Lyric

(Even Losing to Rain, Even Losing to Wind)
Overview:
Inspired by Kenji Miyazawa's iconic poem "Ame ni mo Makezu" (Strong in the Rain), this song reimagines the classic work as a gentle anthem for modern times. By inverting the original title to "Even Losing to Rain" (instead of "Not Losing to Rain"), the song embraces vulnerability and acknowledges that it's okay to struggle, creating a more compassionate message for contemporary listeners.
Musical Characteristics:
Built around acoustic guitar and organic instrumentation, the song features warm male vocals that deliver each line with storytelling intimacy. The fusion of Japanese folk ballad traditions with R&B sensibilities creates a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary. The stripped-down arrangement allows the profound lyrics to resonate deeply, while the gentle, uplifting melody carries listeners through moments of doubt toward hope.
Lyrical Themes:
Embracing Imperfection: The opening lines-"It's okay to have days when you want to cry" and "You don't have to force yourself to smile"-set a compassionate tone that gives permission to be human, flawed, and struggling.
The Art of Slow Living: Through imagery of brown rice, miso soup, and vegetables, the song celebrates simple, unhurried living. "Let's go without rushing, without greed" speaks to those exhausted by modern life's relentless pace, offering an alternative philosophy centered on presence and contentment.
Compassionate Connection:
The chorus-"When someone cries, let's support each other / When someone laughs, let's laugh together"-envisions a world transformed by small acts of kindness. Drawing from Miyazawa's vision of selfless service to others (traveling to comfort the sick child in the east, embracing the tired mother in the west), the song maps empathy across all directions.
Redefining Strength:
The bridge reclaims the term "dekuno-bō" (blockhead/fool), suggesting that being called useless or unrecognized doesn't diminish one's worth. True strength lies in becoming "someone's certain hope," not in external validation.
Structure and Impact:
The song's journey mirrors the emotional arc of acceptance: acknowledging pain (Intro), finding peace in simplicity (Verse 1), choosing one's own pace (Pre-Chorus), and ultimately discovering that individual light contributes to collective brightness (Outro). The repetition of "becoming one" and "continuing to shine" in the final moments creates a mantra-like affirmation.
This heartfelt tribute to Kenji Miyazawa transforms his philosophy of selfless perseverance into a message of self-compassion and interconnectedness-a gentle reminder that in accepting our own struggles, we become better equipped to illuminate the world for others.