Soap Lagoon (feat. Hatsune Miku and Gumi)

Masa Works Design's song "Soap Lagoon (feat. Hatsune Miku and Gumi)" delves into the grim and often hidden world of the sex industry. The lyrics, sung by virtual idols Hatsune Miku and Gumi, paint a vivid picture of the emotional and physical toll on those involved. The repeated phrase "お金のために自分捨てろ" ("Throw away yourself for money") underscores the central theme of self-sacrifice for financial survival. This line highlights the harsh reality that many individuals face, where they must abandon their personal desires and well-being to make a living.

The song's title, "Soap Lagoon," is a metaphor for the soapland establishments in Japan, where women provide erotic services. The imagery of "愛液、体液、幻液" ("love fluids, bodily fluids, phantom fluids") further emphasizes the physical and emotional exhaustion experienced by the workers. The juxtaposition of "陰陽、寒暖" ("yin and yang, cold and warm") suggests the duality of their lives—publicly performing a role while privately dealing with the consequences. The lyrics also mention the competitive nature of the industry, where the number of clients served becomes a status symbol, reducing the workers to mere statistics.

The song also touches on the cyclical nature of exploitation. The lines "仲間を集めそれで稼いで / いつしか仲間もそれを繰り返す" ("Gather friends and earn money / Eventually, friends repeat the same") reflect how individuals are drawn into this world and how it perpetuates itself. The repeated references to "音色奏でて" ("play the melody") symbolize the performative aspect of their work, where they must maintain a facade of pleasure and satisfaction. Ultimately, "Soap Lagoon" is a poignant commentary on the dehumanizing effects of the sex industry and the resilience of those who navigate its treacherous waters.