"Big in Japan" ---> What does it mean ?

[Masfer]

Hi!
I've come across with this expression and I don't know exactly what it is. What does to be big in Japan mean ?

Thanks !

 

[Tdol]

It refers to bands who are not successful in the States or Europe. A band that is 'Big in Japan' is normally one that is regarded as not good enough to make it here, or out of date. It can therefore be used to be a bit critical of someone's success. ;-)

 

[Masfer]

re

Thanks for your answer. Could you explain me this sentence?

Things will happen while they can
I will wait here for my man tonight
It's easy when you're big in Japan
Aha when you're big in Japan -- tonight...
Big in Japan -- be tight...
Big in Japan... ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Big in Japan -- alright,
Pay! -- Then I'll sleep by your side
Things are easy when you're big in Japan

These are the lyrics of/from(?) Big in Japan by Alphaville.
Does it have here the same meaning?
By the way, excellent song :up:

 

[Tdol]

Hmmm- I don't think it fits. I'm not sure what they're on about. It may well be a great song, but it doesn't make much sense to me. ;-)

 

[MikeNewYork]

Re: re

Thanks for your answer. Could you explain me this sentence?

Things will happen while they can
I will wait here for my man tonight
It's easy when you're big in Japan
Aha when you're big in Japan -- tonight...
Big in Japan -- be tight...
Big in Japan... ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Big in Japan -- alright,
Pay! -- Then I'll sleep by your side
Things are easy when you're big in Japan

These are the lyrics of/from(?) Big in Japan by Alphaville.
Does it have here the same meaning?
By the way, excellent song :up:

I can't be certain, but the line "Pay! -- Then I'll sleep by your side" suggests one of two possibilities to me.

1. The singer is a prostitute who is very desirable and very much in demand by wealthy men. So she is "Big" (popular) in Japan.
2. The singer is a woman who likes to be wined and dined by "Big" men, men who are important, wealthy, etc.

:wink:

 

[Daniellll]

What does the phrase:

"Things will happen while they can" mean?

 

[Tdol]

What was the context? It sounds as if it means that things will continue as long as possible.