Diao ye zong

しかしなにもおこせない || But I Couldn’t Make Anything Happen

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しかしなにもおこせない
shikashi nani mo okosenai
But I Couldn’t Make Anything Happen

Vocals: めらみぽっぷ (Meramipop)
Lyrics: RD-Sounds
Arranged by: RD-Sounds
Album: 東方レイマリQUEST (Touhou ReiMari QUEST) 【Official Site】
Circle: Diao ye zong (凋叶棕)
Published by: Toranoana
Event: C82
Original Themes: -Maiden’s Capriccio ~ Dream Battle[少女綺想曲 ～ Dream Battle]
-Love-coloured Master Spark [恋色マスタースパーク]

（非公式の）英訳だけです。申し訳ありません！

Requested by: hs08

This is pretty fun – it seems to imagine a world where Touhou is an RPG. For a change of pace, words sung in place of the written text are indicated in (brackets).

It’s the same face I’m used to seeing
but, unusually, strong determination is in their eyes.
According to them, I’m a demon master
and they’re the hero who’ll save the world.
I’m so fed up with this prank.

What if I’d realised it since long ago?
What if I acknowledged that which mustn’t be acknowledged?
What if I knew there was something I couldn’t overcome?
Would I give up on myself?

In a sort of world where you can raise your level one by one
rather than clinging to something fleeting yet certain,
Ah… if I could become limitlessly strong
surely “I” would walk alongside hope?

So I can stretch my hands to where the demon master (you) are
I’ll reach out to an illusion (dream) where I can become a hero!

And so, I’ll fight the evil demon master
though nobody’s asked me to save the world.
I’ll fight back so desperately it’s funny
while bearing a naive ideology.

If I could just catch up to you…

Why do you fight while feeling such solitude?
Why do you get involved with the tiniest things?
What on earth drives you to such an extent?
It’s all stuff I can’t understand.

No matter what sort of incident people cause
while holding all manner of objectives,
I’ll just destroy everything that stands in my way.
There’s no mercy for things like imperishable nights.

No matter what’s yelled out at me, that’s all me
so you can call me whatever you like, even a demon master.

And thus, the final fight begins
though nobody’s asked me to save the world.
I’ll fight back so desperately it’s wretched
while touting a distant tautology.

I’ve got to pull the curtains on this futile child’s play…

—We can stop playing, right?
I want to be myself…
—You’re definitely you.
I’m no good as I am now!
—What do you mean? I don’t get it!
As if you’d understand!
—Alright, who’s the hero?
I’ll fight against the demon master until the end…!

As if you need half the world!
I don’t want to save the world, I want to save myself.
If only I could make something happen…

And so, as long as they continue to wish for it,
the sorrowful hero cannot do such a thing as give up.
…Well then, let’s put an end to it.

They will never stop while they look for hope (themselves).
If you’ll start walking then, even if it won’t come true
the demon master won’t run away
so beyond this path I keep waiting for a hero.
—I’m dreaming that sort of dream.

Dolls into Pitiful Pretenders

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Dolls into Pitiful Pretenders

Vocals: めらみぽっぷ (Meramipop)
Lyrics: RD-Sounds
Arranged by: RD-Sounds
Album: 彁 【Official Site】
Circle: Diao ye zong (凋叶棕)
Event: C97
Original Themes: –Shanghai Alice of Meiji 17 [明治十七年の上海アリス]
–Forest of Dolls [人形の森]
–Enigmatic Dolls [エニグマティクドール]
–Circus Reverie [サーカスレヴァリエ]

（非公式の）英訳だけです。申し訳ありません！

More Dolls in Pseudo Paradise goodness from RD! I don’t recall him using the main part of Circus Reverie before, so this is a big step forward!

I can’t help but feel that the speaker is some sort of omniscient god-like figure who’s looking down on humanity. Perhaps it’s label-ko…? It’s likely that there are better interpretations, so have a think over this and see if you can pierce through the illusion.

(I also took a bit of liberty with the formatting because it looks like the cult of la la la has returned with a vengeance…)

Incidentally, the album title (彁) is something called a ‘ghost character’. The Japan Times published an article on ghost characters, which you can read here. 彁 doesn’t have an official reading, but Nico Nico has taken to calling it ‘yumikaka’, which stems from the three components of the ghost kanji.

I am within a veil of illusions,
One that must be steeply towering over you.

Now directionless, I will become
a self-sacrificing woman.

So, even without knowing your name,
Does that mean I can love you only superficially…?

Just like that word, ‘enigma’, (1)
If only everything could remain shrouded in mystery

because when someone selfishly chases after sanctity,
They become intoxicated by their pious self, don’t they?

I will never sleep again.
…You will never sleep again.

I can never abandon them.
…As long as you continue to uncover meanings.

So, there’s no need for them to be buried.
…Even now, you are above the grave.

And they will not even vanish.
…As long as you continue to wipe your tears.

You call this finite word Yūgen (2)
yet you actually fear it.

Perhaps it’s inevitable that you will someday betray
that self-sacrificing woman.

Perhaps it already happened in the long-distant past.
Yet it must be an eternity for you, mustn’t it?

Just like that word, ‘enigma’, (3)
it’s fine if you don’t understand everything

because, in chasing after the horrors within,
Your unhealing facade will be completed, won’t it?

(Reverie, reverie.)
Come now, chant with me.

(Reverie, reverie.)
Cling to it forever.

(Reverie! Reverie!)
“We are the captives in that image of the beginning!”

(Reverie! Reverie!)
You dig up the dead
and play dress-ups with them, don’t you? Come now…

La la, la la, la…

Yes, nobody can be saved
because you’re keeping salvation at bay, right? (4)

Just like that word, ‘enigma’, (5)
you should remain devoted to your idols

because, drowning in things of beauty,
you’ll continue to be forgiven for being cursed forever, won’t you?

…Idiots.

(1) 神聖 (shinsei – holiness/sanctity) is written, but エニグマ (enigma) is sung.
(2) 幽玄 (Yuugen) is one of the seven aesthetic principles required to achieve wabi-sabi (for more information, read this article). A literal translation is ‘subtle grace’ or ‘profound beauty’.
(3) 恐怖 (kyoufu – fear) is written, but エニグマ (enigma) is sung.
(4) 真実 (shinjitsu – truth) is written, but 救い (sukui – salvation) is sung.
(5) 呪い (noroi – curse) is written, but エニグマ (enigma) is sung.

「」 || “ “

Releska1 Comment

「」
“ “

Vocals: Meramipop (めらみぽっぷ), nayuta
Lyrics: RD-Sounds
Arranged by: RD-Sounds
Album: Kanade (奏) 【Official Site】
Circle: Diao ye zong (凋叶棕)
Event: Reitaisai 16 [RTS16]
Original theme: Song of the Night Sparrow ~ Night Bird[夜雀の歌声 ～ Night Bird]

（非公式の）英訳だけです。申し訳ありません。

I put all the rebellion and anarchy I could muster into this translation. Nayuta always gets so into character, and that’s one of the reasons why I simply had to translate this track.

Some parts are screamed out. Those are in bold.

“Let’s go!”

Ah, why was I born to such a life?
I can’t scream to my heart’s content, and I’ve gotta put up with everything!

Ah, why was I born to such a life?
I can’t sing ‘till I’m satisfied, and I’ve gotta keep my voice hidden!

Tonight, this is where we belong.
Humans in the dark will put out the lights! (1)

“Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.”
As if I’m gonna be satisfied by words like that!

Scream! Invoke madness! Come on, scream!

Asceticism and all that stuff’s got nothing to do with me!
How about it?! I’m a Yamabiko, one who’ll scream out for sure!

Ah, each and every day, nothing ever goes my way.
Why’ve I gotta be roasted just ‘cause I’m a bird? Why’ve I gotta be served up?

Ah, each and every day is so boring!
Why’ve I always gotta keep the same cross-legged pose?! Why’ve I gotta keep doing that sorta stuff? (2)

Go, go, head to Higan! (3)
If I’ll be saved by saying it, then I’ve got no troubles at all!

Sing, sing, live and sing!
It’s not like you can sing anything after you die!

Scream! Scream all the way to the village! Come on, scream!

We’re scared of that shrine maiden, but as if us youkai will be beaten by her!

That’s right!
Even if my wings get hurt and I fall down…

“You got this, Mystia!”

…But there’s no way anyone can stop us
while we sing tonight!

The voices of our hearts were suppressed
but that’ll just make them even stronger!

Scream with the voice of your soul. Come on, scream!

Fairies and youkai…
Everyone, scream!

How about it?
Have you noticed us? Humans, mainly…

(1) This line is a reference to Mystia’s interview in Bohemian Archive in Japanese Red.
(2) The ‘cross-legged pose’ is 座禅 (zazen, a form of seated Zen meditation).
(3) This phrase (羯諦羯諦波羅波羅羯諦) is related to the Heart sutra, and parts of it appear in Kyouko’s Ten Desires portait in hiragana.

それでも館は廻っている || Even So, the Mansion Turns

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rdwl-0004それでも館は廻っている
sore demo yakata wa mawatte iru
Even So, the Mansion Turns

Vocals: Meramipop (めらみぽっぷ)
Lyrics: RD-Sounds
Arranged by: RD-Sounds
Album: Meguri (廻) 【Official Site】
Circle: Diao ye zong (凋叶棕)
Event: C79
Original themes: -The Maid and the Pocket Watch of Blood [メイドと血の懐中時計]
–Flowering Night [フラワリングナイト]

Requested by: Spoondere

（非公式の）英訳だけです。申し訳ありません。

The mansion is turning, but it isn’t literally turning. It’s likely used in the same way as ‘the world turns’ (i.e. time passes). You can interpret it as ‘Time Passes in the Mansion.’

A new dawn has arrived. Perhaps it is the dawn of hope.
If I had something to hope for… I’d hope for it to be fine weather for laundry.

“Oh my, I’m so busy!”
I mutter those words like a song.
I work my way through my usual exhausting work.

Some things are important to spend your days well. They are:

Elegance,
Modesty
and perhaps just a little bitterness. (1)

It’s all an attitude:
One that makes my workload smaller.

Because everything that surrounds me is irrational,
Things are pretty hard.

Even so, the mansion turns.

In the face of a sudden summons,
I’m taken aback… That happens sometimes, too.

In the library, in my master’s room…
Is that an unwanted guest there, or possibly somewhere else?

As the dogs and cats wish,
I’m made to show off
but I push my way through my usual hard work.

Some things are important to spend your days well. They are:

Elegance,
Modesty
and perhaps just a little bitterness.

These are all the etiquette
of one who manages countless tasks alone.

Though the guests may be uninvited, I do not forget my hospitality.
Things are so hard, though…

Even so, the mansion dances.

I’ll become even more perfect
and I’ll become even more refined!

I shall serve my time!

Elegance,
Modesty
and perhaps just a little bitterness.

I offer these words up to my master:
“Are you in good spirits?”

Elegance,
Modesty
and perhaps just a little bitterness.

The joy of work
accompanies my daily duties.

I finished everything. I’ve done well again today.
Things are so hard, though…

Even so, the mansion turns.

(1) 優美 (yuubi) and 謙遜 (kenson) in the first two lines of the chorus are sung as ‘Elegance’ and ‘Modesty’, their respective English translations. 諧謔 (kaigyaku – Joke/banter) is sung as ‘Bitterness.’

異聞『正義の味方』 || A Strange Tale, “Hero of Justice”

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rdwl-0027異聞『正義の味方』
ibun “seigi no mikata”
A Strange Tale, “Hero of Justice”

Vocals: めらみぽっぷ (Meramipop)
Lyrics: とものは (Tomonoha)
Arranged by: とものは (Tomonoha)
Album: Sakasa (逆) 【Official Site】
Circle: Diao ye zong (凋叶棕)
Event: C94
Original Theme: Inchlings of the Shining Needle ~ Little Princess [輝く針の小人族 ～ Little Princess]

（非公式の）英訳だけです。申し訳ありません！

So, when you read the translation for 輝針 「セイギノミカタ」, you would have noticed that ‘Hero of Justice’ was written in Katakana each time. There was a reason for that! As seen in this song, that phrase appears in two forms: 正義の味方 (seigi no mikata, Hero of Justice) and 嫌われ者 (kirawaremono, Villain). The first is sung, except for the last chorus, where it is both written and sung. The second is written throughout.

In other words, the ‘Hero of Justice’ is also the ‘Villain’, depending on how you look at it.

Content-wise, this track is much darker than the first one. It seems to look at the fallout from Seija’s betrayal, and appears to be mostly told from Seija’s point of view (the ‘shadow’ looking down). Like the first track, though, I was greedy with adding perspectives in. I may also alter this as my own interpretation evolves, so be on the lookout!

“Ah, why?!” As her shrieks resound,
A shadow looks down upon her.

Why, then, did you so admirably believe
in that shadow’s words?

I do not remember when or why I was born.
Even if I acquired something, what would change?

Through your life, you know your worth.
When someone dances upon a stage, perhaps that is called a misfortunate fate. (1)

…Come now!
“We” shall destroy the heavens, rule the earth, and shine a light together.

I shall not let anyone snatch the glory held in my hands!

Ah… if deceiving and being deceived is the state of the world,
Why could you believe
in anyone apart from yourself?

“Ah, why?!” As her scream of rage resounds,
A shadow looks down upon her.

I wonder, if everyone becomes your foe,
will your justice waver?

Triumph!
The life of the “Villain”, who was cast away, (2)
Will become our cornerstone. With it, our history is long…

Now, call an end to your long slumber in this life!
Exhaust everything, body and soul, as a tool!

Our pain…
Our inhibitors…
Our mourning…
Our grief…
Our protection…
Our oaths…
Our prayers…
Our dreams…

Devote yourself to falsified ideals!
Devote yourself to declared ideals!

Devote yourself to spoken justice!
Devote yourself to declared justice!

Ah… If I am to bear the weight of all that has transpired,
Then why is it that someone other than you
is more suited to heaven?

Ah, why?! Why did you ask that?
A shadow looks down upon you.

Why does the ‘tool’ question its significance?
Everything is done in the name of justice.

Ah, why? Even lacking that form,
Her determination, borne from none other than herself,
will never know the shadow of her justice.

Be victorious!
The life of the “Villain”, fallen to ruins, (2)
Will become our cornerstone. We live for tomorrow!

Eradicate!
A single “Hero of Justice” is alone in the world.
They will become our cornerstone. Our history is long…

(1) 運命 (unmei – fate) is written, but さだめ (sadame – destiny) is sung. うで (ude – arms) is also sung instead of 壇上 (gekijou – stage).
(2) 嫌われ者 (kirawaremono – Villain) is written, but 正義の味方 (seigi no mikata – Hero of Justice) is sung.

輝針 「セイギノミカタ」 || Shining Needle, “Hero of Justice”

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rdwl-0016輝針 「セイギノミカタ」
kishin “seigo no mikata”
Shining Needle, “Hero of Justice”

Vocals: めらみぽっぷ (Meramipop)
Lyrics: RD-Sounds
Arranged by: RD-Sounds
Album: Sasage (捧) 【Official Site】
Circle: Diao ye zong (凋叶棕)
Event: C87
Original Theme: Inchlings of the Shining Needle ~ Little Princess [輝く針の小人族 ～ Little Princess]

（非公式の）英訳だけです。申し訳ありません！

I think this is a really interesting track, and I really appreciate how it went full circle in 異聞『正義の味方』 from Sakasa. The two belong together, and maybe reading the second version alongside this one will make some parts clearer?

I feel like the role of ‘Hero of Justice’ fits either Shinmyoumaru or Seija in this song. It may even pass between the two as it continues. I translated this making the most of shifts in perspective where I thought they were appropriate. I was a bit ‘greedy’ in that respect, since I put in as many as I could…

Also, every instance of Hero of Justice (セイギノミカタ) is written in Katakana. When you have a look at the second version, you’ll see why that’s significant…

No matter whom she fights against,
If she’s decided to stand with her allies,
She will stick to her feelings.
This is the form of the Hero of Justice.

If, in aiming far above, shadows turn up,
Then though you wish to share the ‘revolution’ we aimed for together, (1)
Others may stand against us, against our ideal world. If they do,
They are the strong ones, the ones who will someday persecute us.

A light, shining far and wide over the weak—
It is such a distant ideal. We call ‘that’ justice.

No matter who she fights against,
If she’s decided to take her allies’ hands,
Then she will become a needle to fell all. (2)
The Hero of Justice is here.

…Stand tall!

A solitary Amanojaku, without supporters— (3)

…Was it because of that, because she was alone,
That she chose to reach out her hand?

Devote yourself to declared ideals!

Devote yourself to falsified ideals!

If there is somebody to speak this forgotten history,
Then even if it’s all for show, some things will never change.

The weak, because they were weak, fortified their fiction.
Their ideals were a sham—they called even ‘that’ justice.

Even if it’s fake,
If someone wishes for it in their heart,
She will stake her soul on it. (4)
The Hero of Justice will not yield.

No matter whom she fights against,
If she’s decided to stand with her allies,
She will stick to her feelings.
This is the form of the Hero of Justice.

…Stand tall!

The solitary princess of the Inchlings—

…Was it because of that, because she was alone,
That she wished to take their hand in her own?

…Stand tall!

Even if offering support ends in a momentary incident, (5)

…that’s fine. I’m fine with being a pawn.
And thus, I turn my back on a repeating history.

(1) 下克上 (gekokujou – revolution/’juniors dominating seniors’) is written, but 理想 (risou – ideal) is sung.
(2) 針 (hari – needle) is written, but 剣 (ken – sword) is sung.
(3) 天邪鬼 (Amanojaku) is written, but 嫌われ者 (kirawaremono – Villain) is sung.
(4) This is a reference to the proverb 一寸の虫にも五分の魂, which expresses that even tiny bugs will defend themselves if attacked.
(5) 異変 (ihen – incident) is written, but 過ち (ayamachi – mistake) is sung.

ノーモア、エニモア？モアーモア？！ || No More, Anymore? More, More?!

Releska4 Comments

rdwl-0027ノーモア、エニモア？モアーモア？！
noo moa, enimoa? moaa moa?!
No More, Anymore? More, More?!

Vocals: Meramipop (めらみぽっぷ)
Lyrics: RD-Sounds
Arranged by: RD-Sounds
Album: Sakasa (逆) 【Official Site】
Circle: Diao ye zong (凋叶棕)
Event: C94
Original theme: Eternal Shrine Maiden [永遠の巫女]

（非公式の）英訳だけです。申し訳ありません。

This track is so much fun! Even before I started translating it, it got a chuckle or two out of me. Merami captures the frustration and apathy behind this song perfectly. She’s just… done. Done with everything. Is it possible that there’s something beneath the surface, though…?

When I fly, I’m shot right back down.
I crawl along the ground and am covered in mud.
Then, something else appears.
They bully the weak, calling it a game. (1)

I haven’t done anything wrong:
I’m just flying around in the sky.
But everyone gangs up on me
all together. They come to ‘play.’

This role of mine… I’m not doing it because I like it.
After all, if I don’t do it, nobody will!

No more! Game over! (2)
Then, it’s another round of me being shot.
Again, and again…
And so I fall.

Ah!
No more! BAD END.
Just cut it out already.
My strange, everyday life is the worst!

That’s right,
I’m the shrine maiden of paradise.

As you can see,
This is the state I’m in.

Everything’s all messed up.

That’s right,
I’m a wonderful shrine maiden.

I’m suffering
through such wonderful things.

I went to the trouble of doing my hair and now it’s all a mess!

I face the heavens and fall to the ground.
I face the ground and fall to the heavens.
Like gears, I turn and turn and turn around.

Animals become youkai, watching with eagle eyes.
The mischievous fairies are laughing.
Someone out there has too much free time…
Welcome—this is the youkai shrine?!

I won’t let them say such things!
So, I fly around in the sky again today
though there’s no proof
that I’ll be able to safely put my feet back on the ground.

I don’t care what happens anymore! I think that,
But at the same time, I just can’t throw away my feelings!

No more! Game over!
There are some idiots who fly like moths to flame.
No matter what I do
I can never admit that I’m one of them!

Ah!
No more! BAD END.
Nothing will ever change.
I continue to bear the extraordinary during my wonderful everyday life.

I softly murmur:
“What if I fly because it feels so good when I fall…?”
Like I’d know anything about that!

Well then,
Anymore?! Game over!
I shouldn’t be so stubborn.
Even so, even so…
I just can’t stop for some reason.

So more! More!? BAD END…?
I must be going through puberty.
After all, this feels just a little bit… “good.”

…But there’s no way I’m actually thinking that!

But, it’s like this—
After all, everybody’s—
In that case—
…aren’t things fine like this?

(In the end, it’s hopeless, isn’t it…?)

(1) 弾幕決闘 (danmaku kettou – danmaku shoot-out) is written, but 勝負 (shoubu – game/match) is sung.
(2) 満身創痍 (manshin soui – having wounds all over one’s body) is written, but ‘GAME OVER’ is sung. 満身創痍 is the message that consistently appears on Touhou game over screens.

幻想浪漫綺行(is the limit.) || A Romantic, Beautiful Journey Through Illusions (is the limit.)

Releska5 Comments

matsuri幻想浪漫綺行(is the limit.)
gensou roman kikou(is the limit.)
A Romantic, Beautiful Journey Through Illusions (is the limit.)

Vocals: Meramipop (めらみぽっぷ)
Lyrics: RD-Sounds
Arranged by: RD-Sounds
Album: Matsuri (祀) 【Official Site】
Circle: Diao ye zong (凋叶棕)
Event: C93
Original themes: –The Capital City of Flowers in the Sky [天空の花の都]
–The Capital City of Flowers in the Sky [少女綺想曲 ～ Dream Battle]

Requested by: Rachel Lee

英訳だけです。申し訳ありません。

This track has been with RD for a really long time – it first appeared on the original Matsuri, except it was sung by Hatsune Miku. You really get a sense of how far RD has come when you listen to this version. By the way, when used here ‘romantic’ means ‘adventurous’.

Here’s a question for you, though: is this song about Reimu and Marisa, or is it about someone unrelated to them?

I think I’ll soar through the skies.
Over there lies a world of illusions I’ve never seen before.

Even my body will part from the earth and float.
A free world must lie over there…

I aim for the capital city of flowers in the sky, which I once saw in a dream. (1)
As I am now, no gravity will tie me down. (2)

I’ll cross over the forest, the mountains, and the lake.
I’ll pass through the clouds, and then
I’ll fly high, fly high, fly high, fly high,
Fly high, fly high, fly high, fly high…

…I’m flying to the ends of the earth.
I spread my wings of fantasy, wondering if the sky is mine.

This is a ‘romantic, beautiful journey through illusions’, imagined by me.

I think I’ll soar through the skies.
Over there lies a romantic world I’ve never seen before.

But, through her eyes,
That world must be just an ordinary one.

I aim for the comet that must have flown into the distance.
As I am now, no gravity will tie me down. (2)

I’ll cross though the mist, the winter, and the night.
I’ll pass through the spring, and then
I’ll fly high, fly high, fly high, fly high,
Fly high, fly high, fly high, fly high…

…A blazing star races through the night sky. (3)
I’ll spread my wings of fantasy, wondering if that person is at the star’s source.

This is a ‘romantic, beautiful journey through illusions’, imagined by me.

That sky is endless.
Can I fly
as far as I wish…?
That sky is boundless.
That’s what I strongly believe.

I aim for that song, which I once heard.
As I am now, no gravity will tie me down.

I’ll cross over dreams, rules, and paradise.
I’ll cross over everything, and then
I’ll fly high, fly high, fly high, fly high,
Fly high, fly high, fly high, fly high…

…I’ll fly through a sky of illusions
and while clad in red and white, I’ll spread my wings of illusion.

Yes, I’ll fly! Higher, higher toward the sky!

…I’ll fly to the ends of the earth.
I’ll spread my wings of fantasy, wondering if the sky is mine.

This is a ‘romantic, beautiful journey through illusions’, imagined by me.

(1) ‘The capital city of flowers in the sky’ is sung as あの場所 (‘ano basho’ – that place).
(2) ‘Gravity’ is sung as 力 (‘chikara’ – power)
(3) ‘Blazing star’ is sung as 流れ星 (‘nagareboshi’ – shooting star)

長き夢の果て || At the End of a Long Dream

Releska5 Comments

rdwl-0025長き夢の果て
nagaki yume no hate
At the End of a Long Dream

Vocals: nayuta
Lyrics: RD-Sounds
Arranged by: RD-Sounds
Album: Omoi (音) 【Official Site】
Circle: Diao ye zong (凋叶棕)
Event: C92
Original themes: Omiwa Legend [大神神話伝]

Requested by: Nishikawa Keiko

（非公式の）英訳だけです。申し訳ありません。

This is only a short song, but a lot of heavy images and concepts are crammed into it. I won’t talk too much about it here, but it seems to be heavily linked to Futo’s backstory. Does this song, like others from this album, deal with lost memories? If so, what memories has Futo lost?

It was a little while ago now, but I received some excellent comments regarding 忘らるる物語 || A Forgettable Tale from this album! Reading everyone’s interpretations made me appreciate the song on a whole new level, so feel free to write your own interpretation in the comments!

I look up at the sky, and in the distance
You sink into a heat haze. (1)

Perhaps you saw it, too—
You uncertain beings
Who violated your birth and your blood unawares. (2)

While fighting, clinging to illusions of old gods, (3)
That whole illusion shall be cast to the flames! Be burned, all together!

If my flowing blood burns brilliantly,
Then do even my outstretched body and hands burn, too?

This trembling. This numbness. What do I fear?

I peer into the earth’s darkness.
After many nights, my corpse begins its journey.

Perhaps you see nothing—
You uncertain beings,
Reward those feelings, which darkened your eyes, and sleep.

At the sleeve of a new god, my purpose
Is to become kindling for the flames that will someday illuminate them.

If it is the fate for shed blood to cease and fade away,
Then perhaps that is also beautiful. If my spirit could but go up in flames…

A long dream. A vanishing dream. I am not afraid.

As descendants of the gods, we will but pursue their shadow.
If so, we will forget our status and depart on a journey far, far away.

(1) Though the kanji 殿 is written, あなた (‘you’) is sung. The kanji is used as a form of honorific (especially when referring to a feudal lord), and can also refer to a mausoleum.
(2) At several points in this song, もの (mono – person/thing) is written in katakana (モノ). It is possible that this refers to Futo’s clan name, Mononobe, especially in cases like this, where it is linked to blood [モノの血 would become ‘The blood of Mono(nobe)]
(3) 幻想 (gensou – illusions) is written, but おもい (omoi – feelings, etc.) is sung. One’s interpretation of this stanza could change based on how they interpret the album title.

風の唄 || The Song of the Wind

ReleskaLeave a comment

風の唄
kaze no uta
The Song of the Wind

Vocals: Meramipop (めらみぽっぷ)
Lyrics: RD-Sounds
Arranged by: RD-Sounds
Album: Hifuu Club Activity Record: Prayer OST (秘封活動記録-祝- OST)
Circle: Diao ye zong (凋叶棕)
Published by: Kyoto Fantasy Troupe (京都幻想剧团)
Event: Autumn Reitaisai 4 (ARTS4)
Original theme: Faith is for the Transient People [信仰は儚き人間の為に]

Requested by: bagong016

（非公式の）英訳だけです。申し訳ありません。

This song, which is used as the opening of a fanmade Touhou animated film, is told from the perspective of Sanae’s sister, Yayoi. She did not inherit any supernatural powers.

Together
we were born
then we drifted apart.
And though I became such a transient human…

My memories of you
will never
waste away
Even now that you have assumed a divine body.

Hear me!
If my voice will reach into the distance,
To the other side of our separate worlds,
Then you will hear it someday.

Even now, there is a song I cannot forget.
I pray that it will tie us together.
I hope that, even if I lose everything and nothing remains,
I will never lose this song.

I wonder how many paths you have walked down…
Yet still, you continue to walk.
Even if I cannot be by your side,
I want my song to reach you someday.

The song of the wind
Carries my prayers into the distance.
It travels far away, forever
Like in our childhood days, when we once sang somewhere.

Please, live
In that distant world.
Remain as you should be.

Live
In that distant world
According to our single broken promise.

I thought that we were completely separate
And I thought you were too far away to recover.
Still, I hope that the hand I reach out to you
Will help you during your journey…

Sometimes in my dreams
I see us walking together once more.
I know that it’s impossible, so I sing,
Placing my feelings in my song at least.

The song of the wind.
I pray once more
That someday, somewhere
You will also be singing the same song…

So I live
In that distant world
Holding my unconveyable feelings close to me.

I live
In that distant world
According to that promise I can never keep.

Do not cry
For it is right for you to be there.

Do not grieve
For you can be saved by being there.

Do not ask,
For you being there alone is enough for me.

Do not hate me
For I prayed for you to be there.

So live
In that distant world
Alter your shadow, which can never touch mine.

Live
In that distant world.
That single broken promise remains so.

—I sing my song again, softly…

Cycle around
And return here.
Which of us
Steps upon the other’s shadow?

Together we sing
A nameless song.
We send it out upon the wind
So it may reach into the distance.