sora (TAKEHANABI)

The Shikinen Sengu is a ceremony held once every twenty years to renew the Ise Grand Shrine. "sora" was created as a piece of music dedicated to this eternal cycle-the deliberate rebuilding of the shrine's halls to pass on unchanging sentiments to the future.
As someone born in Ise, when I reflect on the prayers and cycles of renewal that have been passed down in this land, I feel a sense of pride that defies words, as well as a sense of the role we are called to fulfill.
Because there are feelings we cannot compromise on for the future, we look back on the past now. Because there are things we do not want to change, there are things we must change now. Connecting the past and the future-that is what "now" is all about.
Something that is always by our side, even if we cannot see it. It is like time and space, like the universe itself.
The significance of this milestone that occurs once every twenty years is "changing in order to preserve what must remain unchanged."
I am grateful for your existence. It's called sora. Thank you, sora.
This song is filled with my gratitude.