Yoko Kanno's Message Song to Japan

The worst of the destruction seems to be over in Japan, but the road to recovery has barely begun. Millions are still without power, running water, and proper food; and the estimated death toll, which was at 1,000 just yesterday, has been raised to 10,000.

One musician singing through it all is composing guru Yoko Kanno. She has written scores for numerous animes and video games including Honey and Clover, Cowboy Bepop, and Ghost in the Shell. Kanno is originally from Miyagi, a prefecture that was hit hard by the earthquake and tsunami. Yoko Kanno wrote this song titled “Kimi de ite, Buji de ite” (roughly Be you, Be safe) for everyone shortly after the earthquake on Friday, and she posted it on YouTube the day after. The song is a minute and a half long, and the lyrics are very sweet. The song and a translation of the lyrics are below:

きみでいて　ぶじでいて
Be you, Be safe

心配してる　世界が君を心配してる
(shinpai shiteru sekai ga kimi wo shinpai shiteru)
Worried, the world is worried about you

君の名前を探してる
(kimi no namae wo sagashiteru)
Searching for your name

一緒にいるよ、世界が君と一緒にいるよ
(issho ni iru yo, sekai ga kimi to issho ni iru yo)
With you, the whole world is with you

君の命に会いに行く
(kimi no inochi ni ai ni yuku)
Going to meet your life

心と体壊さず君を
(kokoro to karada kowasazu kimi wo)
Your heart and your body unbroken

抱きしめて会いに行くまで
(dakishimete ai ni yuku made)
Until we hold you and see you

きみでいて ぶじでいて
(kimi de ite, buji de ite)
Be you, be safe