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Translation?: Tatsuya Kitani comments on 青のすみか ("Ao no Sumika"; Where Our Blue Is)

This is a translation of Tatsuya Kitani's comment on the song Where Our Blue Is on Jujutsu Kaisen's official webpage.

This song was released on 19th July 2023 and is opening theme for the 2nd season of the animated series, Jujutsu Kaisen.

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It was the day I felt like I could go anywhere – as if nothing could interrupt my field of vision. It was a day I learned that no matter how close “I” and “you” were, even though we looked toward the same future, we were unmistakably different. It was a day of loss that could never be touched upon again – of terrible mistakes which cannot be undone in a lifetime. Sometimes, I bring out and gaze at the precious memories of the springtime of my life. Reflecting the colours of sweet memories and the colours of bitter regrets – it turns into a walking staff for the heart after it has become “an adult”. It is a song for people who have walked like this.

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Translation?: 青のすみか ("Ao no Sumika"; Where Our Blue Is)

Here is my translation of the song 青のすみか (pronounced "Ao no Sumika"; the official English title being Where Our Blue Is) by singer and songwriter, Tatsuya Kitani. This song is featured in the 2nd season of the animation series Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami.

There is an official English translation of this song, however, here is my take of it!

The lyrics referred in this translation are from Lyrical Nonsense.

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Our season of blue seems to go on forever

Standing side by side, nothing blocks the view of our four eyes

The chorus of cicadas echoes off the asphalt

and I couldn’t hear your silence

Those days fade away,

and even though I became familiar with your scent – distinct to mine –

I left it behind in the depths of eternity

Even now, our blue lives

Even now, our blue is clear

No words or prayers –

no matter how close – could reach you

Like a quiet love

in the summerlike colour streaming down my cheeks,

the words which curse you are forever trapped in the back of my throat

“We’ll meet again, right?” – my unsaid words

In the season of humid winds, on an early afternoon,

I remember images of us who were still nobodies

We should have shared everything then

Since that day, bit by bit,

the curse of me being different from you grew larger

I deeply regret overlooking

the sadness behind your smile

To you, the flower that bore no fruit and fell away –

Goodbye

Even now, our blue lives

Even now, our blue is clear

No words or prayers –

no matter how close – could reach you

Like a quiet love

in the summerlike colour streaming down my cheeks,

the words which curse you are forever trapped in the back of my throat

“We’ll meet again, right?” – my unsaid words

Spilled through the gaps between my fingers

like grains of stars in a limitlessly expanding galaxy

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Links:

Music Video: Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani - YouTube

Jujutsu Kaisen Animated Opening Theme: TVアニメ『呪術廻戦』第2期「懐玉・玉折」ノンクレジットOPムービー／OPテーマ：キタニタツヤ「青のすみか」｜毎週木曜夜11時56分～MBS/TBS系列全国28局にて放送中!! - YouTube

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Analysis?: How Obito and Kakashi Were Victims of Circumstance after Rin's Death

The devil was in the details with Obito’s and Kakashi’s fates.

Afterall, as painfully cliché as it was, Obito and Kakashi only had themselves to blame for Rin’s passing. The deluge of guilt and resulting aftermath ripped the two apart, casting them adrift to find their own shores.

Lost in this blurry and tumultuous period, Obito and Kakashi needed to reclaim themselves: to externalise their grief; find a glimmering beacon to navigate the inky waves for; a reason to flush the salt from their wounds.

And as luck would have it, the shinobi world in the throes of war needed heroes and villains. The political zeitgeist did not tolerate waning fealties. As young and prodigious ninja, Obito and Kakashi were forced to choose sides and become unwitting pawns for the upper echelons:

Obito, for Madara’s plan;

Kakashi, for the Hokage's secrets.

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Analysis?: Possible Reasons Why Kakashi Hatake Walks Around Reading the Icha Icha Series

In the “Naruto” series by Masashi Kishimoto, the character, Kakashi Hatake, is well known for reading a series of books called “Icha Icha” (translated as “Make Out”). However, the reasons for carrying the books with him are still unknown. Here are some theories which may explain Kakashi’s behaviour:

Kakashi is a massive fan of the Icha Icha series and respects Jiraiya, the author. Because of this, Kakashi goes about his days carrying the novels to purposely promote the series.

Due to the secretive and conformative nature required of being a shinobi, Kakashi does not feel he has an outlet for self-expression. Therefore reading Icha Icha in public is partially a casual rebellion against this societal pressure and a tangible act of individualism.

With his reputation as a highly talented ninja, Kakashi has been both openly idolised and ridiculed in Konoha Village. Disliking being placed under a proverbial spotlight, he chose to blatantly read Icha Icha in the open to dissuade others from viewing him as a perfect hero or to be used as an example for anti-elitism rhetoric. 

Kakashi is reticent and does not like verbal confrontation. By wearing a mask and holding a book in front of him, he creates a physical barrier, preventing his expressions and body language from being easily read. Additionally, holding a suggestively raunchy book in an obviously inappropriate setting may help to deflect attention and ease tensions in a light and humorous way.

The Icha Icha novels are Kakashi’s few sources of consistency in his life. To cope with occupational stress, reduce anxiety and/or relieve boredom, he reads the stories repeatedly, finding comfort and security in the plot’s familiarity and characters.

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Analysis?: The Reasons for Erasing Yoite

In the “Nabari no Ou” manga, Miharu’s decision to erase Yoite was never fully explained. Nonetheless a simplistic, rather philosophical justification for his actions can be given: 

If Yoite never lived, then he would never die; ergo, if Yoite never existed, Miharu would never mourn.

Miharu's subjective idealism assumes that Yoite’s non-existence is Yoite’s ultimate salvation; therefore Miharu’s actions are driven by an implicit sense of loyalty and selfless magnanimity.

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029.

Finished on 17/10/2016. Drawn and edited in PaintTool Sai and Photoshop Elements 8. 

With every new comeback, this group’s popularity always surpasses expectations! 

The reference photo used to draw this image was provided by: ✨ 길 잡 이 별  ✨‏ (a.k.a. GuidingStar1204). The photo used as reference may be seen here. 

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. . . and with the playful spirit of Jin, I also had fun playing with filters.

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028.

Finished on 17/09/2016. Drawn and edited in PaintTool Sai and Photoshop Elements 8.

There are so many Bangtan Bombs to catch up with. . .

The reference photo used to draw this image was provided by: 엠카운트다운 (a.k.a. M! Countdown). The photo used as reference may be seen here. 

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027.

Finished on 10/09/2016. Drawn and edited in PaintTool Sai and Photoshop Elements 8.

These new short films are quite the buzz, aren’t they?

The reference photo used to draw this image was provided by: CODE NAME V.  The photo used as reference may be seen here.

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026.

Finished on 31/07/2016. Drawn and edited in PaintTool Sai and Photoshop Elements 8.

I too would like to go to one of their concerts. . .

The reference photo used to draw this image was provided by: Divine Treasure. The photo used as reference may be seen here.

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025.

Finished on 28/07/2016. Drawn and edited in PaintTool Sai and Photoshop Elements 8.

My heart ached after hearing Rap Monster couldn’t perform during the Beijing concert due to breathing difficulties. . .

The reference photo used to draw this image was provided by: 레디메이드 (a.k.a. READYMADE_V). The photo used as reference may be seen here.

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024.

Finished on 15/07/2016. Drawn and edited in PaintTool Sai and Photoshop Elements 8. 

Jimin’s expressions are always fun to draw~

The reference photo used to draw this image was provided by: 데비. The photo being used as reference may be seen here.

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023.

Finished on 24/06/2016. Drawn and edited in PaintTool Sai.

This image was an exercise of frustration and procrastination. . . But in the end, I finished it. . .

The reference photo used to draw this image was provided by: SWEET CHEMISTRY SUGA.  The photo used as reference may be seen here. 

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022.

Finished on 15/06/2016. Drawn and edited in PaintTool Sai.

Here’s to many more happy years of Bangtan Sonyeondan!

In light of the difficulty experienced in attempting to draw these pair of hands, I too, am joining the queue to sue Min Yoongi…  

The reference photo used to draw this image was provided by: SWEET CHEMISTRY SUGA.  The photo used as reference may be seen here.

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021.

Finished on 23/05/2016. Drawn and edited in PaintTool Sai and Photoshop Elements 8.

Watching the livestream of J-Hope and Jimin makes me want to visit the Nordic countries. . .

The reference photo used to draw this image was provided by: Purple Grape (a.k.a. purplegrape0901). The photo used as reference may be seen here.

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020.

Finished on 18/05/2016. Drawn and edited in PaintTool Sai and Photoshop Elements 8.

With the short promotion period being so successful, I was overcome with nostalgia.. .

The reference photo used to draw this image was provided by: unfair play (formerly known as sweet gold). The photo used as reference may be seen here.

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019.

Finished on 5/05/2016. Drawn and edited in PaintTool Sai and Photoshop Elements 8.

Ah, the week of music show promotions will start tomorrow. . .

The reference photo used to draw this image was provided by: Stand by RM. The photo used as reference may be seen here.