Tentai Kansoku

Bump of Chicken's 'Tentai Kansoku' (translated as 'Astronomical Observation') is a poignant exploration of youth, discovery, and the passage of time. The song begins with the narrator and a friend embarking on a late-night stargazing adventure, equipped with a telescope and a radio. This setting serves as a metaphor for their quest to understand the world and themselves, as they search for stars in the vast, dark sky. The act of stargazing symbolizes their desire to grasp the unseen and the unknown, reflecting a universal human longing for knowledge and connection.

The lyrics delve into the emotional landscape of the narrator, who recalls the trembling hand of their friend and the missed opportunity to offer comfort. This moment of vulnerability and regret is a recurring theme throughout the song, highlighting the pain of missed connections and the enduring impact of these experiences. The narrator's attempt to 'see the unseen' through the telescope mirrors their internal struggle to understand complex emotions and the nature of their relationship with the friend.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the passage of time and the continuous search for meaning. They acknowledge the things they have discovered and the pain they have felt, which still supports them in their journey. The repeated imagery of the telescope and the act of stargazing underscores the ongoing quest for understanding and the pursuit of 'now,' a direction they once chased together. Even as the friend no longer joins them, the narrator continues this pursuit alone, driven by the memories and the lessons learned from their shared experiences. 'Tentai Kansoku' beautifully captures the essence of growing up, the bittersweet nature of memories, and the relentless human drive to seek meaning in the universe and within ourselves.