Question from a Reader:
I’ve been thinking about the lyrics of Inoue Yosui’s song “Kasa ga Nai.” At the beginning of the song, it mentions that “the number of young people committing suicide in the city is increasing.” If, at that time, there had been a similar increase in suicides in the countryside, do you think the lyrics would have changed
to reflect, “the number of young people committing suicide in the countryside is increasing”? What are your thoughts on this possibility?
Inoue Yosui’s “Kasa ga Nai” and the Changing Times
Recently, while out for drinks with a friend, we started discussing Inoue Yosui’s “Kasa ga Nai.” He seems to be deeply pondering the opening lyrics, particularly the line about “the increasing number of young people committing suicide in the city.” Listening to his thoughts made me wonder how the lyrics might have changed if suicides had been rising in the countryside as well.
The Lyrics as a Symbol of the Times
My friend suggested that if suicides in the countryside had been a prominent theme in 1972, when the song was released, Yosui might have incorporated that situation into the lyrics. However, he explained why that could be difficult. The influence of the 1970 Anpo (U.S.-Japan Security Treaty) protests had led to a decline in student activism, resulting in a growing sense of loneliness among young people, particularly those who moved to the city for their studies. I find it fascinating to consider how people’s emotions evolved with the changing times. The collapse of the “fantasy of solidarity” after the Anpo struggles reflected a deep sense of loneliness and powerlessness in society, which I believe is vividly captured in Yosui’s lyrics.
“Kasa ga Nai” as Social Critique
My friend also remarked that “Kasa ga Nai” is not just a social critique, but a new form of folk song. Indeed, earlier folk songs contained a sense of hope that “someday a bright future will come.” In contrast, “Kasa ga Nai” presents an overwhelming feeling of resignation, expressing that “there’s nothing that can be done about this world.” The shock I felt when I first heard the song is something I still remember. When I listened to that song, I also experienced a dark feeling that could be interpreted as a prediction for the future. It seems that Japan has, in some ways, followed that direction since then. Looking back, I realize that the song was not just a mere tune but perhaps one of the messages symbolizing the era.
Share Your Experiences, Readers
It’s genuinely intriguing to read the changes in society and people’s emotions through music and lyrics. I believe there are still many songs and tunes around us that reflect similar sentiments. If you have any memorable songs or tunes, I would love to hear about them in the comments. I’m curious about your experiences and stories, as sharing our feelings might lead to an even deeper understanding of one another.
