A·ri·ga·to!

Urusei Yatsura's song 'A·ri·ga·to!' is a heartfelt ode to enduring love and gratitude. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the changing seasons, symbolizing the passage of time and the constancy of love. The opening lines, 'are ha haru no hi hana no soba / are ha aki no hi kaze no naka,' translate to 'that was a spring day by the flowers / that was an autumn day in the wind,' suggesting a journey through different phases of life. Despite these changes, the singer's gaze remains fixed on their beloved, who has given them the universe and time itself, encapsulating the depth of their bond.

The repeated refrain 'love you forever / darling forever' emphasizes the eternal nature of this love. The word 'a·ri·ga·to!'—meaning 'thank you' in Japanese—serves as a powerful expression of gratitude, underscoring the emotional weight of the relationship. This gratitude is not just for the love shared but also for the strength and resilience it has provided through various seasons and challenges.

The song takes a poignant turn with the lines 'ashita anata ha tooi sora / soshite watashi ha chigau machi,' which mean 'tomorrow you will be in a distant sky / and I will be in a different town.' This separation is described as a trick of time, yet it is also a season to reaffirm the strength of their love. The lyrics suggest that even physical distance cannot weaken their emotional connection, making 'A·ri·ga·to!' a touching tribute to love's enduring power and the gratitude it inspires.