青のすみか (Where Our Blue Is)

Tatsuya Kitani's 'Ao No Sumika' is a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the passage of time, set against the backdrop of a seemingly endless blue season. The song's title, which translates to 'The Blue Residence,' suggests a dwelling place or a state of being enveloped in the color blue, which is often associated with melancholy, depth, and introspection. Kitani's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a time and place that is both beautiful and tinged with sadness.

The song begins with a description of an unobstructed view in a season of blue, possibly symbolizing a period of youth and freedom. The mention of asphalt and the sound of cicadas reflects a specific moment in time, one that is deeply connected to the sensory experiences of summer. The silence of 'you' that becomes inaudible suggests a loss or a distance that has grown between the speaker and the person they are addressing. As the song progresses, the lyrics speak of a fading of days and the scent of someone different, indicating a change or a realization that has altered the speaker's perception of their relationship.

The recurring phrase 'Even now, blue lives there' emphasizes the lasting impact of past experiences and emotions. The inability of prayers and words to reach, despite being close, could represent the frustration and helplessness of wanting to connect with someone who is no longer accessible. The metaphor of a quiet love and the color of summer running down one's cheeks evokes a sense of a love that was gentle yet profound, leaving a lasting impression. The song concludes with the imagery of stars in an ever-expanding galaxy, likening the moments that slip through one's fingers to the countless stars in the universe—beautiful, yet unreachable. 'Ao No Sumika' is a lyrical journey through the landscapes of memory, where the past continues to inhabit the present, and the hope for reunion lingers in the silence.