Sennen No Hane

Mika Kobayashi's song "Sennen No Hane" (千年の羽根) is a hauntingly beautiful piece that delves into themes of time, fate, and the ephemeral nature of existence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where the past and present intertwine, and where the characters are caught in a perpetual struggle against the forces of destiny. The imagery of "千本の刃奏でる" (a thousand blades playing) and "彼岸の夜風" (the night wind of the other shore) sets a somber and mystical tone, suggesting a realm that exists beyond the ordinary world.

The recurring motif of "千年の羽根" (thousand-year wings) symbolizes the passage of time and the enduring nature of certain struggles and prayers. These wings, described as "儚い祈りが囚われの翼" (ephemeral prayers trapped in wings), evoke a sense of longing and entrapment, as if the characters are bound by their desires and destinies. The mention of "虹色の羽根が血塗りの道で天下を維びよ" (rainbow-colored wings maintaining the world on a blood-stained path) further emphasizes the contrast between beauty and violence, hope and despair.

The song also explores the idea of transcending time and fate, as seen in the lines "大風に乗って時を超えて" (riding the great wind, transcending time). This suggests a journey or a quest to overcome the limitations imposed by destiny, to find a path that leads beyond the immediate struggles. The final lines, "儚い祈りが守りの道で運命を抱いて" (ephemeral prayers embracing fate on the path of protection), encapsulate the central theme of the song: the delicate balance between accepting one's fate and striving to protect what is dear, even in the face of inevitable challenges.