The Ichiban Song - Yakuza 7 (Fan Made) (English Lyrics)

local idiot gets a little bit liberal with translations. local idiot is ME
instrumental: www.amazon.com/Ichibanka-Inst...
translated lyric video by AU-19: • Yakuza 7 Main Theme (I...
translated lyrics by rubia ryu: rubiaryutheroyal.tumblr.com/p...
font: Edo SZ
ICHIBANKA | SHONAN NO KAZE | YAKUZA 7
- fire up the party like “begin the celebration” but also like “buff your team members’ attack stat” am i right lads
- did not try to translate any of the festival chants because 1) i could not make out a few and couldn’t find transcribed lyrics for those bits 2) i feel like it’s very hard to capture a cultural equivalent in English 3) they are fun????? what’s better than this guys bein dudes
- generally translated the “ichiban” puns as his name because i sort of agree with all the people who see Ichibanka as a celebration song welcoming him to the Yakuza franchise. “Number One” fits just as well as “Ichiban”, though, for syllables!
- i could write 3 books apologizing for the poetic sins ive committed - sorry for rhyming “yakuza” with “loser”, however, it was worth it and id do it again
- art / video / vocals / mixing were all by me but I am still very much a n00b at all of this stuff so please be merciful fhdhshf
- i didn’t include all the eventual party members bc i don’t know how many of them still count as spoilers at this point lmao. zhao would immediately crush everyone with his wota game
---
I was very impressed with the dub and localization work on Like A Dragon (lookin @ u machine gun kiss), especially after reading a lot of the development notes, which is sort of what inspired / kicked my butt to work on this … fandub? Is that what the kids call it these days? Sorry I couldn’t hit more of the low notes though!! :’) And also that the little dancing party doesn’t quite always line up with the music.
“Ichiban Song” may be a little tacky but I hope it conveys the spirit of this cover being very casual, fun, and not 100% serious. Thank you for listening and reading! Please feel free to hit me up with questions/suggestions regarding translations, or use/edit these lyrics for your own covers as long as you credit the original authors/copyright holders!
YAKUZA / LIKE A DRAGON © SEGA / RGG STUDIO
ICHIBANKA BY SHOUNANNO KAZE & YASUTAKA NAKATA
GO LISTEN TO THE BANGER ORIGINAL: • Ichibanka
GO PLAY YAKUZA 7 / LIKE A DRAGON: store.steampowered.com/app/12...
(***Gritty Crime Drama - Rated M for Mature***)
EDIT: Wow, congrats on making it this far down! People keep asking about this -- HAN AND ZHAO ARE AT AN IJIN THREE MEETING AND COULDN'T MAKE THE FILMING OF THIS VIDEO. :(
That, and when I first made this, Y7 was still pretty new to NA and I wanted to respectful of people who consider late-game party characters to be semi-spoilers. Thanks for understanding! :)

[@Americus2001]

Me 2 hours into Yakuza Like A Dragon: "Haha, Ichiban is a loveable oaf." Me 176 hours into Yakuza Like A Dragon: "If anything happens to Ichiban, I will bomb the Millennium Tower, and then myself."

[@secondarchive]

EXACTLY!!! I wish nothing but the best for him.

[@arandominternetperson437]

Why is it that whenever something happens in kamurocho, the millennium tower is destroyed?

[@cantufekci23]

@@arandominternetperson437 cuz this guy keeps bombing the millennium tower

[@caldogallego5978]

xD

[@olivia892]

@@arandominternetperson437 because the events of yakuza 1brought a curse "If you can go in the malenium tower in anyway, it will fucking explode"

[@5mac866]

Fun Fact: if you say you don’t like Ichiban as a character, you are lying

[@AlexT7916]

PREEEAAAACCCCHHH BROTHER!

[@lillith3159]

I have to admit that at first i wasnt happy with the series switching main characters but after my first hours playing i couldnt help to fall in love with ichi

[@PalaDave99]

I honestly don't like him right up until the final moments in Kamurocho. He's too goofy for my taste but when he started pouring his soul out to Aoki I actually teared up a bit and thats when I started liking him

[@partialbullet2215]

I thought you would be murder 👀

[@hypnoticskull6342]

He is literally one of my most favorite fictional characters ever

[@Maxler5795]

You know a studio is good when the protagonist is THIS good. I love ichi because the guy was literally betrayed and bacjstabbed by all his loved ones, and yet he still believes. And he takes that "my friends are my power" mentality and makes it believeable. All while having undiagnosed schizophrenia.

[@frankgessler3914]

Lmao yes he literally inspires me to do do better. And seek mental health counseling

[@Hilversumborn]

The lyrics still contain the essence of the original, so hats off to you.

[@secondarchive]

Thank you very much!! I know a 1:1 translation is often nigh impossible, but it was important to me to get as close as I could. :)

[@GamerBoy870]

@@secondarchive I recently bought this game while it was on sale on steam already in chapter 9 and I love it.

[@toomanyshyguys4153]

@@secondarchive I pphl

[@toomanyshyguys4153]

@@secondarchive p

[@ipza4968]

not only have i wanted to hear this song in english but oh my god the little dancin gang with the glowsticks thank you for this

[@secondarchive]

THANK YOU!!! i cherish those ridiculous little midlife crisis party members so much

[@siddi_q5195]

“We’ll accept you Ichiban” Excuse me while I cry

[@adelia5671]

That "Welcome home, Ichiban!" hit me in the heart

[@MariusBoss11458]

Though it's supposed to be "Welcome to the Yakuza, Ichiban!"

[@justinbaker8450]

Just like the bullet Arakawa shot Ichiban with

[@Maxler5795]

@@justinbaker8450 this had no right to make me laugh

[@theequalizer694]

Funny because Majima is responsible for destroying the only home Ichiban had

[@Razzael1]

Starting yakuza 7 - " I suppose I'll cave and see what all the hype is about..." Finishing Yakuza 7 - "WHY SO MANY FEELINGS?!"

[@alexeyterentev2314]

honestly can't even comprehend how much effort it probably took to convey not only all of the essence but also many, many less important bits of the original AND make it perfectly singable; this dub's a banger dripping with passion, would be cool to see more

[@secondarchive]

thank you sooo much!!! it was indeed a challenge to check off ALL the dub boxes (MASSIVE respect to the RGG team that has to do this on an official level lol) but i'm really really glad the sense and mood made it through! i would love to do more in the future ... even if a bit slowly haha

[@CyricZ]

I adore that you had so much fun with the "soya" vocalizing.

[@thorhit]

I was wondering what an English cover would sound like and this is actually really good. Great job on this! 👍🏻

[@secondarchive]

Thank you so much! Nothing beats the original - it's such a fun and catchy song! So I worked hard to try to do them justice 😤

[@philipinoboy1381]

i never expected that the english cover would be in sync with the japanese lyrics. but damn this ended so well. nice job xD

[@secondarchive]

thank you! it is sometimes a difficult decision between quality of translation and practical ease of singing the lyrics, but i tried very hard not to sacrifice either if possible! :')

[@UltimaKeyMaster]

"He's got no money." (Not quite true) Had to pause from laughing so hard at those cold, hard FACTS.

[@secondarchive]

EXACTLY! The money he had ended up being more trouble than the money he didn't!! :') I'm glad you appreciated that little bit - thank you!

[@faiznordin9343]

from a homeless ex prisoner to president of ichiban senbei

[@weneedaladder8384]

"Where am I gonna get 3,000,000 yen" -man who owns his own personal orbital laser.

[@Chokah]

@@weneedaladder8384 ATM:Cries in 94,638,109 yen

[@zombieyeager1654]

Replaying 7 right now, close to the end and Ichiban has always kept a grin on my face with how he always sees the best and does whatever he can to help his friends even when things look so bad. Its exactly this way that makes him such a great protagonist, Kiryu has always tried to see the good in people but he always has an intimidating aura around him and most villains that aren’t morons, know how much of a beast he is. Ichiban is an unknown though, one look at him and I think anyone would write him off, plus on his own he isn’t that much of a threat. Kiryu pushes away most help out of a misguided sense of protecting them without realising how much he hurts people just doing that. Ichiban actually takes help and offers 10x as much back, he tries to dissuade his friends from helping him but he does quickly accept it knowing he needs it and there’s no reason to go it alone. This song I feel is a showcase of that, even just the little chibi party demonstrates it, everyone is having fun and waving along. It’s great and Ichiban is great. I’ll say something controversial and say I like 7 more than 0 with story. (I do admit 0 is a much more solid story with great characters that we know but 7 is just so fresh and fun)

[@peterlaszay5769]

Haven't played the game yet (only on Yakuza 4 at this point) but have listened to the Japanese version dozens of times and feel like I already know the kind of dude Ichiban will be in game despite not knowing anything about him or the story beyond his ridiculous optimism and imagination. This is all to say I got a tear in my eye when hearing "Welcome home Ichiban." It just fits so well and is sung so well in the video, it touched me deeply. So all in all, thank you. Thank you and everyone involved for creating this adorable piece of music.

[@secondarchive]

Thank you so so so much for your kind words! Ichiban's upbeat and unbreakable resolve were the biggest inspirations for me making this -- he's seriously such a great protag from a really good and heartfelt game!!!

[@peterlaszay5769]

@@secondarchive And it really shines through, so thank you once more for making this, it's great. :)

[@jason3955]

Ichiban and the gang quickly became favorites for me and I hope they do for you, too!

[@MariusBoss11458]

Goddamn I've written a comment like this so many times. Expecially "Only on Y4" well. Now I can say. I haven't even started Watching Yakuza 5. And I agree with you. Gotta love Nishiki's voice.

[@dennisisdoorknob899]

Ichiban and his friends ignited something within me no game has ever done before. As much I love the other yakuza games, this one is truly amazing with how close to home and perfect the characters are. It's safe to say it's my #1 game of all time

[@secondarchive]

RIGHT!!! They are just so relatable and the game itself is always so fun and thoughtful ... glad to see they are planning to continue his story!!

[@dennisisdoorknob899]

@@secondarchive HAHA YES! I know how ill be spending my time >:D

[@finalfursonavii8635]

this game felt so real and blunt about it in a way id never seen before.... its like a miracle a game this big got to exist and be in the spotlight... its like RGG gave like a dragon 7 that boost up to the announcement truck that ichiban got from his friends

[@aronsurakh1747]

​@@finalfursonavii8635real talk these games give me motivation in life.

[@jimjames3162]

4:34 when you realize you forgot to press record

[@hypnoticskull6342]

"Just a determined stray dog." I love Ichiban's character so damn much. He's just a man who was betrayed but managed to get a new family after his old one was gone. I would love this game so much more if it wasn't for the turn based combat and levels

[@JL_icious]

I just finished Y7 and I had a lot of Feelings for Ichiban, this was the perfect capper to that wave of emotions 😭😭 I'm so happy to have him as our protagonist for the years moving forward!! thank you so much for this cute (and well written!!) ass cover!!

[@secondarchive]

Thank you so much and I totally feel the same!! 😭 He's such a tough but loveable protag who's been through sooo much but never lost his goofy idealism and heart ... wishing him many wonderful years from here on out as well! 😭

[@JL_icious]

@@secondarchive same here!! omfg I literally fell in love with this character within 2 hours of introduction like. the setup of his arc is just so good and does so much to charm us to him?? and he just gets more and more lovable and inspiring every moment you step further!! someone who endures so much suffering that parallels kiryu's first entrance into the game but goes about it so differently from him! [SPOILERS] also when that scene at the lockers hit and kaiji tang was crying his eyes out I mean... I wasn't ready. I was so not ready AND THIS COVER JUST MADE ME FEEL ALL THE FEELINGS AGAIN just. thank you OP. also I find English machine gun kiss hilarious and great too tyty

[@maheeppanwar4756]

@@secondarchive you did good but therr are some mistakes but very good for first time

[@windows9550]

This is so good. Really love the original and so glad I found this cover! Also love the “oh my god” at 4:34 lol

[@secondarchive]

Thank you so much; the original is wonderful and I love it too!! :D The "oh my god" is me breathing a sigh of relief that I made it through the song

[@lukecwolf]

Hey, the enthusiasm is well appreciated, and i love how you explained some of the puns that couldn't get translated. I clicked just wanting to see the characters with glow sticks, but man, it's just so great to see the enthusiasm this game makes among fans!

[@rockoutman3]

I cant believe a fan translation made me cry. I love this cover and y7

[@secondarchive]

Thank you and same!!! The translation is the result of the tears I have also shed over Ichiban 🤝 (and also fighting Majima)

[@waifuzontv7687]

For a moment I thought this was the official English version of Yakuza Like a Dragon Intro.

[@CholaRoja]

What a fantastic cover and adaptation. Im still on Kiwami 1, but i can't wait to meet Ichiban and his party.

[@sparkyspinz9897]

If you get burnt out on the series before then dont be afraid to jump in. You dont need any knowledge of the series to enjoy the masterpiece that is Like a Dragon. But it certainly does make some character introductions much more impactful. Like meeting majima and other legends

[@MariusBoss11458]

@@sparkyspinz9897 Dunno where he's at now but Y3 and 4 might make him get Burnt out. I mean most of the Lists of the Worst Yakuza games are Y3 and 4. Still they're good games. Even the worst are good.

[@CholaRoja]

@@MariusBoss11458 Still in Y3 guys, im taking my time 😅

[@Kokosanka92]

@@sparkyspinz9897 I only knew Majima from the "funny Majima moments" videos on YT. So when he appeared in LAD I knew I should be scared.

[@donovanshepard4437]

This is so amazing. I'm getting emotional! Just finished the game and I've been listening to the OG song on repeat and I found this. You did such an amazing job! Literally sitting in my car tearing up a bit from feelings 😂 thank you for making this!!

[@DeathDealer0302]

3 years later and i still love this song! Thank you for making an English cover of it! You did a DAMN good job 😁👍

[@radiantarchiver69]

Finally beat this game. This and the original kept haunting me in my recommendations and I’m so glad I’m now able to listen to the original and your really amazing cover!

[@riggityriz8564]

Man I wish I could listen to this on repeat on Spotify.

[@stillwinston3765]

With the pandemic that happened Ichiban is the kind of hero we need with how bad it is out there

[@nangokusamurai921]

センスあり過ぎの英語カバーですね！ 祭りの掛け声のところもノリノリで聞いていて気持ち良いです。

[@secondarchive]

ありがとうございます！ きっと間違いをしたけど、これから練習して頑張っていきます！

[@sleepytrashman]

I don't know why I'm crying in the club rn

[@arioctopus2823]

OMG THE LITTLE PARTY WITH GLOWSTICKS THEY'RE SO CUTE (also this is an amazing cover great job!!!)

[@BALDFURY69]

Subbing for this. Very well done. Captured exactly how I understand ichiban's character and the translation job was amazing. Seriously kudos.

[@secondarchive]

Thank you very much! Ichiban is a WONDERFUL character, so I worked as hard as I could to hopefully capture that (even in translation). I'm glad you liked it!

[@adityapawar1428]

Brilliantly done! I love it so much. This song describes Ichiban perfectly.

[@gunnasintern]

this is such a great cover! it really does capture the energy and feel of the original Ichiban is one of the most relatable characters to me in media, as someone who’s also starting again from rock bottom, getting to know Ichi’s story and character has really helped me on this 2-3 year journey and path i’ve been on so far. Yakuza 7’s story is a genuine warmhearted story about found family, and how it’s never too late to make a change in your life. As long as you live a life you love and enjoy yourself, then all is good, and having others to share that joy with makes it all better. i cannot wait to see Ichiban and his friends to return in 8

[@jasondreemurr4212]

My heart felt warm and feel I belong somewhere cause I really love ichiban This is the best I've ever heard thank you for the best cover ever, cause I felt it fits perfectly ^^ I love iiiiiiiiiit ^^

[@secondarchive]

Thank you and I am so glad to hear that!! Ichiban is seriously such a cool dude 😭

[@jasondreemurr4212]

@@secondarchive very welcome cause every time I hear this song I always feel fired up ready to face what life has to offer me, please your doing good ^^ Take your time your doing well ^^

[@Bulbagaba992]

Just found this video now! What took me so long! Good job on the translation, RGG studios should recognize you for your awesome version! Well done!

[@LockeVIII]

OMG! I loved it! This version honored our best boy Ichiban! I cried a little bit but at the same time I thought it was so cute! Thank you Thank you Thank you!

[@secondarchive]

You are welcome x3 and thank YOU for giving it a listen!! I cry thinking about Ichiban in general so you are super valid

[@KJMProductions92]

This cover gave me nostalgia real, real hard. Man I love this game, thanks for this ❤️

[@olivia892]

Pouting nanba with glow sticks puts a smile on my face... Thank you

[@Isabella-eb9hm]

THIS IS DOPE!! I LOVE IT, FOR ME, YOUR VOICE FITS PERFECTLY FOR THIS COVER ❤❤❤❤

[@rawsanjutsu424]

THIS IS SO GOOD AND WELL MADE!!!!!! HOW DOES THIS NOT HAVE MUCH ATTENTION????

[@secondarchive]

THANK YOU!! I am glad it turned out okay but did not do much promotion for it tbh hahahah

[@rawsanjutsu424]

@@secondarchive I really like it! Your covers been in my head for a while 😂. Though I do have a question, do you have any type of social media or site to see more of your work?

[@secondarchive]

@@rawsanjutsu424 Great question, but sadly I don't in particular ... I only very recently started doing videos 😅 But thank you for subscribing all the same and I hope to keep making fun/silly stuff for this channel!

[@TheodoreHodel]

This hits me right in the feels. Great job!

[@Isabella-eb9hm]

I know I've been here before, but i just want to say that I'm so proud of you, i remember when this cover was 1k views and now have more than 38k, pls keep doing this, I'll be here supporting you ❤❤

[@secondarchive]

Ahhhh that's seriously so thoughtful of you and thank you for visiting again! :) I've honestly been blown away and SO grateful for how much this cover ended up growing ... your support is much appreciated as always!! ❤

[@TheFallenEmo]

Should have commented the first time I heard this but I thought I should finally after like the...100th listen? This is an amazing cover and you are super talented! Keep up the awesome work :D

[@hershellayton487]

YOURE KILLING IT

[@tienatnguyen5882]

Just bought LAD: Infinite Wealth on this Steam Sale. And I decided to boot up and replay 7 again. OMG, this fandub brings me tear and joy. After 3 years, Ichiban still so loveable, can't wait to finish 7 again and start anew with Infinite Wealth.

[@ArdaCoffeeBean]

Love this soo much. it's awesome. thank you!

[@rayfirewood]

... *inhale* HOW COME I DIDN'T SEE THIS UNTIL NOW?! THIS IS FRICKIN' GREAT!

[@TheShockVox]

Loved this way more than I’m able to convey with text. Thank you for this

[@MikeTheMicless]

I have listened to this so much, thank you this translation! cant wait to play the game soon

[@secondarchive]

Thank you! It's a really fun and heartfelt game; I hope you enjoy it! :D

[@Nessesjenkins]

I can't listen to ichibanka without belting out the lyrics to your version o the song I just love it so much it's incredible and fits with the vibe of our lovable idiot Itchiba Kasuga :3

[@baratume]

Just finished this game a few days ago, the story hit deep , beautiful cover too !

[@onizame5480]

duuude this is really cute thanks for the great work

[@arandominternetperson437]

This is actually really well done! Good job! 👍

[@vladimir4677]

this sounds great! Amazing job!

[@yourfriendlypaladin4653]

Ichiban would be happy to know he has a theme song

[@EpicMorgana32]

oh man i never heard the english lyrics before. "welcome home ichiban" is so cute. he is being welcomed into the yakuza family

[@Isabella-eb9hm]

I always come back for this masterpiece.

[@airamcenaloquendo2007]

OMG I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. Such a nice job friend, very nice fan song

[@secondarchive]

THANK YOU!! It is a good song ... I hope it continues to gain fans ;)

[@antoniojalba2335]

I need to give more likes to this video. I started to listen it daily when I was 30 hours in the game, and when I finished it last night I was thinking "now I prefer the English version". Super great job.

[@ckn3481]

I can't imagine the time spent on this, you did a great job.

[@secondarchive]

Too much time and yet never enough ... but thank you! :D

[@virtualcynical8515]

I mean this is just really good. I can't think of anything else to say

[@davidblaze2091]

The therapist: Chibi Namba isn't real. He can't hurt you Chibi Namba:

[@lillith3159]

This cover is amazing. Its pure hype

[@hammerbro1947]

Ichiban influenced me in many ways. There's always a way to solve many things, if we take the time to find it.

[@CardinalAsh]

You sound like you had a lot of fun with this cover, especially during the buildup to the festival chants at 3:04 ^^ Plus the little ‘oh my god’ near the end. While it might not be the most accurate cover, having fun recording it is far more important IMO, so good job!

[@secondarchive]

Hahahah thank you so much!! I did have a lot of fun (maybe too much) and I totally agree! There are so many wonderful and accurate covers out there already, so I figured why not ham it up a little 😂 It's what Ichiban would want ...

[@CardinalAsh]

@@secondarchive A quick glance at his version of Like a Butterfly tells me that yes, yes he would. :p But yeah, I totally get wanting to go your own way with it - I’d probably do the same thing if I was any good at making my song recordings sound clean. As long as you enjoy singing it, all is well regardless of the actual accuracy to me.

[@kerrowe]

I was wonder how this song would probably translated and fitted to be sang in English. This a great example of it. Thanks for giving this song that attention. Hahaha.

[@Kokosanka92]

Woah, great job!

[@WellDressedJem]

This was so amazing! It really captured the welcome feeling from the show, this is the song we welcome Ichi as our hero! I was wondering if I could use these lyrics for my own cover?

[@secondarchive]

Of course!!! I am very happy it was able to convey the game's overall vibe and that it seems to resonate with people. :) You are more than welcome to use it for your own cover - I look forward to hearing it!

[@dogfoodnyc]

This video deserves way more views!

[@samtheboy8277]

This is amazing!

[@lostjudgmentforthe3ds]

i cant imagine how much time it took to translate and adapt the song, genuinely amazing work

[@pennichis]

I LOVE ICHIBAN AND I ADORE THIS DUB, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TALENT!!!!!!!

[@manthedan4828]

Very nice cover! Also the art of the LAD party is very cute.

[@froggyranger]

Wtf this cover is actually fantastic I cant believe this isn't more popular

[@secondarchive]

Aw, thank you! I'm terrible at advertising side projects so I don't mind at all; tbh I'm really very glad it resonated with people all the same. Maybe the real Yakuza 7 was the friends we made along the way

[@froggyranger]

Ichiban would be proud of you, and agree with your assessment~ The real Yakuza is friendship

[@brendonsmith8806]

This is awesome!

[@secondarchive]

Thank you! :)

[@lakelandbuzz2252]

God damn. This deserves so many more views.

[@barthiz]

here before 10k c: also, very great cover, i love it

[@m.h4997]

SO KICK IT OFF LETS GET IT STARTED FIRE UP THE PARTY WELCOME HOME ICHIBAN incredible cover btw

[@ColdAssailant29]

Yo, this is sooo good 🔥🔥

[@Xander_P.G.K]

Good job! And great voice!

[@sharpnelshots]

Love it!

[@lightlyfrosted8438]

THIS IS ADORABLE!! I LOVE THIS!!

[@secondarchive]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! :D I LOVE THOSE FUNKY LITTLE PSEUDO-DETECTIVES!!!

[@Noumadd]

Masterpiece♥️✌

[@DepressedCrow]

This is done so well that I always sing this version without thinking

[@user-hr4yr3ly6d]

可愛いしカッコいい！

[@user-uf9fn3ov7b]

Very good cover, thank you♥

[@irsyadiaryadiva9430]

This is dope. I like the song & the chibi stickers!

[@secondarchive]

Thank you! :D I had fun making them!!

[@gamerchanleanne8512]

Ichiban our new dragon :D

[@pavuk4687]

great cover! Hearing original after final of Y7 make me cry af

[@secondarchive]

thank you! it's really a great ending AND beginning kind of song. :')

[@zelnickno.2348]

Hey this is an amazing cover, bro Wish you get 1k subs

[@speedbuster5675]

You did well Aniki

[@unorthodoxparadox8557]

AMAZING!!

[@Miltypooh2001]

I love ichiban as a character he isn't as straight forward like kiryu or crazy like Majima, his wild imagination and personality is pretty cool

[@kikilovely9100]

This is damn great! :D

[@secondarchive]

Thank you!! :D

[@cynidox]

this is great i love this

[@theequalizer694]

Ichiban loses everything but still holds on. I love ya BUDDY

[@littleauk6623]

It's so good ! Alright ! I'm all pumped up now !

[@SgtTankDempsey]

i hope they all return for Yakuza 8