Akasaka Sad

Rina Sawayama's song "Akasaka Sad" delves into the complex emotions of loneliness, identity, and the inescapable ties to one's heritage. The song's title references Akasaka, a district in Tokyo, which serves as a metaphorical backdrop for the singer's feelings of sadness and isolation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a hotel corridor and blacked-out windows, symbolizing a sense of confinement and disconnection despite being in a bustling city. This imagery sets the tone for the song's exploration of emotional struggles and the futile attempts to escape them.

The chorus, with its repetitive lines "Akasaka sad 'cause I'm a sucker, sucker, so I suffer," highlights the cyclical nature of the singer's sadness. Sawayama draws parallels between her own experiences and those of her parents, suggesting that this melancholy is a familial trait. The mention of Egyptian sheets unraveling slowly adds a layer of vulnerability, emphasizing how easily she can be hurt. The phrase "Just like my mother, just like my father" underscores the idea that her emotional state is deeply rooted in her family history, making it an inescapable part of her identity.

The song also touches on the theme of distance, both physical and emotional. The line "Five thousand nine hundred thirty-eight miles between you" quantifies the vast space separating her from someone significant, amplifying her sense of isolation. Despite traveling and attempting to escape her feelings, the jetlag and constant movement only make her feel more disconnected. The Japanese lines in the song further enrich its cultural context, adding layers of meaning related to the search for joy amidst sorrow. Ultimately, "Akasaka Sad" is a poignant reflection on the enduring nature of sadness and the struggle to reconcile one's identity with inherited emotional burdens.