Being a student at a world-class university isn’t the easiest task out there. Ever since the dawn of humankind, sorrow has been lurking in the shadows. What do you do when it comes knocking on your door? Do you have enough tools and strength to fight it?
To me, the journey towards achieving an academic degree is much like any action-adventure video game: you succeed in nearly impossible tasks while gaining many skills, techniques and tools along the way. The more items you collect, the stronger you perform at the final stage. Lest you forget, the health bar is the decisive factor in your survival.
As a researcher, there may be many factors taking major hits at your health bar: rejected manuscripts, failed applications, denied internships, harsh emails… you name it! What’s important is knowing how to heal from the taken damage in a variety of different ways, in case one does not work.
One of the ways through which I mentally heal myself is listening to music. There are in fact plenty of songs in different languages and genres reminding me that it’s not over, keep trying, chin-up, and smile!
You might have heard by now that “Music is the universal language of mankind”[1]. No matter from which country or in which language a song originates, and despite not understanding a single word of the lyrics, it may touch you emotionally. However, understanding the lyrics brings about a wholesome experience.
Incidentally, there are several humanities and social science courses you can take at Tokyo Tech, which can help you broaden your knowledge on and strengthen your bond with music and poetry. In my case, the courses called ‘Our’ Sounds: Music, Society, Community and Japanese Poetry did the job. In these courses, in addition to learning various concepts and viewpoints on music and poetry from professionals, there are many opportunities to engage in deep discussions and learn perspectives of students from many different countries. The diversity in class discussions and group work bring to life the true experience of comprehensive learning.
Courtesy of my compassionate Japanese friends, I have been gradually introduced to many Japanese songs over the past years – many of which carry plenty of inspirational and motivational messages. Here is my take on a few of them, to be used in tough days:
Artist: Anna
Genre: J-Pop
Year: 2022
Comparing yourself to others may sometimes demotivate you or make you lose hope. It’s easy to spot one’s success, but not so easy to see the long and challenging road they took to become successful. In this song, we are reminded to:
“誰かと比べて落ち込んで そんな自分はもう辞めるの“
Stop comparing yourself with someone and feeling down
“上手くいかない日だってある それでも明日を待っている“
There may be days that don’t go well. Regardless, wait for tomorrow
Did you wake up today, determined to read this blog? Who knows what tomorrow will bring to your doorstep? Don’t give up just yet! Create your own path to success, and shine!
“進め、まだ見ぬ未来にこの手を伸ばして“
Keep going, reach out to the unforeseen future
“光れ、私の中にある私らしさ“
Be your true self, and shine!
2. Fate (宿命)
Artist: Official HIGE DANdism
Genre: R&B Soul / J-Pop
Year: 2019
As far as the story of your life goes, you are the main character. Regardless of the appearance of your hard work, don’t forget that you will shine brightly in the end.
“奇跡じゃなくていい 美しくなくていい“
It doesn’t have to be a miracle. It doesn’t have to be beautiful
“生きがいってやつが光輝くから“
Your purpose will shine bright
In times when things do not go as expected, confidence and motivation fall like dominoes. But again, you are the main character and shining star, not the anxiety which tries to steal the show. Stand tall and remind everyone of your strength.
“緊張から不安が芽生えて 根を張るみたいに“
Anxiety grows from tension, tries to dominate and control us
“僕らを支配する そんなものに負けてたまるかと“
But I will not let such a thing beat me
3. The Road (道)
Artist: GreeeeN
Genre: Hip-Hop Rap / J-Pop
Year: 2007
Every once in a while when challenges mount up, I question the reason why I am going through them. However, I quickly find the answer by reflecting on my previous experiences where striving to fight certain challenges led to a successful outcome, either promptly or eventually.
“どんなに辛いような時も 忙しなく過ぎていく日々も“
No matter how painful the time, as the days go by restlessly
“明日へと続いた道で 一つ一つが今の君へ“
Every single one is a road that leads you to tomorrow
“どんなに時が過ぎ去っても 消して忘れないその道を“
No matter how much time passes, you will never forget that road
“またとない時間の中で 答えが見えるから“
Because you will see the answer at an unexpected time
Artist: Ulfuls
Genre: Alternative rock / J-Pop
Year: 2002
I find the overall message of this song related to a well-known adage in my language (Persian), commonly translated as “this too shall pass”. Regardless of how difficult your day is, it will eventually pass and be over. Therefore, in the end, why don’t you smile anyway and welcome a happier tomorrow?
“とにかく笑えれば 最後に笑えれば“
Why don’t you laugh anyway why don’t you laugh at the end of the day
“情けない帰り道 「ハハハ」と笑えれば“
On your way back home from a tough day, why don’t you laugh out loud (ha ha ha)
Artist: BEGIN
Genre: J-Pop / Blues (Okinawan)
Year: 2009
Have you ever found yourself unintentionally smiling, out of seeing a beautiful smile on someone’s face? It’s contagious, isn’t it? This song is a package of positive energy, and delivers a simple yet impactful message:
“僕が笑いを君にあげるから 君の笑顔を僕にください“
I give my smile to you, so show me your smiling face
A beautiful give-and-take, yet it’s all free!
Artist: ZARD
Genre: Rock / J-Pop
Year: 1993
I am sure this song has helped many demotivated souls to get back on track in the many years it has lived. Even after the artist’s passing, the message will continue to motivate those in need, including myself:
“負けないでもう少し 最後まで走り抜けて“
Don’t give up. Just a little more; run until the end
“負けないでほらそこに ゴールは近づいてる“
Don’t give up. Look, right there, the goal is getting closer
“追いかけて遥かな夢を”
Chase your infinite dreams
It is said that without goals, dreams will remain dreams, and forgetting about the goal will certainly bring you one step closer to giving up. One way to regain power and stand up again is to remind yourself what you are fighting for, and how much it means to you.
This was only a selection of songs, but the list surely goes on and on. I always, with open arms, welcome song suggestions from my friends, so I’m looking forward to hearing yours.
[1] Attributed to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
