Takane No Hanakosan

Back Number's song "Takane No Hanakosan" delves into the bittersweet emotions of unrequited love. The protagonist sees himself as just a friend of a friend to the person he loves, feeling insignificant and overshadowed by others. He is captivated by her smile, which is directed at someone else, and this makes him feel both enchanted and tormented. The lyrics express his longing to be more than just an acquaintance, to wake up next to her and share simple moments like saying good morning.

The song is filled with a sense of yearning and desperation. The protagonist wishes for a magical intervention, hoping that the powers of summer and fate will bring her to him. He imagines her being taken away by the spirits of summer and brought to his side, despite the differences in their backgrounds and the improbability of such an event. This fantasy highlights his deep desire and the lengths he would go to be with her, even if it means relying on supernatural forces.

The protagonist also grapples with feelings of inadequacy, comparing himself to the kind of person he believes she would be with—a model-like figure, older, and more confident. He envisions her in a relationship where she has to stretch to kiss her partner, feeling small and cherished. This comparison only deepens his sense of inferiority and hopelessness. Despite these feelings, he can't help but think about her constantly, even under the summer sky, trembling with the intensity of his emotions. The song captures the essence of unrequited love, the pain of longing, and the hope for a miraculous change in fate.