20, 2000.[32][33] According to Goo Imatopi and Livedoor News, Sorimachi was intended to perform "Poison" on NHK's Kōhaku Uta Gassen, but was unable to since the song's title conflicted with the 1998 Wakayama Arsenic poison case, a murder case with heavy impact in Japan.[34][35]
"Poison: Iitai Koto mo Ienai Konna Yo no Naka wa" has been remixed and covered by various other artists. It is the lead track of the techno remix album Cosmetic Dramatic (2009)[36] and the 14th track on rock remix cover album Yanki Rock Non Stop Mix (2010).[37] As a television ending theme, "Poison" has been recorded in drama-related albums, including on Climax Love Story: Chapter 1 (2012), the first drama theme compilation album in a series of two,[38] and on Love Story: Dramatic Mix (2018) via a cover.[39] The song has also been covered during on-stage performances, such as by Powan [ja] in 2015[40] and by Coldrain featuring Shūhei Igari [ja] in 2017.[41]
"Poison" has become a staple song of comedian Takashi Okamura, often performed by him during All Night Nippon (ANN) song festivals hosted by his comedy group Ninety-nine;[42] by October 2021, Okamura had performed the song six times.[43] At the 2023 ANN festival, Sorimachi joined Okamura in performance of the song. Okamura, who had suffered a rupture of the achilles tendon on his right foot, sat on a chair with a visible cast and sang whilst Sorimachi stood. Okamura described the joint performance as something he couldn't have considered "even in [his] dreams."[44]
Personnel
Credits adapted from the 1998 single liner notes.[6]
^Also known as "Poison: Iitai Koto mo Ienai Konna Yo no Naka ja" (Japanese: POISON 〜言いたい事も言えないこんな世の中じゃ〜).
^Per the RIAJ's pre-2003 criteria, the 1998 single was certified Gold for 200,000 physical sales. Under current criteria, it would have received a Platinum certification.
^Discludes covers, remixes, and third-party compilation albums.
References
^ abcd"反町隆史 / POISON [廃盤]" [Takashi Sorimachi / Poison (Discontinued)]. CDJournal [ja] (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 28, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
^ ab"POISON~言いたい事も言えないこんな世の中は~" [Poison: In This World You Don't Say What You Want to Say] (in Japanese). Doremi Music Publishing. December 26, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2023 – via At-Elise.
^"反町隆史「POISON」で赤ちゃん泣き止む説の立証に喜び「みなさんの役に立っている」" [Takashi Sorimachi celebrates proof that "Poison" has an ability to ease crying children: "I'm glad it's been helpful to everyone."] (in Japanese). Oricon. July 3, 2021. Archived from the original on January 21, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
^ ab"反町隆史がPOISON振り返る「ぶっちゃけ…」" [Takashi Sorimachi looks back on "Poison": "To tell the truth..."]. Livedoor News (in Japanese). November 3, 2019. Archived from the original on November 11, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
^ abPOISON 〜言いたい事も言えないこんな世の中は〜 [Poison: In This World You Don't Say What You Want to Say] (1998 CD single back cover) (in Japanese). Mercury Music Entertainment. 1998. PHDL-1170.
^"反町隆史 / HIGH LIFE [廃盤]" [Takashi Sorimachi / High Life (Discontinued)]. CDJournal [ja] (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 24, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
^Tagata, Tomoyuki (December 24, 2015). "『POISON』以外にも名曲が!反町隆史の歌手活動" [Other great songs apart from "Poison"! The singing career of Takashi Sorimachi]. Excite [ja] (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 24, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
^ ab"あの頃のヒット曲 [1998年]" [The Hit Songs of Back Then (1998)] (in Japanese). Joysound. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
^"反町隆史、「POISON」で赤ちゃんが泣き止む動画に「僕の子どもがまだ小さい時に知ってたら…」" [Takashi Sorimachi reacts to video of "Poison" calming a crying baby: "If only I had known this when my kids were still small..."]. The TV [ja] (in Japanese). Kadokawa. October 28, 2023. Archived from the original on July 6, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
^Satō, Yukina (June 11, 2018). "「POISON」が通じない世代が会社にやってきた" [The generation without knowledge of "Poison" are now in the work force]. Social Trend News (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
^"ドラマ『湘南純愛組!』予告編解禁 反町隆史の「POISON」が挿入歌に" [Trailer to Shonan Junai Gumi drama adaptation unveiled. Takashi Sorimachi's "Poison" to be used as an insert theme] (in Japanese). Oricon. February 12, 2020. Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
^"ドラマ「GTO」がゾゾタウンとコラボ 反町隆史やPOISONのポスターヴィジュアルをTシャツに" [GTO drama collaborates with Zozo Town. Poster visuals of Takashi Sorimachi and "Poison" to be turned into T-shirts]. Fashion Snap [ja] (in Japanese). Reco Orlando. July 24, 2023. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
^"反町隆史「GTOリバイバル」放送決定に「激アツ」歓喜の声 "POISON" "冬月先生" 関連ワードもトレンド入り" [Broadcast confirmation for GTO Revival, starring Takashi Sorimachi, brings "extreme excitement". Related topics such as "Poison" and "Fuyutsuki-sensei" enter trending]. Cinema Cafe (in Japanese). September 15, 2023. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023 – via Yahoo! News Japan.
^Tks (May 30, 2018). "タケモトピアノだけじゃない? 赤ちゃんの寝かしつけに、あるJ-POPが効果絶大と話題に" [It's not just the Takemoto Piano jingle? For its ability to put children to sleep, a certain J-pop song gathers attention]. Internet Watch (in Japanese). Impress Corporation. Archived from the original on August 27, 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
^Kanasawa, Hikari (April 11, 2020). "「POISON」聞いたら泣きやんだ 赤ちゃん「おやなんだ反応」の真相" [Babies stop crying when they hear "Poison". The truth behind their reaction] (in Japanese). WithNews [ja]. Archived from the original on August 13, 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
^"『新作スペシャルドラマ』放送決! 最終回の視聴率は35.7%を記録" [Broadcast of new special drama decided! The audience rating for its final episode reached 35.7%]. Goo Imatopi (in Japanese). September 18, 2023. Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
^"反町隆史、ミスチル、のりピー他をピコピコカバー" [Takashi Sorimachi, Mr. Children, Nori-P, and others covered in electro]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). March 16, 2009. Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
^"銀蝿からイエモンまで! 永遠のヤンキーソング25曲をカバー" [From Ginbae to Yellow Monkey! Covers of 25 eternal yankee songs]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). December 14, 2010. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
^"ヒット曲盛りだくさん、ドラマ主題歌コンピ2作同時発売" [Containing several hit songs, two albums of drama themes to receive same-day release]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). August 15, 2012. Archived from the original on January 10, 2022. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
^"ドラマ主題歌のノンストップミックスCD発売、福山雅治やドリカムら名曲収録" [Non-stop drama theme song mix CD released. Includes songs by Masaharu Fukuyama and Dreams Come True]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). August 28, 2018. Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
^"ぽわん、盛況ワンマンでファズミサキ脱退&11月から毒まきツアー開催" [Fuzzy Misaki leaves Powan after successful one-man performance. Tour ongoing since November]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). September 18, 2015. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
^"「岡村隆史のANN歌謡祭」でaiko、May J.、知念里奈らToshlと熱狂のXジャンプ" [Aiko, May J., and Rina Chinen perform an enthusiastic X-jump with Toshl at Takashi Okamura's ANN Song Festival]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). October 30, 2017. Archived from the original on September 20, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
^"岡村隆史 初の矢部浩之との"ナイナイ歌謡祭"に喜び「『POISON』を歌うのは6回目」" [Takashi Okamura celebrates his first Nine-Nine Music Festival with Hiroyuki Yabe. "This is my 6th time singing 'Poison'"] (in Japanese). Fuji Television. October 31, 2021. Archived from the original on January 26, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
^"反町隆史 / ゴールデン☆ベスト" [Takashi Sorimachi / Golden Best]. CDJournal [ja] (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 25, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2023.