五番目物「鬼顧」
The Fifth Play: The Oni’s Reflection
Vocals: めらみぽっぷ (Meramipop)
Lyrics: RD-Sounds
Arranged by: RD-Sounds
Album: 伝 (Tsutae) [Official site]
Circle: 凋叶棕 (Diao ye zong)
Event: C91
Original theme: Battlefield of the Flower Threshold [華狭間のバトルフィールド]
Requested by: Vaati
The fifth play in a traditional Noh performance is known as the Kiri Noh (切り能) or the Oni Mono (鬼物), and it features the performer assuming the role of demons or monsters. They are apparently fast-paced, and make use of bright colours. Even from that brief description, it’s clear that an arrangement of Kasen’s theme is the perfect fit.
I decided to translate the title as “The Oni’s Reflection.” Oni (鬼) literally means ‘demon,’ but Oni are an established species in the Touhou universe, which is why I went with that. 顧 means something like ‘nostalgia.’ ‘Reflection’ isn’t quite an equivalent term, but I went with it because I think it relates to the underlying theme of the song. It seems like it involves Kasen becoming(?) an Oni, but using her arm as a symbol of her humanity. Therefore ‘reflection’ refers to Kasen looking back and remembering her past, but it also has a more literal meaning: Kasen looks at her reflection, and tries to come to terms with what she sees.
In other words, it seems like Kasen has both a human and Oni nature. Her Oni nature (demonstrated in the song through the phrase ‘when the Oni are here’) compels her to hunt and eat humans, whereas her humanity (represented by her arm) compels her to hold back and feel remorse.
Like the other tracks in this album, there are lots of archaic expressions and historical allusions. As always, I’d love to hear other interpretations, or even corrections in areas where I’ve misinterpreted the grammar, etc.
Unofficial translation/非公式の英訳
“The clothes that she wore
Were unlike those of any human.
Even so, her hair was brightly coloured—
The same colour as human flesh.”
When was I born?
And when did I leave my human body behind?
Both answers came from within.
I remember the taste of blood.
Mount Ooe,
Deep in the mountains,
Became my dwelling.
There is no way of life left,
But my body must still persist
No matter what I become.
No matter what kind of soldiers they may be,
All humans are the same.
While the Oni are away, their hearts (1)
Break.
Where have they been invited to?
Will they never return to this transient world?
Be silent!
Hold your tongue!
Because of that arm of mine,
I will not lose my humanity.
“Adopting such a lifestyle
Was certainly her attempt to mimic humans.
Thus, the verdure illuminating her deeds
Surely resembled even the colour of human souls.”
In the past,
I was feared by humans.
However, before I knew it, I had placed myself in their power.
Listen to those metallic sounds…
Before the distant gates,
Rajomon,
The foolish ones gather tonight…
Though I am able make a living,
I must live inside that body.
No matter what I become.
No matter what kind of principle it may be,
It applies equally to all humans.
While the Oni are here, this heart of mine
Begins to move.
O, those who are led away!
Eating humans is the law of things.
Be silent!
Hold your tongue!
I feel pain in my arm
And I do not lose my humanity.
All humans gaze upon the Oni resting within them
And tremble in fear.
All Oni gaze upon the human resting within them
Though they cannot regain human form.
All Oni are the same,
No matter what legends one considers.
When the humans were there, they would have been defeated.
Resound!
No matter where it may be,
The path I am on is the heavenly path.
Be silent!
Hold your tongue!
I pray that, even if I restore my arm,
I will not lose my humanity.
Kill!
The voices of Oni resound.
Their extermination yet continues…
I pray so I will not lose my humanity.
Translator’s note
(1) This line refers to the proverb 鬼の居ぬ間に洗濯, which is equivalent to the English phrase “when the cat’s away, the mice will play.”
Releska 
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