During the workshop, the 90 members spent 7 minutes writing down their most burning complaints to add to the pre-selected lyrics. These were written on post-it notes and distributed to boards with pre-defined categories such as 'Work', 'Other People' and 'Politics', with 'Work' proving to be the most popular by a significant amount (over 300 complaints were submitted here!). The participants then organised themselves into 'expert' teams, each team dealing with one of the topics. 'Public Affairs' had the largest team, while the team for 'Future' had the least members. 'Love Affairs' initially had only female members until two brave men joined the team to balance the views! Each team was tasked with reading through all complaints submitted in their category, discussing them and selecting 10-12 of the best complaints. After this, each team introduced their members (with each receiving a round of applause!) and presented their selected complaints. The workshop ended with a spontaneous birthday song for 3 choir members and some food and drinks. The rehearsals that followed were conducted with great passion, discipline and humour by both Sunshuke and Tomoko!
The choir premiered at the Arena in Roppongi Hills (below the Mori Tower) on Friday 13th November, when Obama was visiting Japan. Unlike the other choirs facilitated by the Kalleinens, the weather for the performance was suitably cold and rainy! Despite there not being enough time to rehearse the whole song before the premiere, Tellervo and Oliver were pleased with the performance, and they also make the point that the lack of rehearsal time caused a sense that there were 'real' people on stage, rather than celebrities on TV that are made to appear flawless. The performance was reported by a number of TV stations and newspapers, despite the hype caused by Obama!
Lyrics
Verse 1:
I did that job, don’t make it yours!
The cat that lives near my house ignores me.
The childcare centres are too full
and I don’t have a place to take my children.
I don’t know how to use my iPhone.
I got the flu when waiting in the waiting room at the hospital.
My boss made his mistakes mine.
Don’t make a fool of a freshman at work.
Chorus 1:
Unwanted hair is growing fast,
but the hair on my head doesn't grow at all.
I am scared every 3 months,
because I’m a 3 month contracted worker.
Win-lose, win-lose, win-lose – rat race society.
My pension record was deleted,
and disappeared without notification.
It’s frustrating!
Verse 2:
I cannot say 'no' to work on holidays.
My grandmother thinks she’s American.
The men in the dating party were all over 50.
I get presents and there’s always shrimp in it!
The Oedo-line escalators are too long.
My laundry isn’t clean from the dry cleaners.
Don’t clip your nails next to me during work.
My wallet is full of discount cards rather than cash
(spoken solos):
I can’t own a dog.
Why it’s raining today!
Don’t try to get on trains that are already too full. I’m gonna be crushed!
This is my way, so let me live my life [I want to live my life]. Go me! [Go for it!]
Good men [nice guys] are all married.
I cannot prepare any winter clothes because it’s getting cold too quickly.
My mosquito bites heal slower than before.
Give all student job-seekers jobs!
I don’t like smoking in the park.
Pay me the fee you promised, otherwise why are we given a contract?
I’m sleepy in the morning, the day, and the night! Let me sleep more!
Musicians can’t make a living.
Verse 3 (sung):
TV programmes make fun of people.
Don't send your seasons greetings via e-mail
Girls who do their make up on the train -
I wish they would make a mistake.
I was going to break up with my boyfriend, but he broke up with me first.
Politicians should not go to clubs using our tax.
Please don’t grill ‘kusaya’ in the next room to my apartment.
I wish I could go to a Michael Jackson concert one more time.
Chorus 2:
Unwanted hair is growing fast,
but the hair on my head doesn't grow at all.
My bag is heavy. Black crows are so scary.
My room is small and rent is expensive.
Win-lose, win-lose, win-lose – rat race society.
My pension record was deleted,
and disappeared without notification.
It’s frustrating!
Verse 4:
Whales and dolphins are delicious!
Please understand Japanese culture - don’t put blame on us.
Don’t pick noses and then hold the sling on the train.
Don’t email me on Friday evening.
My wife hardly understands me.
I am around 40, but I’m still attractive.
I don’t want to take care of my boss when we go out drinking.
Thank you for listening to our complaints!
Chart of complaints:
