Kojou

Michiya Mihashi's song 'Kojou' (which translates to 'Old Castle') is a poignant reflection on solitude, memory, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an old, abandoned castle standing alone on a hill, with the wind rustling through its surroundings. The castle, personified as a solitary figure, seems to be in a state of deep reminiscence, pondering over the dreams and glories of the past. This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, as the castle's current desolation contrasts sharply with its former grandeur.

The song's second verse delves deeper into the castle's decay, describing the crumbling stone walls and the overgrown vegetation that now envelops it. The 'wakurabaya' (a type of Japanese cypress) and the remnants of the castle's once-mighty gates ('ootemon') serve as silent witnesses to its storied past. These elements not only highlight the physical deterioration of the castle but also symbolize the inevitable decline that comes with the passage of time. The use of words like 'awareness' and 'sadness' further emphasizes the emotional weight of this decline, inviting listeners to reflect on the transient nature of life and history.

In the final verse, the imagery of the castle's moss-covered tiles and the lonely sound of wild geese flying overhead ('kari no koe') amplify the song's themes of isolation and longing. The castle, standing alone and weathered by time, becomes a powerful metaphor for the human experience of loss and remembrance. As the song concludes, the listener is left with a profound sense of wistfulness, contemplating the echoes of the past and the enduring impact of memories. Michiya Mihashi's 'Kojou' is a masterful blend of lyrical beauty and emotional depth, capturing the essence of a bygone era and the timeless nature of human reflection.