Question from a reader:
I’ve been thinking about the lyrics of Inoue Yosui’s song “Kasaganai.” The song starts with the line, “In the city, the number of young people committing suicide is increasing.” If, at that time, there had been a rise in suicides in rural areas, would the song have been about “the increase of young people committing suicide in
the countryside”? In that case, how do you think the message and impression of the song would have changed?
Inoue Yosui’s “Kasaganai” and the Background of Suicide
Recently, I had the opportunity to reflect on Inoue Yosui’s “Kasaganai.” The phrase at the beginning, “In the city, the number of young people committing suicide is increasing,” is quite striking. I wondered how the song would have been different if there had been an increase in suicides in rural areas.
Message: Rural vs. Urban
While talking with a friend, he mentioned that if suicides had been on the rise in rural areas, the song would have naturally reflected that. However, I hold a slightly different view. While there may have been issues in rural areas, I believe there is a significance in Yosui choosing to focus on “the city.” The city is a gathering place for people and can often be a place where one feels lonely; thus, an increase in suicides there has a particularly strong impact. Living in Osaka, I occasionally feel a sense of isolation amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Especially during busy work periods, I sometimes feel as if I am the only one left behind. In such moments, songs like “Kasaganai” resonate with me, making me feel a sense of connection.
Changes in Times and Loss of Hope
I think Yosui’s songs are not just social critiques but also symbols of their time. In the 1970s, as Japan experienced rapid economic growth, more people began to feel loneliness and resignation hidden beneath that prosperity. Listening to “Kasaganai” during such times makes me feel as though hope for the future has faded. As my friend pointed out, earlier folk songs contained a sense of hope that “a brighter future will come,” but that hope seems absent in this song. I, too, occasionally feel anxious about the future. Especially while raising children, I often find myself wondering, “Will everything be alright?” At such times, listening to Yosui’s music can lighten my heart, but I also feel confronted with the “inescapable reality.”
Share Your Memories and Opinions
What do you think about Inoue Yosui’s “Kasaganai”? If you have other memorable songs or experiences that resonate with you, please share your thoughts in the comments. By sharing our feelings and experiences, we might lighten our hearts a little. I look forward to hearing from you!
