Like it wasn’t possible, but amazarashi probably created their most depressing, touching and passionate song ever, once again. In the band’s latest work, ending theme, vocalist Hiromu Akita explores the last message of the people who are no longer with us. It’s a depressing, yet optimistic song. Hiromu explains that our “drive for life” is the strongest when faced with the inevitable death, and possibly, this is the most powerful force of life that brings us motivation, and lust for fulfillment. It’s a similar message conveyed through their previous release Speed and Friction, a song reminding us of how frail and short our lives really is. Speed, as in our short lives, and frictions as in the sparks (our drive to fulfill) created by this enlightenment.

The song by itself is a really touching piece, with the combination of the music video—exploring the actual last words of people who passed away—the message behind ending theme becomes much more substantial and relatable. We are sure one of these messages will speak to you.

Another notable part of the video is the real-time face tracking, and projection mapping technology, which was used to place an augmented face on top of the closed-eyed Hiromu. It’s the same technology Nobumichi Asai introduced in his projection video that went viral about a year ago. He was in fact the one who helped with the face and projection tracking in this video.

Like earlier works, amazarashi has been experimenting with technology to convey their messages, usually touching on very sensitive topics. Topics such as suicidal thoughts, in Digging Holes, a music video filmed at the so-called suicide forest, where they filtered and printed online messages related to suicidal thoughts in a very artistic way. And also in the mentioned Speed and Friction, they used light mapping to create an ominous environment. Perhaps using modern technology is the gateway to engage the younger audience? It is no secret that Japan’s suicide rate has been on the rise, reaching 70 suicides per day on average in 2014, but we’ll leave that story for another day.

amazarashi’s ending theme is included in the band’s upcoming album Sekai shusoku 2116, available on February 24.

Explore some of the silent voices, in the gallery below, which the participants (who now are no longer with us) were asked to tell their stories.

When I cried in sadness

When I cried in sadness: “When my mom told me to get out because I wasn’t needed”

When I cried in sadness: “When my friend as old as me died in an accident”

What I loved

What I loved: “Pictures of when I used to live with my dad”.

My last words

My last words: “I’m grateful to be born as your child”

My last words: “I’m a bit worn out. I’m sorry.”

My last words: “I was happy.”

	Sekai shusoku 2116 Regular edition CD Taxi Driver Tasuuketsu Seasons die one after another Bunki Hyakunen tattara Life is beautiful Haki souda Shirafu Speed and Friction Ending Theme Hana wa dare ka no shitai ni saku Shusoku Buy at CDJapan
	Tasuketsu Digital edition CD Subject may be change after February 24. Tasuketsu Buy at iTunes
	Sekai shusoku 2116 Edition A CD Taxi Driver Tasuuketsu Seasons die one after another Bunki Hyakunen tattara Life is beautiful Haki souda Shirafu Speed and Friction Ending Theme Hana wa dare ka no shitai ni saku Shusoku DVD Live footage Extra A novel newly written by Hiromu Akita A poetry book Buy at CDJapan
	Sekai shusoku 2116 Edition B CD Taxi Driver Tasuuketsu Seasons die one after another Bunki Hyakunen tattara Life is beautiful Haki souda Shirafu Speed and Friction Ending Theme Hana wa dare ka no shitai ni saku Shusoku Extra Figure Buy at CDJapan

More info:
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Sekai shusoku 2116 Special Page
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