Neil takes the lead in ‘Hanakotoba,’ a heartfelt track from the album ‘STAIRS.’ The song features collaborative lyrics from Anna Kusakawa, Miya, Ryoko Anan, and Neil himself, while the music is crafted by the same team alongside Randy Merrill, D.O.I., and Tomonobu Akiba. It mixes soft melodies with a warm, uplifting message.
Released: July 23, 2025
Hanakotoba
Neil • From “STAIRS”
Lyricist
Anna Kusakawa, Miya, Neil, Ryoko Anan
Composer
Anna Kusakawa, Miya, Neil, Ryoko Anan, Randy Merrill, D.O.I., Tomonobu Akiba
STAIRS’s Hanakotoba Japanese Lyrics English Translation
The songwriter uses flowers as a metaphor for friendship and resilience. One standout line, ‘I’ll gather up every single falling petal,’ shows how the singer promises to support a friend through tough times. The lyrics celebrate the bond that remains strong even when life feels uncertain.
Moshimo kimi ga utsumuita raIf you ever find yourself hanging your head,
Mahou no kotoba de tobikiri no egao ni shitaiI want to turn it into a brilliant smile with a few magic words.
Nayamimakutta uragawa ni kimi no tame no kiiroi baraBehind all those worries, there’s a yellow rose waiting just for you.
Ima tsuyogatte mo boku wa sugu kidzuku karaEven if you’re acting tough, I’ll see right through it in an instant.
Chiriyuku hanabira mo subete hiroiatsumete horaLook, I’ll gather up every single falling petal,
Wasurenaide saite wa karete moDon’t forget that even if they bloom and wither,
Kimi dake no sono egaoThat smile is uniquely yours.
I will be with youI’ll be right there with you,
Yakusoku shita takaramonoHolding onto the treasure we promised to keep.
Waratte naite sugosu hibiThrough all the days we spend laughing and crying,
I will be with youI’m gonna stay by your side.
Hanaretete mo kokoro no michi wo tadotte saEven when we’re apart, I’ll follow the path straight to your heart,
I need you best friendI need you, my best friend.
Ano hi boku ga utsumuitetaOn that day when I was the one hanging my head,
Yasashii kotoba ni kimochi ga takabutteYour kind words made my heart swell with such emotion.
Omowazu naita hi no asa moEven on the morning when I couldn’t stop the tears,
Issho ni aruite kuretaYou walked right there beside me.
Sekai ga kataru noThe world tries to tell us
Atarimae nanka nai toThat nothing in life is ever guaranteed,
Kimi no egao ga kokoro made shimikondeBut your smile soaks deep into the core of my soul,
Kireina tsubomi ga mata genkina kiiro niTurning that beautiful bud back into a vibrant yellow,
Sakihokoru suteki baraAs a wonderful rose in full bloom.
I will be with youI’ll be standing right with you,
Boku no yowasa wo fukitobasuBlowing away every one of my weaknesses.
Hanakotoba azayaka deWith the vivid language of these flowers,
I will be with youI’ll be right here with you,
Daijoubusa bokura waWe’re gonna be just fine because
Eien no hana dakaraWe’re a flower that blooms eternally.
Tokubetsu da to shinjite ikitaiI want to live believing we’re truly special
Nanika tarinai kono basho deIn this place where it feels like something’s always missing,
Kitto ima motto mottoSurely right now, more than ever,
Atatakai jikan ga hitsuyou na no kamoshirenaiWe might just need a little more warmth in our lives.
I will be with youI’ll always be with you,
Boku no yowasa wo fukitobasuChasing away all the doubts I carry.
Hanakotoba azayaka deThrough the bright language of flowers,
I will be with youI’m staying right by your side,
Daijoubusa bokura waEverything’s alright because
Eien no hana dakaraWe’re a bond that never withers.
I will be with youI’ll be right there with you,
Yakusoku shita takaramonoCherishing the treasure we promised,
Waratte naite sugosu hibiThrough every day we laugh and cry together.
I will be with youI’ll keep being there for you,
Hanaretete mo kokoro no michi wo tadotte saEven when we’re miles apart, I’ll find the way to your heart,
The meaning behind ‘Hanakotoba’ is about the unbreakable bond of friendship. Neil’s performance in this Japanese track makes it a touching anthem for anyone who values lifelong connections.
