October 2022 Update

Hello everyone, Green Moriyama here.

I would like to open with a quick apology to anyone who has followed or still follows my blog for the translations I’ve made. It has been a while since I’ve last posted a translation, back in January 2020. I don’t believe it to be entirely the fault of COVID, but much of my reluctance to keep up to date with my blog post here did get impacted by the lockdowns and new living conditions. And it certainly coincided with other IRL matters that has lead to me feeling rather unproductive in my free time. However, I am not choosing to apologize and write this update post to excuse my absence, nor do I believe I have enough of a following to go that far into the personal realm; for those who are curious, I may be willing to answer in the comments below. I hope everyone has been safe and healthy, and are doing well in your own walk of life.

Aside from the apology and brief mention of my absence, I’d like to take this opportunity of “returning to form” as a means to get back on the right foot. Do things I’ve been meaning to do. Get the cog turning onto the next chapter of at least my online life. These past few years, I’ve personally been lingering around, loitering on creative ideas and future plans. I’ve chosen to hopefully finally put such thoughts to action finally, using this blog to be the starting point since this is probably my most followed platform. I do have relations in other websites, such as the wikia/fandom sites along with the few games I play in my free time, but those are different from my translation life.

Below is a list of what I plan on doing moving forward:

• Restart posting on this blog. It’s personally the least I can do, not just for those who still follow me here, but also for my old self. I love translating in my free time, and I believe it’s a hobby that thoroughly brings part of the best of my productive self. As some professionals say, having a regular schedule is one way to get out of the muck of stagnation.
  • The current plan is to at least post a new song once a month. I’d like to increase the frequency, but for now, I don’t want to make promises to myself of when that happens and how much. One step at a time, especially when considering the other things I have planned below.
  • While I have a backlog of song lyrics that are either drafted or mostly ready to be posted, I’d also like to reach out to people who have previously requested songs, either by email or comments. Please comment below any song request for that reason if you’d like; I’ll also look through my emails and comment history to pick up any requests in the past.
• Starting up a Patreon. Part of this is a financial motive, but not because I am in need of money. It is more to give an initiative to my translation work. I will admit to having commitment issues here and there when urgency is not on the table, so I believe to some extent, Patreon may give a financial weight for me to commit to. I used to be very evasive of starting up any specific “go-fund-me” style account because I feared it would muddy my intentions, but again, I believe my consciousness to be clear enough that I won’t have to worry about it.
  • I plan on getting the Patreon possibly started no later than mid-September. I don’t want to start it now as I would like to see how I progress on my other plans first, and see what momentum I have going. It also will hopefully give people time to notice my blog, thus allowing me to observe how much people still follow me. If there aren’t that many people following in the end, then there is a possibility that I won’t commit to a Patreon. But that is something we just have to wait and see. Might instead open up a Kofi instead.
  • There are no plans currently to have tiered rewards and so on. In the end, I am not looking to make exclusive content or rake in money. I want everyone to enjoy my translations, posts and other content, with the only difference being how much someone wishes to pay monthly. If people wish to make recommendations, requests and so on, money will also not factor in either into some “pay more to be heard” kinda scheme. Again, that is not my intention with this Patreon. As mentioned above, if there isn’t even viewership in the first place, I’d possibly just make a Kofi instead where the occasional donation will instead prove to be the financial motivation instead.
  • If someone has a better model for what I have in mind, it would be appreciate. I have limited exposure to money making online, and been blessed with people privately commissioning, or being given projects to larger contracts via connections. As a result, it has made me rather naive on how to go about such things. The one thing I don’t want to do is accidentally rip someone off or create a false expectation.
• Double this blog as a platform for my writing and the skills I’ve developed for it. I love to write, and while I’ve had outlets via close friends, I believe there may be some benefits to sharing either my knowledge or story ideas in a blog form. It is one of my greater passions, even greater than that of translation maybe. This could even factor into being something I post on the Patreon too.
  • Current plan is that I’ll also only post a writing post at least once a month, but not starting this month. If I even get any responses, I’d like to first see what people think of this. If there is no demand for writing related stuff, while I’ll likely still start posting writing related posts, I’ll not add it to the Patreon bit. If there is an interest, then I will for sure be excited to write posts about my writing and look forward to what people have to say.
  • As noted above, writing posts will be divided into my own creative writing or writing advice. This means the posts can range from being about my own projects or my current writer’s block, or it could just be on a topic I want to post about. The latter would be useful if I’d like to talk about a subject, but instead of writing out a new essay about it, just point whoever I am talking to to that post.
  • I have no plans on letting writing be something I “sell,” such as through commissioned character creation. While I do wish to create a hub for creative writing (such as via a Discord server), I’d like that to be separate from what I do here on this blog and Patreon. However, I am open to offering feedback and tips if people have ideas.
• Getting back into Scanlation. For those who may not know, I was an avid translator for some Scanlation groups in the past. I say “was” because I’ve been on personal hiatus for a long while now, as my work in such has fallen off over the years as I chose to focus on other things in life. However, much like the translations here, I believe to an extent, Scanlation was a part of my life, and I would like to return to it. I’ve unfortunately have been delaying that return for many months now, so I’d like this post to kick me into gear of a more written promise; I’ve been fortunate that one group has welcomed me with open arms even in my absence, but now, I really don’t want to slander their generosity.
  • I do not know how long my commitment to Scanlation will be. Especially because of how it is view by Japanese publishers. I might be forced to drop it eventually, but for now, I still think I’d like to commit to it in some capacity.

For those who have read what I have written above and/or have continued to follow my blog even in my absence, I thank you for taking the time in taking notice of this post. For those who do not wish to read the above block of text, I hope the bolded and underlined parts make it easy to read the main points of the post. Even if no one reads this post, I hope it leaves a mark for myself at least, then.

As noted at the start of the post, if you have any questions, please make a comment below; while you can email, I will admit that it should be reserved more for serious inquiries as I try to get this blog restarted. Hopefully, everything that I have planned goes smoothly.

To round things off, I have made a new post for “cut” by the band said, which everyone can see here. It was a recommendation from someone I had met during the past two years, and wished to release sooner. Better now than later, I guess.

I hope that everyone remains well as summer comes to a close. While it hasn’t been the best for myself, I certainly would like to make the most of what is left of this summer and get some old cogs rolling.

Best regards to everyone,

Green Moriyama

cut – said lyrics

“Cut” (stylized as “cut”) is a song performed by the Japanese Rock band “said”, made up of the four members of bassist Kenta Sayama (佐山 健太), guitarist Kazuto Isoda (磯田 和寿), guitarist and vocalist Shunsuke Ookubo (大久保 竣介), and drummer Takahiro Maruyama (丸山 高充). This song was released in their first mini-album named “Blue” on December 9th, 2015, under the Tower Records label.

A music video directed by freelance videographer Daisuke Miyashita (宮下 太輔) was later released on Youtube on September 3rd, 2016, which can be watched here.

Synopsis

The days drag on in “cut” by said as the singer melds with the same old city crowd. Their friend is long gone, and everyone may be reaching out for the ideal life that is seen in movies. However, the singer recognizes that amongst the boring everyday, there is still that moment of unexplained bliss that will come around, especially if they recall the days they used to spend with that friend. No need to attain the biggest of dreams, since that simple happiness is just enough…

Lyrics

いつも通りの街並みに 馴染む夕焼け
itsumo doori no machinami ni najimu yuuyake
The usual evening glow shines on the same old city crowd
少しだけ物足りないと感じている
sukoshi dake monotarinai to kanjiteiru
Something about it feels a bit unsatisfying
プラットホームの人混みに混じる言い訳
PURATTOHOOMU no hitogomi ni majiru iiwake
I make an excuse which mingles with the station platform crowd
言葉選びの下手さを嘆いてみる
kotoba erabi no hetasa wo nageitemiru
And lament about how poor my word choices were for it

映画みたいな生活に憧れる
eiga mitai na seikatsu ni akogareru
We all yearn for a lifestyle out of a movie
さまよって たどり着いた場所にあるのは
samayotte tadoritsuita basho ni aru nowa
I hope that, after being lost for so long, what is at the end of this road
人並みの幸せだといいなって
hitonami no shiawase dato ii na tte
is the ordinary kind of happiness everyone seeks for*

迷い込んだ迷路と昨日話した過去も
mayoikonda meiro to kinou hanashita kako mo
The maze I wandered into, and the past I talked about yesterday
いつか消えるのだけど
itsuka kieru no dakedo
They might eventually disappear
君とよく似た猫の話に舞い戻る
kimi to yoku nita neko no hanashi ni maimodoru
But, I find myself talking again about the cat that looks just like you
そんな日常から抜け出したくないな
sonna nichijou kara nukedashitakunai na
I don’t feel like escaping from that sort of everyday

クソみたいな日には
kuso mitai na hi niwa
During any shitty days*
君の言葉を思い出しみよう
kimi no kotoba wo omoidashimiyou
I’ll recall the words that you told me
理由のないような幸福の中の
riyuu no nai you na koufuku no naka no
Amidst the bliss that seems to have no reason to be felt
そのシャッターチャンスを狙ってるんだよ
sono SHATTA CHANSU wo neratterunda yo
I was aiming for that shutter chance*

Translation Notes

• Even though for the most part, this song is rather simple, I find that it would be unbecoming of me to point out small changes in translation made in order to make it easier to read in English. The three sections I’ve added my usual asterisk are just that:
  • The original translation of this line is “an ordinary happiness” (人並みの幸せ). I could have kept it at that, but I find that “人並み” here implicates that it’s not just an “ordinary happiness” but one that other people in the end seek themselves; if the line wanted to talk about ordinary, the alternate “普通” (futsuu; lit. “normal”) could have been used. I could also be trying to embellish the original, but again, it seems a little more deliberate, and I find that it would be lacking to not include the “everyone seeks for” I added at the end.
  • I usually avoid explicit terms, but there is also the fact that I think it’s more characteristic of the original band to be that bit vulgar here. What is being described here is that on days that are terrible, the singer recalls “the words.” I originally was going to translate it as “my shitty days” or “my shittiest days,” but it’s a lot simpler than that, where it’s just any day that ever feels “like shit.”
  • I don’t think I’ve had the chance to explain what a “shutter chance” is, even though it would be such a common term to be used in Japanese. As some may guess, it is in reference to an opportunity to take a picture. A chance to let the shutter cut on something nice; that something can be just about anything that can be captured in the moment of a picture taken. As such, it’s best left to be kept literal since a “shutter chance” can refer to a multitude of things, at least in the English language, and leave it up to the reader to imagine what the singer thinks this shutter chance could be.

Glossary

Other songs by said:

• TBA

Author’s Notes

Back in mid-2021, I made a new friend a workplace, and when I expressed that I do translation, he had brought up this song. Never did I expect to be introduced to yet another corner of the J-music world that I had never heard of. However, it was a welcomed surprise, because I do like the song. It may not be my usual interest of music, but it also does not stray far from it.

I intended on having this translated and posted back in late 2021… but will admit to having become lazy, but also wishing to post it when I get back into the momentum of posting. A whole post will outline exactly what I plan on doing, but essentially, I didn’t want to just make a post… and go silent again. This past few year had been lacking in motivation, so I really want to make a new post when my motivation is either on the rise or is in need of momentum to go upwards. Thus, I am here. Sorry for the wait, my friend.

Now for some introspective of the actual song though, but it really is another “I just want normal happiness” song… supposedly. If to be rather blunt. But it’s still a very important thing to be reminded of, just like how I don’t mind love songs repeating the same idea of that “love makes the world go around.” Especially in this world we live in, it never hurts to be reminded of these basic concepts. Some nihilist or pessimist may find it to gushy, but I think it’s good to recognize the very concept as the reality of things too: some people are seeking basic happiness, recognizing that everything doesn’t have to be a movie scene to make them fulfilled. People who do seek this overly idealistic view of life… can do what they want, but not everyone seeks that. One could even say that being content with normal happiness is a skill, especially as people grow older and realize compromises need to be made; that compromises are not inherently a bad thing. In the end, I believe that as long as the basic idea is not misused, these basic concepts aren’t harmful to feel for a person; it only becomes a problem when its perversed into becoming an excuse to dismiss a much larger problem that is within the individual’s control.

Voice of Wind – Radwimps lyrics

 

“Voice of Wind” (風たちの声; kazetachi no koe; lit. “Voice of the winds”) is a song performed by Japanese rock band Radwimps (ラッドウインプス; stylized as RADWIMPS), lead by singer and guitarist Yojiro Noda (野田洋次郎; noda yojirou). The song was released in the album for the supernatural romance anime film “Weathering with You” (天気の子; tenki no ko, lit. “Weather girl”) by Makoto Shinkai (新海誠; shinkai makoto) which Radwimps was the soundtrack composer for; the album was was released on the same day as the movie’s theater debut on July 19th, 2019.

You can see the movie edit version and full version on youtube, published by Radwimps’ official Youtube channel.

Synopsis

The wind blows through the sails in “Voice of Wind” as our singer feels that fate has opened the gate for him and his friends. Opened it to do anything they want, without any of the limitations they had felt before. But the singer still wants a proper sign of what to do next. Because once that sign is given, our singer is ready to use up all the colour, courage and creativity they have to fill the world with love, until the very last drop.

Lyrics

風が僕らの前で急に舵を切ったのを感じた午後
kaze ga bokura no mae de kyuu ni kaji wo kitta no wo kanjita gogo
After feeling that the wind had turned our helm right before our eyes
今ならどんな無茶も世界記録も利き手と逆で出せるような
ima nara donna mucha mo sekai kiroku mo kikite to gyaku de daseru you na
I felt that I could do anything reckless, anything world-breaking
気がしたんだ 本気でしたんだ
ki ga shitanda  honki de shitanda
Be it my dominant or off-hand, I really felt I could
信号機が僕らの行く先を全部青に変えてくよ
shingouki ga bokura no yukusaki wo zenbu ao ni kaeteku yo
It feels like all the traffic signals down our paths all turned green
今僕らにあるものと言えばきっと遥かな傲慢さと勇気と
ima bokura ni aru mono to ieba kitto haruka na goumansa to yuuki to
What we have right now, for sure, is a lot of ambition and courage,
大人は持ってない物のすべて
otona wa mottenai mono no subete
Together with everything that an adult doesn’t have

「なんとかなるさ」と「あとどれくらい？」と「大丈夫かな僕ら」の間を
“nan to ka naru sa” to “ato dore kurai?” to “daijoubu ka na bokura” no aida wo
We’d go between “We’ll do something about it,” “How much longer?” and “Are we alright?”
振り子のように行ったり来たりしては 手を強く掴んだ
furiko no you ni ittari kitari shite wa te wo tsuyoku tsukanda
Like a pendulum, making sure to hang on tight

笑われないくらいの愛で 変えられるくらいの世界ならば
warawarenai kurai no ai de kaerareru kurai no sekai naraba
If we could change the world with a kind of love no one would make fun of
はじめから用などない 僕には必要ない
hajime kara you nado nai boku ni wa hitsuyou nai
There isn’t anything planned from the start, I don’t need that
神様早く次を僕にくれよ
kami-sama hayaku tsugi wo boku ni kure yo
So please, God, quickly show me the next step

みっともないくらいの声で ありえないくらいのこの気持ちを
mittomonai kurai no koe de arienai kurai no kono kimochi wo
With an unbelievable amount of heart, with my terrible voice
僕に叫ばせてよ（叫ばせてよ）腐らせないでよ（捨てないでよ）
boku ni sakebasete yo (sakebasete yo) kusarasenaide yo (sutenaide yo)
I want to be able to shout (to shout) and not rot away (and be tossed aside)
僕らの持て余した勇気 使わせてよ
bokura no moteamashita yuuki wo tsukawasete yo
Please use up all the courage that we have

色とりどりの嘘や紛いモンで今日もこの世は輝いて
iro toridori no uso ya magai mon de kyou mo kono yo wa kagayaite
Between the colourful lies and mischievous objects, today, the world shines bright
乗り遅れまいと力を込めどうも空を切るような虚しさでさ
noriokuremai to chikara wo kome do mo kuu wo kiru you na munashisa de sa
This emptiness cuts the sky, no matter how much strength I let out
反対電車にいざ飛び乗ったよ
hantai densha ni iza tobinotta yo
So I chose to transfer to another train

夢から覚めたら僕らの魂はしわくちゃなはずだよ
yume kara sametara bokura no tamashii wa shiwakucha na hazu da yo
If we wake from our dream, our soul should become all shriveled up
それならいっそこの夢のど真ん中で派手に使い果たして見ようよ
sore nara isso kono yume no domannaka de hade ni tsukaihatashite miyou yo
If that’s so, we should try and see if we can use up that dream from the inside out*

笑われないくらいの愛で 変えられるくらいの世界ならば
warawarenai kurai no ai de kaerareru kurai no sekai naraba
If we could change the world with a kind of love no one would make fun of*
はじめから用などない 僕には必要ない
hajime kara you nado nai boku ni wa hitsuyou nai
There isn’t anything planned from the start, I don’t need that
僕らの持て余した正義を 使わせてよ
bokura no moteamashita seigi wo tsukawasete yo
Please use up what justice that we have

「さよなら」のないハローと「仕方ない」のない未来と
“sayonara” no nai haroo to “shikatanai” no nai mirai to
A greeting without “goodbye” and a future without “helplessness”
鍵のないドアだらけの心で
kagi no nai doa darake no kokoro de
Is like a heart locked up, with no key in sight

未来が得意気に僕らを 見てきてもどうでもいいや
mirai ga tokuige ni bokura wo mite kitemo dou demo ii ya
I don’t care how proud our future feels as it looks over us
まだ僕らにゃやることがあるから
mada bokura nya yaru koto ga aru kara
We still have something we need to do
僕らの持て余したこの今を
bokura no moteamashita kono ima wo
We want to use it all up
僕らの こぼれそうな奇跡を 使わせてよ
bokura no koboresou na kiseki wo tsukawasete yo
The now that we’ve been given, and our overflowing miracles

Translation Notes

• I’m certain we can all empathize with that feeling when we wake from a dream, especially a good one. Be it a sleeping dream or am ambitious dream, waking from it is that feeling of being hit by reality. While the lyrics is roundabout, the meaning here is to say “we should be as passionate as possible before the dream ends.”
• There has been times when we’ve been embarrassed by the expression of love, as if it shouldn’t be public. But here, the singer wants to change the world with a kind of love that no one would find laughable or embarrassing. One that everyone would be 100% onboard in embracing. If such “love” did exist, I would say that it’d be possible to change the world.

Glossary

Other songs by Radwimps or from “Weathering with You”:

• “Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do?” by Radwimps
• “We’ll Be Alright” by Radwimps
• “Grand Escape” by Radwimps feat Toko Miura
• “Celebration” by Radwimps feat Toko Miura

Author’s Notes

TBA

Celebration – Radwimp feat Toko Miura lyrics

“Celebration” (祝祭; shukusai; lit. “festivity”) is a song sung by singer-actress Toko Miura (三浦透子; Miura Touko) and written by Japanese rock band Radwimps (ラッドウインプス; stylized as RADWIMPS), lead by singer and guitarist Yojiro Noda (野田洋次郎; noda yojirou). The song was released in the album for the supernatural romance anime film “Weathering with You” (天気の子; tenki no ko, lit. “Weather girl”) by Makoto Shinkai (新海誠; shinkai makoto) which Radwimps was the soundtrack composer for; the album was was released on the same day as the movie’s theater debut on July 19th, 2019.

A short music video for the song was released on Youtube on September 14th, 2019 on Radwimps’ official Youtube channel, which can be viewed here.

Synopsis

“Celebration” by Radwimps brings together a festive song, as the singer rejoices in receiving energy in their once meaningless life. With a simple “good morning,” they’ve been empowered as if riled up by a passionate speech. The singer only believes they can fulfill their question. And as they strive to express their joy, they ask if their savior will answer back with what they desire…

Lyrics

聴きたい曲も見つからない　　憂鬱な一日の始まりが
Kikitai kyoku mo mitsukaranai  yuutsuna ichinichi no hajimari ga
I cannot find a song I want to listen to, but at the start of this sullen day
君の大げさな「おはよう」で　　すべて変わってしまう不思議
kimi no oogesana “ohayou” de  subete kawatteshimau fushigi
By hearing just your exaggerated “good morning,” everything had changed, how strange

君の言葉はなぜだろう　　すべて映画で言うところの
kimi no kotoba wa naze darou  subete eiga de iu tokoro no
Your words, for some reason, feel like the profound lines that you would see
クライマックスの決め台詞　　のように大それてて好き
KURAIMAKKUSU no kime-zerifu  no youni daisoretete suki
Being recited during the climax of a movie, and I like that

僕の中を光らせる鍵を　　なぜに君に持たせたのか
boku no naka wo hikaraseru kagi wo  naze ni kimi ni motaseta no ka
It was you who had been holding onto the key to my inner light
そのワケをただ知るそのために　生きてみるのも悪くはないよね
sono wake wo tada shiru sono tame ni  ikitemiru no mo waruku wa nai yo ne
I find it not too bad to be living just to find out the reason why that is

君じゃないとないよ　　意味は一つもないよ
kimi janai to nai yo  imi wa hitotsu mo nai yo
It can only be you, and I have no reason to back that up
ムキになって「なんでよ？」って聞かないでよ
muki ni natte “nande yo?”  tte kikanaide yo
So please don’t go asking me in a fit “why is that so?”

キリがないが言うよ　　君がいい理由を
kiri ga nai ga iu yo  kimi ga ii riyuu wo
Even though it feels endless, you finally offer a good answer
2020番目からじゃ言うよ
Nisen’nijuu-banme kara ja iu yo
After the 2019 other bad ones*

君の大げさなその声で　　僕の名前が呼ばれる時
kimi no oogesa na sono koe de  boku no namae ga yobareru toki
When I had heard my name being called out by your exaggerated voice
なんてことないこの命　　が急に特別なものになる
nante koto nai kono inochi  ga kyuu ni tokubetsu na mono ni naru
I felt my meaningless life suddenly become something special

臆病とは病だとしたら　　治る気配もない僕の
okubyou towa yamai da to shitara  naoru kehai mo nai boku no
If cowardice is a sickness*, then I feel mine won’t heal soon
目の前に現れたあなたは　まるでさも救世主のような顔で
me no mae ni arawareta anata wa  marude samo kyuuseishu no you na kao de
But you had appeared before me, with the face of the world savior

君じゃないとダメな　　理由を全部言ったら
kimi janai to dame na  riyuu wo zenbu ittara
Once I tell you why it can only be you,
次は君が答えてくれるかな
tsugi wa kimi ga kotaete kureru kana
Will you be next to answer back?

天気雨くらい　　気まぐれな相づちで
tenkiame kurai  kimagure na aidzuchi de
Will you give me the run-around with empty interjections
はぐらかされるかな
hagurakasareru kana
That are as fickle as sunshower
それはそれでまあいいか
sore wa sore de maa iika
Even if you do, I’d be fine with that

君じゃないとないよ　　意味は一つもないよ
kimi janai to nai yo  imi wa hitotsu mo nai yo
It can only be you, and I have no reason to back that up
ムキになって「なんでよ？」って聞かないでよ
muki ni natte “nande yo?”  tte kikanaide yo
So please don’t go asking me in a fit “why is that so?”

キリがないが言うよ　　君がいい理由を
kiri ga nai ga iu yo  kimi ga ii riyuu wo
Even though it feels endless, you finally offer a good answer
2020番目からじゃ言うよ
Nisen’nijuu-banme kara ja iu yo
After the 2019 other bad ones

キリがないが言うよ　　君がいい理由を
kiri ga nai ga iu yo  kimi ga ii riyuu wo
Even though it feels endless, I can only hope that you offer
1番目は君があてて
Ichibanme wa kimi ga atete
A good answer from the get go

Translation Notes

• These two set of lines, along with all the ones that talk about something endless, are exemplifying the feeling the singer possibly had in that it felt like an eternity. It was only until the 2020th time did the singer receive the answer they wanted from their savior.
  • It’s also interesting to take note that the number 2020 was purposeful, as if to say that the year 2020 would bring good news.
• This line here about cowardice is a case of “lost in translation.” In Japanese, one of the characters in “cowardice” (臆病; okubyou) is literally “sickness” (病; byou). So the singer is playing on words, hypothesizing that their own cowardice won’t go away like a sickness that stays.

Glossary

Other songs by Radwimps or from “Weathering with You”:

• “Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do?” by Radwimps
• “We’ll Be Alright” by Radwimps
• “Grand Escape” by Radwimps feat Toko Miura

Author’s Notes

And one more Weathering with You song to add to the collection. This one was done by request, and has been long overdue. Even then, I’m surprised that I haven’t found any English translations online… or is my search too light? Who knows.

This will become redundant if I say anything about Weathering with You again, so I will keep it at how this song was a nice one to the collection. Nothing more, nothing less. It complements the theme explored in songs such as Grand Escape, and that in its own way is cool.

 

 

Chotto Dekakete Kimasu – Tia lyrics

“I’ll be Going Out for a Bit” (ちょっと出かけてきます; chotto dekakete kimasu) is a song written and composed by ryo from Supercell (stylized as “supercell”), a group consisting of ryo and 10 other artists and designers, while the song is sung by guest singer Tia. The song was released as the second track in Tia’s second single “Heart Realize” (ハートリアライズ), which was released on March 12th, 2014 by DIVEIIentertainment; the titular track of the single was used as the Ending theme to the first season of the supernatural anime “Noragami” (ノラガミ).

Synopsis

“I’ll be going Out for a Bit” by Tia is a sorrowful song of departure, as the singer has foreseen that she will soon be gone, leaving behind someone precious who is still growing. Someone who still relies on her, and would search for her if she was not around. However, the singer knows… her beloved is much stronger than they believe. Even then…

“I said I would only be going out for a bit… but I lied.”

Lyrics

手紙を書くよ
tegami wo kaku yo
I’ll write a letter
拝啓 まだ頼りない君へ
haikei  mada tayorinai kimi e
“Dear you who is still not reliable
急に一人にさせてしまうこと 謝るよ
kyuu ni hitori ni saseteshimau koto ayamaru yo
I apologize that I will have to end up leaving you all alone*”

泣き虫の君を思うと
nakimushi no kimi wo omou to
When I think about you as you sob
僕の胸は張り裂けそうだ
boku no mune wa harisakesou da
My heart feels like it will tear itself apart
けどね 君は君が思っているよりも
kedo ne  kimi wa kimi ga omotteiru yori mo
However, just to tell you, I already know that…

ずっとずっと強いんだ 僕は知ってる
zutto zutto tsuyoinda  boku wa shitteru
…you are forever and ever stronger than you think*
君はだけど僕を探し泣くんだろう
kimi wa  dakedo  boku wo sagashi nakundarou
But, you will cry as you search for me, won’t you
ああ ごめんね 僕は笑って
aah  gomen ne boku wa waratte
Ooh, I’m sorry, I smiled to you
ちょっと出かけてきますって
chotto dekakete kimasu tte
saying that I would only be going out for a bit*
嘘をついたんだ
uso wo tsuitanda
I had lied to you*

もうここに戻ることもないだろう
mou koko ni modoru koto mo nai darou
I don’t think I will ever be able to return to here
だから僕の部屋は
dakara boku no heya wa
That’s why, my room is
君の好きにすればいい 僕の物
kimi no suki ni sureba ii  boku no mono
all for you to use, or if you want
片付けてしまってさ
katadzukete shimatte sa
you can clean it all up*

思い出はね たまに重くなって
omoide wa ne  tama ni omoku natte
Memories, you know, sometimes become heavy,
君の足を止めてしまうだろうけど
kimi no ashi wo tomete shimau darou kedo
they may cause you to stop your feet in their tracks, but
君は歩け 悲しくたって
kimi wa aruke  kanashikutatte
Keep on walking*, even if things become sad
時がやがてその全部
toki ga yagate sono zenbu
Soon enough, time will
過去にするよ ああ
kako ni suru yo aah
sweep it all into the past, aah
君は歩け
kimi wa aruke
Keep on walking

変わることはないと信じている
kawaru koto wa nai to shinjiteiru
You believe that nothing will change
君はだけど今に知ってしまうだろう
kimi wa dakedo ima ni shitteshimau darou
However, you will have to know about the truth now*
いなくなった僕を探して泣いて
inakunatta boku wo sagashite naite
You will cry as you search for the missing me
ああ ごめんね 僕はでも行かなくちゃ
aah  gomen ne  boku wa demo ikanakucha
Aah, I’m sorry, but I have to go

いつの日にか君が大人になり
itsu no hi ni ka kimi ga otona ni nari
One day, you will become an adult
今日の事を許せる日が来たなら
kyou no koto wo yuruseru hi ga kita nara
If a day comes where you will forgive what I did today
思い出して 幼かった自分の事を
omoidashite  osonakatta jibun no koto wo
Please remember your younger days
笑ってまた泣くんだろう ああ
waratte mata nakundarou aah
you will probably smile, but also cry, aah
僕を憎んでよ
boku wo nikunde yo
Please hate me*
君は歩け
kimi wa aruke
Keep on walking

Translation Notes

• The opening of this song is truly saddening from the very start, as the singer starts with “I will write a letter.” Be it because she will be gone, or will even die, the singer wants to leave behind an apology as they will have to leave her beloved behind. As the second line says, the singer knows how her beloved is not reliable (as in, truly independent or mature) just yet.
• “You are stronger than you think” is a common expression we might hear an adult tell their child, or a friend to a friend. But you could say, in this song specifically, it hits a deeper cord because of the nuance behind the phrase. The singer is essentially letting her beloved know that they are stronger than they think. They may cry in search of her, but they will be strong enough to get past the coming sadness.
  • But throughout this song, it can be felt that even in this confidence that her beloved will come out strong, the singer is actually striken with inconfidence if she herself can accept this end. She can only hope that her beloved comes out strong and forgives her for her lie.
• I feel the phrase “I’ll be going out for a bit” is supposed to be a catch-all phrase for what some people say when they are heading to a definite departure, but hides it behind a phrase that they will be back. Something akin to “I’ll be getting better” or “I’ll be with you later” and so on.
• The above phrase becomes that more anguished to know it’s a lie. Not a malicious lie, but a lie so as to not have to face the truth of the situation right away. The singer had lied that she would be back “in a bit,” saying that with a smile… but no, she won’t be back…
• “You can use my room… or clean it all away” at first, I took this literally, but I believe this is a metaphor for “you can pick up what I’ve left for you, or you can choose to shut away all that I have offered to you.” The singer wants to give her beloved a choice in life, whether to move on with her in mind, or to forever shut away their memories of her in misery. Neither of these are meant to be malicious as the singer probably believes either are an acceptable reaction to her disappearance.
• In the original Japanese lyrics, “Keep on walking” is “君は歩け” which is a command. It’s not something soft as what I had translated or “please keep walking.” Instead, if I were to go with a more literal translating, it would be “walk on” or “go walk.” But neither of those contain the nuance behind this phrase, that the singer is telling her beloved to not find themselves stopped in their tracks for too long and keep on walking.
  • This in ways shows the limitation of simple translyricism, or a requirement of understanding both languages more on a nuance level to bring out the best results. Or I could be overanalyzing and ryo chose to go with “歩け” than “歩きなさい.”
• “You believe that nothing will change”: I originally translated this line as “I believe that nothing will change,” since Japanese don’t always include the subject and can be taken different ways based on how the nuance is read. However, here, the singer is telling her beloved that as much as they might naively think nothing will change, they will learn the truth that things do change out of our own grasp of control.
• Typically, we won’t really ask someone to “hate us.” But here (and as some may have seen in fiction, if not reality), the singer wants her beloved to think it’s “alright” to hate them. Because if they are so miserable, maybe hating her would allowed them to be able to walk on.
  • When we are young, we don’t always comprehend complex thoughts and feelings. And sometimes, we won’t collect together all our thoughts even when we grow up. Thus, at times, it may be simpler to let someone give in into emotions than try to explain every bit of nuance to them. We cannot forgive every spite we face nor can we accept every despairing fate… because we are only human.

Glossary

Other songs by Supercell or Tia:

• “Watashi e” by supercell
• “ODDS&ENDS” by supercell feat. Miku Hatsune
• “Gin-iro Hikousen” by supercell

Author’s Notes

This song was a request by Mee, a visitor who sent an email requesting this song. And I’ll admit that I thought this would be an obscure song as they told me how other blogs that translated the song did not make as much sense. However, once I checked these other blogs and also the origin of this song, I was aghast to find out that this was the “side B” (ie the second track) for the Noragami ED single. I also feel ashamed for not having found this gem of a song, because this is truly my kind of song. Thank you, Mee, for requesting this song, for here I am, doing it the justice it deserves.

I don’t think I’ve made as many translation notes for a song as much as this one. But something about this song feels different (or maybe I treat every song as if they are all different when they may not be…), and I felt that I should maybe point out a few more details. Most especially because the message this song is trying to deliver: when we are soon to leave someone who is still not able to stand on their own, we find ourselves wanting to stay when we can’t. We believe our beloved will be able to stand one day… but we won’t be there to see them grow and mature. We might become the drive for that beloved to grow, so we want to offer them the whitest lie of kindness without attempting to elongate the farewell process. Hopefully when we are faced with this inevitable, we will be able to do something similar as the singer had done; I know though that it is impossible, be it because of personality or culture. But to me, this kind of farewell has this sense of selflessness that you don’t see every day.

“But why don’t they tell the truth, then?” That’s a common question asked when someone lies. This isn’t some philosophy blog, so I don’t aim to convince anyone because this question isn’t so easily answerable. As mentioned above, we come from different cultures and are of varied personalities, and we handle fated sadness in different ways. My answer would be that we would rather be hated for lying than letting our beloved be swept away by sadness until the fated day that we are gone. Yes, it’s like giving false hope… but, I don’t know, that offer of hope feels a lot more gentle than exclaiming that this will be the last time we’ll see them.

As a closing note, I want to extend my gratitude to supercell and ryo for their great song releases. I’ve always enjoyed most of their songs, and can wholeheartedly say that they are a group I love. Even for songs they’ve composed that are not within my area of interest, they have caught my attention.

Grand Escape – Radwimps feat Toko Miura lyrics

“Grand Escape” (グランドエスケープ; gurando esukeepu) is a song sung by singer-actress Toko Miura (三浦透子; Miura Touko) and written by Japanese rock band Radwimps (ラッドウインプス; stylized as RADWIMPS), lead by singer and guitarist Yojiro Noda (野田洋次郎; noda yojirou). The song was released in the album for the supernatural romance anime film “Weathering with You” (天気の子; tenki no ko, lit. “Weather girl”) by Makoto Shinkai (新海誠; shinkai makoto) which Radwimps was the soundtrack composer for; the album was was released on the same day as the movie’s theater debut on July 19th, 2019.

A video for the song was released on Youtube, together with the entire movie soundtrack, and can be seen here. A video of the full version of the song was later released on November 26th, 2019, as seen here.

Synopsis

In the “Grand Escape” by Radwimps, it is brought to question if it’s impossible to let two different worlds overlap. Be it the sky and earth, or the summer to fall, are they not allowed to be together? Love tells us to take the opportunity to go forth. To not let the horizon, or this society, be the last destination. That we may be fearful or will have to take detours… but we have to “go.”

Lyrics

空飛ぶ羽根と引き換えに
Sora tobu hane to hikikae ni
In trade of the wings that can fly in the sky
繋ぎ合う手を選んだ僕ら
Tsunagiau te wo eranda bokura
We chose to have hands which can hold each other
それでも空に魅せられて
Sore demo sora ni miserarete
Even then, we were fascinated with the sky
夢を重ねるのは罪か
Yume wo kasaneru no wa tsumi ka
I wonder, is it a sin to let dreams overlap*

夏は秋の背中を見て
Natsu wa aki no senaka wo mite
Summer looks after the fall that arrives
その顔を思い浮かべる
Sono kao wo omoiukaberu
I imagine what kind of face it makes
憧れなのか、恋なのか
Akogare na no ka koi na no ka
Is it admiration, or is it love
叶わぬと知っていながら
Kanawanu to shitteinagara
All while knowing that the dream won’t come true*

通り雨が通り雨と
Tōriame ga tōriame to
From passing rain, to passing rain
木漏れ日たちが木漏れ日と
Komorebi-tachi ga komorebi to
Sun shines past tree after tree
名乗る　ずっとずっとずっと前から
Nanoru zutto zutto zutto mae kara
Forever and ever before you had introduced yourself
貴方は貴方でいたんだろう？
Anata wa anata de itandarou?
Were you able to remain as yourself?

重力が眠りにつく　1000年に一度の今日
Juuryoku ga nemuri ni tsuku sennen ni ichido no kyou
Today is the one day in the millennia when gravity sleeps
太陽の死角に立ち　僕らこの星を出よう
Taiyou no shikaku ni tachi bokura kono hoshi wo deyou
We stand in the blindspot of the sun, ready to depart from this planet*
彼が眼を覚ました時　連れ戻せない場所へ
Kare ga me wo samashita toki tsuremodosarenai basho e
When he had awoken from his sleep, we head to a place of no return
「せーの」で大地を蹴って　ここではない星へ
「See no」 de daichi wo kette koko de wa nai hoshi e
on the count of “go” we slam our feet on the ground, to a planet that’s not here

行こう 行こう 行こう
ikou ikou ikou
Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go

夏風邪に焦る心が
Natsu kaze ni aseru kokoro ga
My heart becomes rushed because of the summer cold
夏を更に早送るよ
Natsu o sarani hayaokuru yo
It makes the summer go by even faster
目まぐるしい景色の中
Memagurushī keshiki no naka
Amidst the dizzying scenery
君だけが止まって見えた
Kimi dake ga tomatte mieta
You were the only one that I could see clearly

君と出会ったあの日から
Kimi to deatta ano hi kara
Ever since that day I had met you
パタリと夜、夢は止んだよ
Patari to yoru, yume wa yanda yo
I had suddenly stopped dreaming at night
土の中で待ち焦がれた
Tsuchi no naka de machikogareta
It had been waiting for long within the ground
叶えるその時は今だ
Kanaeru sonotoki wa imada
The time is now for that dream to be fulfilled

重力が眠りにつく　1000年に一度の今日
Juuryoku ga nemuri ni tsuku sennen ni ichido no kyou
Today is the one day in the millennia when gravity sleeps
花火の音に載せ　僕らこの星を出よう
Hanabi no oto ni nose bokura kono hoshi o deyou
We ride on the sound of the firework, ready to depart from this planet
彼が眼を覚ました時　連れ戻せない場所へ
Kare ga me wo samashita toki tsuremodosarenai basho e
When he had awoken from his sleep, we head to a place of no return
「せーの」で大地を蹴って　ここではない星へ
「See no」 de daichi wo kette koko de wa nai hoshi e
on the count of “go” we slam our feet on the ground, to a planet that’s not here

行こう
ikou
Let’s go
もう少しで運命の向こう
Mou sukoshi de unmei no mukou
Just a bit more, we’ll reach past our destiny
もう少しで文明の向こう
Mou sukoshi de bunmei no mukou
Just a bit more, we’ll reach past civilization
行こう
Ikou
Let’s go
もう少しで運命の向こう
Mou sukoshi de unmei no mukou
Just a bit more, we’ll reach past our destiny
もう少しで
Mou sukoshi de…
Just a bit more…

行こう
ikou
Let’s go
もう少しで運命の向こう
Mou sukoshi de unmei no mukou
Just a bit more, we’ll reach past our destiny
もう少しで文明の向こう
Mou sukoshi de bunmei no mukou
Just a bit more, we’ll reach past civilization
行こう
Ikou
Let’s go
もう少しで運命の向こう
Mou sukoshi de unmei no mukou
Just a bit more, we’ll reach past our destiny
もう少しで
Mou sukoshi de…
Just a bit more…

夢に僕らで帆を張って
Yume ni bokura de ho wo hatte
We are the sails for our dreams
来るべき日のために夜を越え
Kitaru beki hi no tame ni yoru wo koe
We get past the nights to approach the coming day
いざ期待だけ満タンで
Iza kitai dake mantan de
Now, we are filled with expectation
あとはどうにかなるさと肩を組んだ
Ato wa dou ni ka naru sa to kata wo kunda
With shoulders to shoulders, we say “We’ll do something about the rest”

怖くないわけない でも止まんない
Kowakunai wake nai demo tomannai
While we are not fearless, we won’t stop
ピンチの先回りしたって　僕らじゃしょうがない
Pinchi no sakimawari shitatte bokura ja shou ga nai
Even if we try to take a detour from danger, we cannot help when it comes*
僕らの恋が言う 声が言う
Bokura no koi ga iu koe ga iu
But our love tells us, its voice tells us
「行け」と言う
“Ike” to iu
it tells us to “go”

Translation Notes

• The singer expresses how it feels like humans chose human bonds over the dream of soaring high. However, even then, humans are fascinated by the sky, so the singer wonders if one is allowed to be so selfish… so sinful to desire both.
• In this second stanza, we are back to how Japan likes to personify concepts, in this case the seasons. There may be interpretations of what the summer thinks of autumn, but here, the singer personifies it as someone who admires or loves the fall. However, because of how embedded these seasons are, aside from that baton touch during September, what the summer feels, it’ll never be reciprocated by the autumn.
• When looking at this line, about escaping the earth while in the sun’s blindspot, one could say that the sun represents the norm of the universe. The obvious emperor of this solar system. And only when one is standing in that blindspot does one have the opportunity to run from said norms. One of these norms is the mentioned “gravity” which may be another way of saying “grounded reality.”
• This last stanza is uplifting, as the singer(s) cheer on about their weaknesses. They are with fear, and they will have to take detours. But they have accepted them, as they are unavoidable. Because in the end, they want to “go” as their love calls out to them. If failure comes their way, they will deal with it at that time and try to triumph over them.

Glossary

Other songs by Radwimps or from “Weathering with You”:

• “Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do?” by Radwimps
• “We’ll Be Alright” by Radwimps

Author’s Notes

I don’t want to be redundant about Weathering with You, so this will solely about my thoughts on this song which hyped me the most for the movie. It’s prominent feature in the movie’s second trailer was ear catching. Not in the ear-worm sense, but simply because of how it ramped up during the mentioned trailer. When I had the chance to hear the fuller version when the soundtrack released, I was even more entranced. It’s the same energy I feel from songs such as those from EXILE; this powerful “everyone” feeling than the usual uplifting songs that are around. It makes me look forward to a full version if one is ever released.

Tow things that came to mind when I took a deeper listen later on is the comparison I made with the main theme of one of Shinkai’s previous works, “Garden of Words,” since both films are related to rain. How the background track emulated “rain” in their own way, and how I like them both. But I also appreciated how poetic the first two stanzas were. How romantic they were, because if I were to be honest, that nostalgic romance is what I like from Shinkai’s work and the music that has come from his films. I am a true sucker for those notions of transient and ideals, of longing for the best of two worlds or letting them overlap when society and reality rejects them.

 

We’ll Be Alright – Radwimps lyrics

“We’ll Be Alright” (大丈夫; daijoubu) is a song written and performed by Japanese rock band Radwimps (ラッドウインプス; stylized as RADWIMPS), lead by singer and guitarist Yojiro Noda (野田洋次郎; noda yojirou). The song was released in the album for the supernatural romance anime film “Weathering with You” (天気の子; tenki no ko, lit. “Weather girl”) by Makoto Shinkai (新海誠; shinkai makoto) which Radwimps was the soundtrack composer for; the album was was released on the same day as the movie’s theater debut on July 19th, 2019. A video for the song was released on Youtube, together with the entire movie soundtrack, and can be seen here.

A music video of the full song was later posted on Youtube on November 4th, 2019 on the Radwimps’ main channel, and can be seen here.

Synopsis

In the skies of “We’ll Be Alright” by Radwimps, the narrator sees his significant other shoulder a great burden. However, they ask him “are you alright?” But they are the one who are crumbling. They are the one who should be asked that. So the singer has decided that he’ll make them alright, even if his own life is in disarray. Not just alright in any way, but in a way that their significant others wants to be.

Lyrics

時の進む力は あまりに強くて
toki no susumu chikara wa amari ni tsuyokute
The speed at which time moves is so strong
足もつかぬ水底 必死に今を搔く
ashi mo tsukanu minasoko  hisshi ni ima wo kaku
That I desperately paddle within the “now” in the bottomless waters

足搔けど未来は空っぽで いつも人生は
agakedo mirai wa karappo de  itsumo jinsei wa
I struggle, but my life and its future always feels empty
費用対効果散々で 採算度外視、毎日
Hiyoutaikouka sanzan de saisan dogaishi, mainichi
Every day is so lacking in cost-efficiency that I’ve ignored any profits*

僕はただ流れる空に横たわり
boku wa tada nagareru sora ni yokotawari
I just laid down, looking at the flowing clouds
水の中愚痴と気泡を吐いていた だけど
mizu no naka guchi to kihou wo haiteita dakedo
All I could do in the water is spit out bubbles and grumbles*, but…

世界が君の小さな肩に 乗っているのが
Sekai ga kimi no chiisana kata ni notteiru no ga
The world rests upon your tiny shoulders
僕にだけは見えて 泣き出しそうでいると
boku ni dake wa miete nakidashisou de iru to
I’m the only one who sees that, and I’m on the verge of tears

「大丈夫?」ってさぁ 君が気付いてさ 聞くから
「daijoubu?」tte saa kimi ga kidzuite sa kiku kara
You notice that, and ask me “are you alright?”
「大丈夫だよ」って 僕は慌てて言うけど
「daijoubu da yo」tte boku wa awatete iu kedo
And I reply in haste, “I’m alright,” but…

なんでそんなことを 言うんだよ
nande sonna koto wo iun da yo
Why is it that you can ask such a thing
崩れそうなのは 君なのに
kuzuresou nano wa kimi nano ni
Even though it is you who’ll collapse*

安い夢に遊ばれ こんなとこに来た
yasui yume ni asobare  konna toko ni kita
I’ve been made a fool by shallow dreams, and found myself here
この命の無目的さに 腹をたてるけど
kono inochi no mumokutekisa ni  hara wo tateru kedo
I’m upset at how purposeless my life feels, but…

君がいると 何も言えない 僕がいた
kimi ga iru to  nani mo ienai boku ga ita
I found myself speechless when you were here
君がいれば なんでもやれる 僕がいた
kimi ga ireba  nandemo yareru boku ga ita
I thought I could do anything if you were here

世界が君の小さな肩に 乗っているのが
Sekai ga kimi no chiisana kata ni notteiru no ga
The world rests upon your tiny shoulders
僕にだけは見えて かける言葉を探したよ
boku ni dake wa miete  kakeru kotoba wo sagashita yo
I’m the only one who sees that, and I’ve searched for words that I could say to you

「頼りないのは重々知っているけど
「tayorinai nowa juujuu shitteiru kedo
“Even though I know greatly how unreliable I am
僕の肩で良かったら好きに使っていいから」
boku no kata de yokattara suki ni tsukatte ii kara」
If you don’t mind, please let me help shoulder your burden too.”*

なんて言うと 君はませた
nante iu to  kimi wa maseta
When I was about to say that, you hushed me
笑顔でこの頭を撫でるんだ
egao de kono atama wo naderunda
You gave me a smile while patting my head*

取るに足らない 小さな僕の 有り余る今の 大きな夢は
toru ni taranai chiisana boku no ariamaru ima no ookina yume wa
Even though I’m small and incapable of obtaining this big dream I have now that’s overflowing
君の「大丈夫」になりたい 「大丈夫」になりたい
kimi no 「daijoubu」 ni naritai 「daijoubu」 ni naritai
That dream is for you to be “alright,” I want you to be “alright.”
君を大丈夫にしたいんじゃない 君にとっての 「大丈夫」になりたい
kimi wo daijoubu ni shitain janai kimi ni totte no 「daijoubu」 ni naritai
I don’t want you to become alright, I want you to be in the “alright” that you wish for*

世界が君の小さな肩に 乗っているのが
Sekai ga kimi no chiisana kata ni notteiru no ga
The world rests upon your tiny shoulders
僕にだけは見えて 泣き出しそうでいると
boku ni dake wa miete  nakidashisou de iru to
I’m the only one who sees that, and I’m on the verge of tears

「大丈夫?」ってさぁ 君が気付いてさ 聞くから
「daijoubu?」tte saa kimi ga kidzuite sa kiku kara
You notice that, and ask me “are you alright?”
「大丈夫だよ」って 僕は笑って言うんだよ
「daijoubu da yo」tte boku wa waratte iunda yo
And I reply with a smile, “I’m alright”

何が僕らに振りかかろうとも
nani ga bokura ni furikakarou to mo
No matter what may stand in our way
きっと僕らは大丈夫だよと
kitto bokura wa daijoubu yo to
I’m sure we will be alright
僕は今日から君の大丈夫だから
boku wa kyou kara kimi no daijoubu dakara
Because from today on, I’ll be your “alright”

Translation Notes

• I originally translated this line to say “everyday is cost-effecient and profitable” in a robotic manner, but it seems like it was the opposite all this time. Life is so hectic that there is no time to be looking forward to that future anyway. Admittedly, this fits the narrative much better than before, as it compares to the feeling of being in a bottomless river as stated in the previous stanza.
• In the first stanza, water was used to represent the flow of time. Here in the third stanza, the singer mentions how all they can do as they wade in the water is “spit out bubbles and grumbles.” This is representing how in all their struggles, there is so little they are really able to do about the situation they are in.
  • It’s also interesting to take note of how the lyrics chose a mix of what one might literally spit out in the water (bubbles/foam), together with what they would theoretically spit out in the water of time (grumbles/complaints).
• This part of the song reminds me how at times, the one who are the most compassionate or seem to notice the pains of others are those who are already in pain. But they are strong, and are willing to put up with their own pain, out of selflessness or selfish depravity, so that they can help those who cannot deal with it. As a result, they seem to be the one who will crumble apart, sooner than anyone.
• A small Japanese lesson: in this line, the more literal translation was actually “If you are fine with these shoulders, please use them as you like.” I chose not to go with this because of how it was too raw and unrefined to deliver the message in one read. For that reason, I went with a similar line that delivered that essence that the singer wants to offer their support to their beloved.
• I don’t know how culturally universal this imagery is, of someone patting someone’s head with a smile. But I wanted to point out how this imagery is very specifically like another way of the individual saying “I’m alright.” That father who pats his child’s head to reassure them, or when a sibling does it in the wake of social turmoil. This is typically also one way to hush someone who is trying to offer help or ask questions, without shouting or being aggressive.
• “The ‘alright’ that you wish for”… something about that feels so warm in the heart. Many of the times, we want people to be alright, in general. “Alright” in the sense that we, or moreso the world, thinks of: happy and not crying, probably. However, the singer here recognizes that their significant other is not really “alright” when generally “alright,” so wishes for them to be at peace in the way that they would like to be “alright.”

Glossary

Other songs by Radwimps or from “Weathering with You”:

• “Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do?” by Radwimps
• “Grand Escape” by Radwimps

Author’s Notes

One thing I can always appreciate from a movie is a good soundtrack, irregardless of what I may think of the movie itself. And next to Grand Escape, I find “We’ll Be Alright” to be a short but powerful song. Many songs in anime have sung of that one self-sacrificing hero, but I believe this song captures it from a more interactive perspective. That exchange of “are you alright?” from the burdened person hits me deep in the heart, because for us all, we may have encountered someone who has held a great burden for others or ourselves. And instead of simply thanking them, the singer here wants to be proactive in doing something for them. Not just to make them “alright” in the sense of what society sees as alright, but as mentioned in the translation notes, an actual “alright” that allows them to rest in peace. And many of times, this would mean for them to let go of what they shoulder…

I find that this song couples real well with the rest of those in the album, and with what I assume is the theme of the movie. We may have seen before songs about people wanting to save the savior, but maybe not in this manner… Otherwise, I did just release the blog for “Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do?” so I don’t want to go too far in pointless chatter. Hopefully, you enjoyed this translation, and if you have the time in the future, please watch the movie.

Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do – Radwimps lyrics

“Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do” (愛にできることはまだあるかい; ai ni dekiru koto wa mada aru kai) is a song written and performed by Japanese rock band Radwimps (ラッドウインプス; stylized as RADWIMPS), lead by singer and guitarist Yojiro Noda (野田洋次郎; noda yojirou). The song was released in the album for the supernatural romance anime film “Weathering with You” (天気の子; tenki no ko, lit. “Weather girl”) by Makoto Shinkai (新海誠; shinkai makoto) which Radwimps was the soundtrack composer for; the album was was released on the same day as the movie’s theater debut on July 19th, 2019. A music video for the song (together with the entire soundtrack for the movie) was released on Youtube, and can be seen here.

Synopsis

A dear question is asked with “Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do” by Radwimps, when faced with a world that can seem so grey and cold. One feels so drowned in such an objective era of winners, where even the gods seem to have averted their gaze. But to the singer… they’ve received so much from their significant other. So much that it has granted them an indomitable and everlasting will. So, in return, he wants to make it known that there is still something that love can do… something that he can do for his beloved, with the magic of courage, hope and bonds…

Lyrics

愛にできることはまだあるかい
ai ni dekiru koto wa mada aru kai
Is there still anything that love can do

何も持たずに生まれ落ちた僕
nani mo motazu ni umareochita boku
I was born into this world with nothing in hand
永遠の隙間でのた打ち回ってる
eien no sukima deno tauchimawatteru
I keep on going around in circles in this gap of eternity
諦めたものと賢いものだけが
akiremeta mono to kashikoi mono dake ga
In the era where only the wise and resigned
勝者の時代に何処で息を吸う
shousha no jida ni  doko de iki wo suu
Are the winners, where can we find a moment to breath*

支配者も神も何処か他人顔
shihaisha mo kami mo dokoka tanin-gao
Even the kings and gods turn a blind eye
だけど本当は分かってるはず
dakedo hontou wa wakatteru hazu
But we all know, deep in our heart
勇気や希望や絆とかの魔法
yuuki ya kibou ya kizuna toka no mahou
about the magic of courage, hope and bonds
使い道もなく大人は目を背ける
tsukaimichi mo naku otona wa me wo sakeru
Adults don’t find use for them, so they look away
それでもあの日の君が今もまだ
soredemo ano hi no kimi ga ima mo mada
Even then, your will from that day is still
僕の全正義のど真ん中にいる
boku no zen-seigi no doman’naka ni iru
Here with me, as the central pillar of all my justice

世界が背中を向けてもまだなお
sekai ga senaka wo muketemo mada nao
Even if the world turns its back on us, still
立ち向かう君が今もここにいる
tachimukau kimi ga ima mo koko ni iru
you are here right now, standing your ground
愛にできることはまだあるかい
ai ni dekiru koto wa mada aru kai
Is there still anything that love can do
僕にできることはまだあるかい
boku ni dekiru koto wa mada aru kai
Is there still anything that I can do

君がくれた勇気だから
kimi ga kureta yuuki dakara
Because you had given me the courage
君のために使いたいんだ
kimi no tame ni tsukaitainda
I want to use it for your sake
君と分け合った愛だから
kimi to wakeatta ai dakara
Because you had shared with me this love
君とじゃなきゃ意味がないんだ
kimi to janakya imi ga nainda
It would be meaningless without you here
愛にできることはまだあるかい
ai ni dekiru koto wa mada aru kai
Is there still anything that love can do
僕にできることはまだあるかい
boku ni dekiru koto wa mada aru kai
Is there still anything that I can do

定めとはつまりサイコロのでた目
sadame towa tsumari saikoro no detame
Destiny is very much like the number on a die
はたまた神のいつものきまぐれ
hatamata kami no itsumo no kimagure
Much like the usual whim of the gods
選び選ばれた　脱げられぬ鎧
erabi-erabareta  nugerarenu yoroi
The chosen armor that cannot be removed
もしくは遥かな揺らぐことない意志
moshiku wa harukana yuragu koto nai ishi
Or better yet, a will that is long-lasting and unwavering
果たさぬ願いと　叶わぬ再会と
hatasanu negai to  kanawanu saikai to
The unanswered wish, and the unfulfilled reunion
解けぬ誤解と　降り積もる憎悪と
tokenu gokai to  furitsumoru zouo to
The unsolved misconception, and the piling up hatred

許し合う声と　握りしめ合う手を
yurushiau koe to  nigirishimeau te wo
Our voices that forgive each other, and our connected hands
この星は今日も　抱えて生きてる
kono hoshi wa kyou mo  kakaete ikiteru
This planet, today again, embraces them with life*
愛にできることはまだあるかい
ai ni dekiru koto wa mada aru kai
Is there still anything that love can do
僕にできることはまだあるかい
boku ni dekiru koto wa mada aru kai
Is there still anything that I can do

君がくれた勇気だから
kimi ga kureta yuuki dakara
Because you had given me the courage
君のために使いたいんだ
kimi no tame ni tsukaitain da
I want to use it for your sake
君と育てた愛だから
kimi to sodateta ai dakara
Because you had nurtured this love of ours
君とじゃなきゃ意味がないんだ
kimi to janakya imi ga nain da
It would be meaningless without you here
愛にできることはまだあるかい
ai ni dekiru koto wa mada aru kai
Is there still anything that love can do
僕にできることはまだあるかい
boku ni dekiru koto wa mada aru kai
Is there still anything that I can do

何もない僕たちになぜ夢を見させたか
nani mo nai bokutachi ni naze yume wo misaseta ka
Why were we shown dreams, even though we own nothing
終わりある人生になぜ希望を持たせたか
owari aru jinsei ni naze kibou wo motaseta ka
Why were we given hope when our lives have an end
なぜこの手をすり抜ける物ばかり与えたか
naze kono te wo surinukeru mono bakari ataeta ka
Why were we handed only things that would slip through our grasps
それでもなおしがみつく僕らは醜いかい
soredemo nao shigamitsuku bokura wa nikui kai
Even then, as we cling onto all that, would you call us unsightly
それとも綺麗かい　答えてよ
sore tomo kirei kai  kotaete yo
Or are we beautiful, please tell us

愛の歌も歌われ尽くした
ai no uta mo utaware tsukushita
All the love songs have been sung to exhaustion
数多の映画で語られ尽くした
amata no eiga de katarare tsukushita
They have been told to exhaustion in many movies*
そんな荒野に生まれ落ちた僕、君　それでも
sonna kouya ni umare ochita boku, kimi sore demo
Though you and I were born into such a wasteland, even then…
愛にできることはまだあるよ
ai ni dekiru koto wa mada aru yo
There is still something that love can do
僕にできることはまだあるよ
boku ni dekiru koto wa mada aru yo
There is still something that I can do

Translation Notes

• This line of translation can be taken in two ways: the one way I translated where the singer asks “If in this world you can only get by by winning or giving up, what do all others do to live in the world?” However, I also initially translated this text as a statement of “only those who are wise or resigned can breath in this era of winners” which may make more sense, but isn’t as much approaching it as a question as the singer initially asked. But the meaning is the same: those who do not fit into the two groups, how are they supposed to live by?
• The planet lives on the forgiveness of its inhabitants and their desire to hold hands with love. Hence, it embraces those actions “with life” so that they can keep on going on.
• This last part of the song, to me, feels like it’s filling in why the titular question is even asked: so many movies and songs have told about love, so what more can love can do? The world seems to be so black-and-white, with no room for something as possibly impractical and intangible as love. But as the singer states, “there is still something that love can do.” Because, no matter the time, there will always been a need for love, even if it’s sung or shown to exhaustion.

Glossary

Other songs by Radwimps or from “Weathering with You”:

• “We’ll Be Alright” by Radwimps

Author’s Notes

Radwimps’ music has been an interesting one. I sort of draw parallels to other artists, such as amazarashi, while also comparing to other composers of Shinkai’s films. Your Name’s score was great, and most certainly the mellow songs sung by Radwimps (his more upbeat ones were good, but didn’t carry out for me as much), but maybe due to the effects of Your Name being so overly acclaimed, I held a little spite for the band. However, rest assured, the score for this film, Weathering with You, is another great assemble of theme songs. I like “Grand Escape feat. Toko Miura” the most because of both its use in the second trailer, but also because of the instrumental it uses together with Miura’s vocal performance with the chorus in the back. I plan on releasing a post for that song too. This song on the other hand though, while topped by Grand Escape, has its own touch of magic. It’s a good song, and I don’t want to say anymore lest I might over-exaggerate or tarnish its worth. Take a listen when you can.

There isn’t much to say for the movie, on the other hand, as I haven’t had the chance to watch it; it only released this past month in Japan, and I haven’t returned to Japan. I can say some of the impressions I have for the movie… which I am certain is in-part unfair, because I make parallels to “Your Name” and my own opinions of that movie, when in truth they may be different. But to remain brief, I may not be fond of Weathering with You in the same vein as Your Name, as the plot did not intrigue me. It wasn’t a bad plot, but not the story for me. I think I preferred Shinkai’s previous films because they weren’t so goofy, and the serious tones they held kept till the end, whereas in Your Name and possibly Weathering with You, the latter isn’t held due to my own mind foreseeing the plot’s end; Weathering with You may end with a more bittersweet end, but I don’t get that impression akin to how I felt with Your Name initially (and I was right). Again, the film may not be my cup of tea… but please, go watch it. It might fare better for you.

AQUARIUS – WORLD ORDER lyrics

“AQUARIUS” is a song written and choreographed by Genki Sudo (須藤 元気; sudou genki) and performed by WORLD ORDER, a dancing crew assembled by Sudo to dance like robots while wearing business suits.

The music video accompanying this song was filmed in Kyoto, Japan, at the Daikaku-ji (大覚寺; lit. Daikaku temple), or more specifically the Head Daikaku-ji temple of the Shingon sect (真言宗大覚寺派大本山; shingon-shuu daikaku-ji ha daihonzan). This includes the Osawa pond (大沢池), the artificial lake that the temple grounds is lined around, which can be seen later in the music video.

The song was released on YouTube on May 15th, 2012. The song was first featured in their album “2012” which was released on June 20th, 2012 under the Pony Canyon label, along with future albums too.

Synopsis

A new age is impending, and in “AQUARIUS”* by WORLD ORDER, we are told of how the old generation will pass and we’ll be lending our hands to the new one. But not just any age, but a new one of those willing to make change in the world. As a new light breathes upon us… we open our eyes to every possible future.

Lyrics

空 夢 映し合い
sora yume utsushiai
The sky, the dreams, they reflect each other
赤い月現れ
akai tsuki araware
The red moon appears

The age of Aquarius*
The age of Aquarius

プラトン年の星の歯車 地球をひと巡り
PURATION doshi no hoshi no haguruma chikyuu o hitomeguri
On the cycle of the planets in Platonic years*, they make one round around the Earth
埋もれていた宇宙の記憶輝き取り戻す
Umoreteita uchuu no kioku kagayaki torimodosu
The memories buried within the universe regain their shine

古い時流れ去り
furui toki nagaresari
The old age flows on and disappears
自由 翼 舞い上がる
Jiyuu tsubasa maiagaru
Both freedom and our wings dance into the sky

The age of Aquarius
The age of Aquarius

新しい光の時代の息吹に目を覚まし始め
atarashii hiakri no jidai no ibuki ni me wo samashi hajime
Opening my eyes as I wake to the breath of the age of a new light
語り継がれた時代が動き 秘密と重なり合う
katari tsugareta jidai ga ugoki himitsu to kasanariau
The generation we’ve handed ourselves to starts to move, overlapping with secrets

すべての未来が今幕を開く
subete no mirai ga ima maku o hiraku
The curtains rise now to reveal every possible future
希望が歌い出す
kibou ga utaidasu
And the hope now sings:

The age of Aquarius

新しい光の時代の息吹に目を覚まし始め
atarashii hiakri no jidai no ibuki ni me wo samashi hajime
Opening my eyes as I wake to the breath of the age of a new light
語り継がれた時代が動き 秘密と重なり合う
katari tsugareta jidai ga ugoki himitsu to kasanariau
The generation we’ve handed ourselves to starts to move, overlapping with secrets

Translation Notes

• This song has many terms, some astrological, that are hard to describe in a short span of time, so please consider the below as brief instruments to understand the nature of the translation, not exact definitions that should be explained to others without further research.
  • Aquarius is one of the Zodiac signs, representing the time of year between late-January to mid-February. Aquarius typically is the time during which the Lunar New Year occurs, thus its representation within the lyrics can refer to a fresh start.
    • Japan used to follow the Lunar calendar; the use of one of Kyoto’s temples as the background within the music video can be a representation of old Japan, thus considerations are made in reference to the Lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar that is instated worldwide.
    • According to popular horoscopes, those born under this sign have the social conscience needed to carry us into the new millennium. This typically is one of the many messages Genki Sudo attempts to offer in his music videos.
  • “Age of Aquarius“, along with any other Age of a zodiac, is a fixed astrological term, referring to a time span of approximately 2,160 years. This is because each zodiac occupies a portion of a precise cycle (the Platonic Year), which is designated below as around 26,000 years. 26,000 divided by 12 is approximately 2,160.
    • Some sources state that the Age of Aquarius specifically started in 2012, the year in which this music video was released.
    • Interestingly enough, when the other dancers surround Genki Sudo with the hands to make a ring, with six dancers, they have 12 hands in that ring. Whether or not this is to represent the 12 Zodiacs is up to one’s own interpretation.
  • Also known as “Great Year,” a Platonic year is when all the planets and fixed stars return to a position they have taken before, due to how overtime, they shift a bit out of line before returning eventually. This takes about 26,000 years to complete.
    • Thus, this part of the lyrics is attempting to state that a cycle in the entire universe has been made, returning to the Age of Aquarius.
  • Thus, combining the above, the song is attempting to state that it has returned to the age of Aquarians, those who are expected to be capable of change in the world.

Glossary

Other songs by WORLD ORDER

• WORLD ORDER
• MACHINE CIVILIZATION
• QUIET HAPPINESS
• THE NEXT PHASE

Author’s Notes

It’s been much a while since I’ve posted a translation here, nonetheless one for WORLD ORDER. Is it because I’ve lost the passion? Well… maybe for this website. However, just like my admiration to WORLD ORDER, my translations have not stopped. They are just being applied elsewhere. But I do hope to returning to get translations here.

Otherwise, AQUARIUS has been one of the many songs by World Order that I’ve wanted to finish translating. I had some rough ones done years ago, but didn’t come around to it until a few weeks ago. The lyrics themselves are not difficult at all, but as stated in the translation notes, there are some astrological terms in them that were scaring me away. Nonetheless, once I had come around to it (and after noticing that the official music video on YT still didn’t have English lyrics posted), I went around to getting this published. If anything, I’ve come to appreciate this song more, as I only liked it for the music and some of the hopeful lyrics it had before, and now understand what is Genki Sudo’s message, or what I read it to be: we have entered the Age of Aquarius, an age of people capable of bringing their ambitions and dreams to light, changing the world for the better.

MACHINE CIVILIZATION – WORLD ORDER lyrics

“MACHINE CIVILIZATION” is a song written and choreographed by Genki Sudo (須藤 元気; sudou genki) and performed by WORLD ORDER, a dancing crew assembled by Sudo to dance like robots while wearing business suits.

The song was first posted on YouTube on March 18th, 2011, which can be seen here. The music video was released in response to the 2011 Touhouku earthquake & tsunami that had occurred a week prior to the video’s release, on March 11th. This is apparent in the fact that the members of WORLD ORDER visit the affected region in the music video. The music video has received much recognition for its message in regards to the disaster, becoming the band’s most watched video on their YouTube channel and also one of its key songs in making the band as popular as it is today.

The song was first featured in their album “2012” which was released on June 20th, 2012 under the Pony Canyon label. It was also remixed and featured in their album “HAVE A NICE DAY” which was released on December 7th, 2014.

The world won’t change on its own. We do change one by one. That makes the world change. The darkness just before the dawn is deepest. So, we do rise up together to greet the brilliant morning truly coming for the human beings.
WE ARE ALL ONE” – Genki Sudo YouTube message

Synopsis

Reflecting on life, “MACHINE CIVILIZATION” by WORLD ORDER is about the titular machine civilization Japan (and likely the world) has become, going through the days like a robot. It makes the narrator wander notice that something is amiss in such a world. Are they, the people of this civilization, really acting together in unity? Are the thoughts they think actual reality, or are they nothing more than an illusion? Will the world be able to change for the better? At such a time, the narrator hopes that a revolution will occur, waking everyone from the stagnant flow of life and introduce them to a world where they can smile and dream freely.

Lyrics

The morning of machine civilization
On a morning of machine civilization
赤い楯 影迷い
akai tate kage mayoi
The shadow of the red shield wanders*
灰色の服纏い
haiiro no fuku matoi
I dress in a grey suit
リズムに囚われた朝
RIZUMU ni torawareta asa
as the mechanical rhythm consumes the morning
いつもと同じ瞬間
itsumo to onaji shunkan
Every moment is always the same
止めない生産ライン
tomenai seisan RAIN
on this endless production line
何かが欠けてる
nanika ga kaketeru
Something seems to be amiss*
In the twilight of machinery*

Where’s the world going
Where is the world going?
Won’t somebody tell me
Won’t somebody tell me?
Are these thoughts illusion
Are these thoughts an illusion?
Are we all one
Are we all one?
この世界は変われるのか
kono sekai wa kawareru no ka
Will this world be able to change?
この想いは幻か
kono omoi wa maboroshi ka
Are these thoughts just an illusion?*

People find work to be done
People find work that needs to be done
人は働き 鳥歌う
hito wa hataraki tori utau
People work and birds sing*
眠りに落ちた夢
nemuri ni ochita yume
The dreams are falling asleep
目を覚ませ 彼叫ぶ
me wo samase kare sakebu
He calls out to them to wake up
いつもと同じ瞬間
itsumo to onaji shunkan
Every moment is always the same
この刹那に生きる
kono setsuna ni ikiru
And yet I live for the moment
いつか革命求め
itsuka kakumei motome
Hoping for a revolution to happen someday,
In the twilight of machinery

Where’s the world going
Where is the world going?
Won’t somebody tell me
Won’t somebody tell me?
Are these thoughts illusion
Are these thoughts an illusion?
Are we all one
Are we all one?
この想いを変えられるのか
kono omoi wo kaerareru no ka
Will I be able to change how I feel*
いつも夢に笑いかける
itsumo yume ni waraikakeru
So that I can always smile for my dream?

Are these thoughts illusion (x16)
Are these thoughts an illusion?

Where’s the world going
Where is the world going?
Won’t somebody tell me
Won’t somebody tell me?
Are these thoughts illusion
Are these thoughts an illusion?
Are we all one
Are we all one?
この想いを変えられるのか
kono omoi wo kaerareru no ka
Will I be able to change how I feel
いつも夢に笑いかける
itsumo yume ni waraikakeru
So that I can always smile for my dream?

break through
paradigm
in your mind
revolution
desire
science
ascension
thirteen*
white shirt
white shirt
white shirt
black shirt
black shirt
singularity
we are all one
are we all one?

Translation Notes

• I had to consult the lyrics booklet, generously translated by Genki Sudo himself, in regards to what this sentence was about. Talking about a red shield and its shadows wandering, it’s hard to decipher what is the true meaning behind these words. Does it refer to how the buildings are like in the morning sun? Or is it about something else? I won’t propose much, but would like to admit that if you are lost to its meaning, I’m just the same.
• Something seems to be amiss in this mechanical civilization. That is what the narrator asks, leading to the questions in the main chorus. It shows that even as he moves with the crowd, he has realized that something is just not right. Otherwise, why would he question about something being amiss?
• The magic of when you finally realize the meaning behind words. “In the twilight of machinery” is synonymous to saying “in this civilization at dusk.” I came to this conclusion, and believe it is correct, since the lyrics starts off talking about “the morning of machine civilization.” To correspond, the narrator realizes his thoughts at the very end of the day. I did not make changes to the original lyrics as it still delivers the message… and because it sounds much more in rhythm with the song.
• “Are these thoughts an illusion?” A critical question to ask when you find yourself working like you are on a production line, mindlessly doing the same action over and over. The narrator wonders, “if I am working like a machine, are these thoughts I think of even mine?”
• A simple comparison. As humans work, the birds sing. I am aware that birds and other animals have their hardship, but the song is creating a comparison that humans at time seem to work as birds are able to sing freely.
• “Omoi” (想い) is different from its other homonyms. Compared to the simple “思い” which usually means “thoughts,” “想い” has a deeper connotation that can be described as “longing” or “heartfelt feelings.” It drives forward the idea that deep emotions are being questioned by the narrator, if they can ever change for the better.
• At the start of this verse, what is listed can mean many things, from being a list of accomplishments of the human race to being what the narrator is thinking about in regards to the “machine civilization.” Then at the end , there is the number “thirteen.” What is thirteen, and why is it placed within the lyrics? One possible (not definite) theory is that 13 is the next yet unreachable destination. Many common aspects of a civilized world has been limited to 12, such as the calendar months and the clock. In response, 13 is that unforeseen the world may need for it to grow beyond the defined boundaries the machine civilization has placed on itself.

Glossary

Other songs by WORLD ORDER

 

• “HAVE A NICE DAY” by WORLD ORDER
• “THE NEXT PHASE” by WORLD ORDER
• “WORLD ORDER” by WORLD ORDER

 

Author’s Notes

It has been a long while since I’ve posted to this blog,out of either being busy with my own schedule and from the fact that I hadn’t been translating as often as I usually do. Nonetheless, it’s best to get back into the translating spirit before I find myself not translating at all. I would be terrified if that actually ever happened, since translating has been a core part of my life for the past decade. I will pray now that I will keep on translating for as long as I can.

“MACHINE CIVILIZATION” admittedly was the song that drew me into loving WORLD ORDER and their thought-provoking messages. When the earthquake & tsunami had hit Japan and news about it sprang forth onto the internet, this song eventually came to my attention. And goodness, I am glad that I found them out then than more recently. For me, it takes time to ride a wave and become an avid fan; if I hadn’t become interested in WO at that time, I believe I wouldn’t be where I am now: the translator of the WO international fansite. Truthfully, I only became one of its translators recently, but the time spent before that nurtured my love for the dance group.

The message of this song is something that I believe should be asked to anyone who are in a rut, or hasn’t realized they are in one. There are time when we feel what we do is dull and pointless at times, and we need to realize that something can be done. In part to this song, Genki Sudo’s message explained how each person, no matter how small they may be in this large civilization, can make a difference in the world. It may be daunting to think like so as an individual, but I too believe in what he says. Every person makes an impact, so don’t belittle yourself and what you do.