Hanaichimonme

"Hanaichimonme" is a traditional Japanese children's game song where players choose each other with lines like "I want that child."

But when placed in the lantern-lit nights of Edo's pleasure district, those same words begin to sound different.

Under the glow of paper lanterns,
someone points,
and someone is chosen.

Are they smiling,
or does it only appear that way?

"Hanaichimonme" reimagines the nostalgic children's chant as a dark boom bap piece, revealing the confusion and quiet madness of a courtesan living in the pleasure quarters.

A playful song slowly transforms
into something else in the night.