Furigana

Inoue Kazuhiko's song 'Furigana' is a poetic exploration of the complexities of human emotions and relationships, cleverly interwoven with the concept of 'furigana'—the small phonetic characters used in Japanese writing to indicate pronunciation. The song uses this linguistic tool as a metaphor for the unspoken and often hidden nuances in communication and feelings between people.

The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors. For instance, the line 'Zen:) Sabitsuiteiru [winter]' suggests a sense of stagnation or coldness, while 'Maboroshi no [connection]' hints at elusive or illusory connections. The repeated mention of 'mienai [rubi] ga aru' (there are invisible rubies) symbolizes the hidden gems or deeper meanings that lie beneath the surface of our interactions. This idea is further emphasized in the chorus, where the beauty and pain of a 'rose' and its 'thorns' are both cherished, indicating that both positive and negative experiences are valuable.

The song also delves into the personal struggles and vulnerabilities of the characters, Zen and Ai. Zen's lines like 'Ore no [adore na rin] no hakkaten wa [so-baiya]' and Ai's 'atsui ase ya namida sore wa terekusakute' reveal their inner conflicts and the awkwardness of expressing true emotions. The use of furigana here serves as a metaphor for the clarity and understanding that they seek in their relationships, despite the complexities and misunderstandings that often arise.

In essence, 'Furigana' is a beautifully crafted song that uses the metaphor of Japanese phonetic guides to explore the hidden depths of human emotions and relationships. It speaks to the universal experience of seeking understanding and connection in a world where much remains unspoken and unseen.