Aoi Sakana (Blue Fish)

Song Facts:
"Aoi Sakana," which mean Blue Fish, that is a kind of enchanting song by Sachiko Kanenobu in her first album ever "Misora" It was published on the 1st of September, 1972, by URC (Underground Record Club) Records. The album -wait for it- there's "Aoi Sakana!" It shows about Kanenobu's young innocence and her deep connection with nature and also! a longing for her inner peace, influence by artists like Joni Mitchell, Donovan, and Pentangle. Although it was not known at first because of Kanenobu's immediate move to America after the recording,! Misora has now eventually gained so many die-hard fans; especially after its reissue by Light in the Attic Records in 2019. That brings Kanenobu’s folk masterpiece to a new generation of fans

Meanings of Aoi Sakana (Blue Fish):
"Aoi Sakana" is kind of exploring nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time, showed through poignant lyrics and the peaceful melody, you get me? At first, there's a looking back on the colourful memories symbolized by "blue oceans and obviously, blue fish". It points to the past, filled with beauty and abundance, but it's so contrasted with the present as "only cold winds pass through these empty hands", sad, isn't it?

Then the picture shift to a more awkward now with "a crowd of grotesque children" and "skid marks on the sidewalk" symbolizing something distorted, uncomfortable existence and the tracks of life's challenges? There is a longing in the song to return to or relive the past! As suggested by the "blurred moon" following "yesterday’s footprints," showing the fading memories and transient nature of life. The song ends verse about the rooster's blindfold being removed evoke a moment of awakening and realization, contemplating the passage of time and our mortality!?

"Aoi Sakana" and Kanenobu invite a deep feeling of longing for lost connection with nature and a simpler past. It is more satisfying. Like a reflection of life's impermanence and people's universal desire for meaning in the face of change.

We will go bananas if we forget the journey Sachiko Kanenobu took with Misora and "Aoi Sakana" Its testify to the eternal power of music to connect across time and space. Touching the hearts and making us feel shared humanity and look inside of us. Kanenobu's work not only has shifted the scene of Japanese folk music but it keep inspiring and resonate with people around the globe. It finds new life and relevance evens decades after!, it was initially out.