Gessekai

Plastic Tree's 'Gessekai' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into themes of loneliness, longing, and the ethereal nature of human connections. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who is metaphorically ascending through the night sky on an escalator, a journey that symbolizes a search for solace or escape from their troubles. The mention of '無憂病' (muyuubyou), which translates to 'carefree disease,' suggests a state of emotional numbness or detachment, further emphasizing the protagonist's sense of isolation.

The recurring imagery of the moon and stars serves as a poignant metaphor for the protagonist's inner turmoil and unfulfilled desires. The moon, described as a 'needle-like crescent,' represents something beautiful yet painful, a source of both light and hurt. This duality is further explored in the lines where the protagonist is hurt by the moon's touch, symbolizing the bittersweet nature of their memories and emotions. The repeated phrase 'そっと触れた月 / ボクを傷つけた' (The moon touched me gently / It hurt me) underscores the delicate balance between beauty and pain in the protagonist's experience.

The song also touches on the theme of unrequited love or a lost connection, as the protagonist prays and wishes upon a star to meet their beloved. The presence of the '幽霊' (ghost) of the beloved within the protagonist's song suggests that this connection is more of a haunting memory than a tangible reality. The final lines, where the gentle touch of the beloved also causes pain, highlight the inescapable nature of this emotional wound. 'Gessekai' masterfully captures the melancholic beauty of longing and the complex interplay between memory, desire, and pain.