Shinkokyuu

Asian Kung-fu Generation's song "Shinkokyuu" delves into the profound and often unsettling contemplation of life's fleeting nature. The title itself, which translates to "Deep Breath," sets the tone for a reflective journey through the lyrics. The song opens with the imagery of thunder echoing and a moment of silent light just before a storm, symbolizing the calm before the inevitable chaos. This metaphor extends to the unpredictability of fate and the human tendency to question it, as seen in the lines "What kind of fate?" and "Really?" These questions reflect a sense of helplessness and the realization that some aspects of life are beyond our control.

The recurring fear of disappearance, or the end of existence, is a central theme in the song. The lyrics express a deep-seated anxiety about the impermanence of life, encapsulated in the lines "I'm afraid of someday disappearing" and "Is there no escape?" This fear is juxtaposed with the acknowledgment that life is but a fleeting moment, as the song repeatedly emphasizes the brevity of our existence with phrases like "In an instant, our lives" and "The bell of the end will ring, and the curtain will close." This imagery suggests that life is a transient performance, with a definitive beginning and end, much like a theatrical play.

Despite the somber themes, "Shinkokyuu" also carries a message of beauty and resilience. The song encourages taking a deep breath, symbolizing a moment of clarity and presence amidst the chaos. The lyrics urge us to carve our beauty and essence into the world, even if it is just for a moment, as seen in the lines "To carve our beauty here" and "Take a deeper breath than anyone." This act of deep breathing becomes a metaphor for embracing life fully, acknowledging its impermanence, and finding strength in the face of uncertainty. Through this, Asian Kung-fu Generation invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the marks they wish to leave behind.