Mori no Kuma-San

Hayashibara Megumi's 'Mori no Kuma-San' is a charming and whimsical song that tells the story of a delightful encounter in the forest. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young girl who meets a bear while walking through a flower-filled forest path. The bear, initially startling the girl, turns out to be a gentle and kind creature. This unexpected meeting unfolds in a playful and light-hearted manner, capturing the innocence and wonder of such an encounter.

The song's narrative is simple yet enchanting. The girl, referred to as 'ojousan' (young lady), is advised by the bear to run away, which she does in a hurried and comical fashion. However, the bear follows her, not with any ill intent, but rather to return a small, white seashell earring that she had dropped. This act of kindness transforms the initial fear into gratitude, and the girl thanks the bear by singing a song. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of the lyrics, along with the playful sounds, adds to the song's whimsical and fairy-tale-like quality.

'Mori no Kuma-San' can be seen as a metaphor for overcoming fear and misunderstanding through kindness and communication. The bear, often perceived as a symbol of danger, is revealed to be a benevolent character, challenging the girl's initial assumptions. This theme resonates with the idea that not everything is as it seems and that kindness can bridge gaps between different beings. Hayashibara Megumi, known for her versatile voice acting and singing career, brings this story to life with her expressive and engaging performance, making 'Mori no Kuma-San' a delightful and memorable song for listeners of all ages.