Ruru-chan no Jisatsu Haishin (Ruru’s Suicide Show On A Livestream)
Shinsei Kamattechan
The Cry for Connection in a Digital World: Ruru's Suicide Show On A Livestream
Shinsei Kamattechan's song "Ruru-chan no Jisatsu Haishin" (Ruru’s Suicide Show On A Livestream) is a poignant exploration of isolation and the search for meaning in the digital age. The lyrics tell the story of a girl who feels disconnected from the world around her, symbolized by her inability to make friends and the city's Bluetooth technology that 'breaks' her. The song touches on themes of loneliness, the struggle for identity, and the extreme measures one might consider to escape these feelings.
The repeated references to jumping into the Korean peninsula, dancing with stray cats, and channeling the night sky suggest a desire to escape from reality and find solace in a different world, whether it be through technology or fantasy. The mention of the FBI not understanding her message could imply that her cries for help are ignored or misunderstood by those around her, including figures of authority. The song's chorus, which talks about becoming a witch who can communicate with cats after finishing entrance exams and broadcasting her suicide before her 'worst feelings' disappear, is a chilling reminder of the pressures faced by young people and the drastic actions they might contemplate as a result.
The song's title and the act of livestreaming one's suicide is a commentary on the intersection of technology and mental health. It highlights how the quest for connection and understanding in the digital realm can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes. The song serves as a call to pay closer attention to the emotional well-being of individuals in our technology-driven society, where genuine human connections can sometimes feel out of reach.