Shijukunichi Eyes

Yami Shibai's 'Shijukunichi Eyes' is a haunting exploration of existential despair and the human condition. The song's title, which translates to '49th Day Eyes,' references a traditional Japanese mourning period, suggesting themes of death and the afterlife. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the realization of their mortality and the futility of their existence. The opening lines, 'jinsei nakaba de kowaremashita' (I broke in the middle of life), set the tone for a narrative steeped in melancholy and introspection.

The recurring motif of counting, such as 'juugo kazoete' (counting to fifteen), and the imagery of jumping into the sky with 'haribote no hane hirogate' (spreading paper-mâché wings), evoke a sense of futile escape and the inevitability of one's fate. The protagonist's contemplation of their end, 'sou iu owari mo waruku wa nai ka' (isn't such an end not so bad?), reveals a resigned acceptance of their circumstances. This resignation is further emphasized by the repetitive, almost hypnotic 'ran ran ran' chorus, which underscores the cyclical nature of their thoughts and the inescapability of their situation.

The song also delves into themes of observation and detachment, as seen in 'ningen kansatsu hajimemashita' (I started observing humans). This line suggests a shift from active participation in life to a more passive, detached stance, possibly as a coping mechanism. The imagery of running through the town and the full moon rising, only to be met with disappointment and anger, 'konna hazu janakatta to hai ni nari' (this wasn't supposed to happen, turning to ashes), further illustrates the protagonist's struggle with unmet expectations and the harsh realities of life. The song's conclusion, with the sky falling and the future shattering, leaves the listener with a sense of unresolved tension and lingering sorrow.