Unmei No Wa

Eiko Shimamiya's song 'Unmei No Wa' delves into the profound and often unsettling theme of fate and the cyclical nature of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey, both literal and metaphorical, where the protagonist finds themselves lost on a path, reminiscent of a dream or a déjà vu. This sense of being trapped in a recurring cycle is emphasized through the repeated references to 'touryanse,' a traditional Japanese children's song that speaks of navigating a difficult path and the fear of not being able to return.

The song's chorus questions the purpose of existence, pondering whether one is born and destined to perish in the same place. Despite efforts to resist or escape, the 'unmei no wa'—the wheel of fate—spins relentlessly, symbolized by the sound of cicadas, which often represent the passage of time and the inevitability of change in Japanese culture. This imagery evokes a sense of helplessness and inevitability, suggesting that no matter how much one struggles, they cannot escape their predetermined destiny.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics take on a more somber tone, with references to lullabies and the fleeting nature of life. The mention of 'bouya yoikoda' (good boy) and 'komoriuta' (lullaby) juxtaposes innocence and the harsh reality of fate. The song concludes with a powerful image of the sky roaring and the opening of the 'yuugen' (mysterious and profound), questioning who will be next in line to face their destiny. This final verse encapsulates the song's central theme: the inescapable and often sorrowful cycle of life and fate, urging listeners to confront the darkness and find their way through it.