Hedgehog Peter

Showtaro Morikubo's song "Hedgehog Peter" tells a poignant story of unrequited love and the unintended consequences of affection. The protagonist, Peter the Hedgehog, falls in love with Morisette, an anteater. Peter is eager to share his world with Morisette, talking passionately about his favorite things and inviting her on adventures. His enthusiasm is palpable as he tries to connect with her, even suggesting they dance together, a metaphor for his desire to be close to her and share joyful moments.

Despite Peter's earnest efforts, Morisette remains distant and unresponsive. Peter's confusion and frustration are evident as he questions why she seems uninterested in his stories and attempts to understand her better. The repeated lines "You'll never know.../If you have to ask. Do you wanna know?.../The reason why you are..." highlight Peter's struggle to comprehend Morisette's feelings and the barriers between them.

The climax of the song is both heartbreaking and symbolic. Peter, in his exuberance, fails to notice that his spines have injured Morisette, leaving her bloodied and fallen. This tragic scene underscores the unintended harm that can come from love, especially when one is unaware of their own nature and the impact it can have on others. The song ends with a somber reflection on Peter's love story, questioning whether his feelings were ever truly understood and if the joy he sought was ever realized. "Hedgehog Peter" is a touching narrative about the complexities of love, the pain of unreciprocated feelings, and the inadvertent wounds we can inflict on those we care about.