Sore Dewa, Mata Ashita

Asian Kung-fu Generation's song 'Sore Dewa, Mata Ashita' delves into the complexities of modern life and the yearning for simpler, untroubled days. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where emotions are transparent yet frozen, suggesting a sense of numbness or detachment. The repeated phrase 'それでは、また明日' (Sore Dewa, Mata Ashita), which translates to 'Well then, see you tomorrow,' hints at a cyclical routine, a never-ending loop of seeking and losing, reflecting the monotony and struggles of daily life.

The song speaks to the universal human experience of loss and the desire to reclaim what has been hidden or forgotten. Lines like '誰かが隠したような、僕らが失くしたような' (Dareka ga kakushita you na, bokura ga nakushita you na), meaning 'As if someone hid it, as if we lost it,' evoke a sense of something precious being taken away, possibly referring to innocence, peace, or simplicity. The mention of '亡霊' (bourei) and '幽霊' (yuurei), meaning 'ghost' and 'spirit,' respectively, adds a haunting quality, suggesting that these lost elements linger like specters in our lives.

The chorus emphasizes the shared nature of these feelings, with references to '彼が求めたのは' (Kare ga motometa no wa), 'あの子が流したのは' (Ano ko ga nagashita no wa), and '君が嘆いたのは' (Kimi ga nageita no wa), translating to 'What he sought,' 'What she shed tears for,' and 'What you lamented,' respectively. This collective experience underscores the song's message that these struggles and desires are not isolated but are part of a broader human condition. The call to '取り戻せそうか' (Torimodose sou ka), meaning 'Can we take it back?' is a poignant question that resonates with anyone who has ever longed for a return to simpler times.

The song's structure and repetitive elements mirror the cyclical nature of the themes it explores, creating a sense of continuity and inevitability. The final lines, questioning who the '異端者' (itan-sha), or 'heretic,' is, challenge the listener to consider who or what disrupts this quest for simplicity. Is it society, external pressures, or perhaps our own internal conflicts? 'Sore Dewa, Mata Ashita' is a reflective piece that invites listeners to ponder these questions and find solace in the shared human experience.