Soshite Kôbe

Maekawa Kiyoshi's song 'Soshite Kôbe' delves into the emotional turmoil and cyclical nature of heartache and recovery. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with abandonment and the subsequent search for solace. The city of Kobe serves as a backdrop, symbolizing both the place of pain and the potential for new beginnings. The imagery of throwing shoes into murky waters and stepping on nameless flowers reflects the protagonist's feelings of despair and the struggle to find meaning in their suffering.

The recurring lines 'そしてひとつが終わり / そしてひとつが生まれ' (And one thing ends / And one thing is born) highlight the theme of endings and new beginnings. This cyclical pattern suggests that while one chapter of life may close, another inevitably opens, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow. The search for someone who can 'show the continuation of dreams' or 'tell a good lie' underscores the human desire for comfort and the need to believe in something, even if it's a comforting falsehood.

Culturally, the song taps into the Japanese concept of mono no aware, the awareness of the impermanence of things and the gentle sadness that comes with it. Maekawa Kiyoshi's melancholic vocal delivery and the poignant lyrics resonate deeply with listeners, evoking a sense of shared human experience. The song's exploration of emotional resilience and the quest for connection in the face of adversity makes it a timeless piece that speaks to the universal nature of heartache and recovery.