Song description
Hello! This song is themed around gratitude for the support extended by the United States during “Operation Tomodachi” in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, which struck my hometown. It also reflects the hope that was born from that assistance. I tried to express the story of the miracles that paved the path to recovery from the harsh circumstances of the disaster in a warm and forward-looking way.
The phrase at the beginning of the lyrics, “The waves swept away tomorrow in our town,” conveys the enormity of what was lost and the despair felt in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. Yet, the part that says, “The hands you extended to us opened the doors to our future,” encapsulates how much hope Operation Tomodachi brought to those affected.
In particular, the phrase “The hope you breathed into Sendai Airport” is a central message of this song. With supply routes cut off due to the disaster, the restoration of Sendai Airport, which had been closed, became a lifeline and a symbol of recovery for the people of Tohoku. Behind this achievement were the tireless efforts of those from the United States who worked day and night, embodying what I see as “miracles shaping the future.”
The line “On the sandy shore, we carved ‘Arigato'” symbolizes the heartfelt gratitude of those in the affected areas. Even when direct communication wasn’t possible, the desire to express thanks expanded like a message sent into the skies.
As expressed in the lyrics, “The wings our friends gave us,” the support provided through Operation Tomodachi wasn’t just about delivering supplies—it gave us hope and the strength to look forward. I hope this song can convey that gratitude once again.
The final phrase, “We await the day we can meet again in the rebuilt Tohoku,” carries the hope of a future reunion. Even as time passes since the disaster, the bonds formed during that time remain eternal.
I hope this song helps share the memories of those who experienced the earthquake, passing on the message of gratitude and hope to future generations. Above all, I hope it reaches our friends in the United States and lets them know how deeply thankful we are for their support!
Streaming video
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Lyrics
The waves swept away tomorrow in our town,
Dreams and voices stolen from the skies.
In eyes searching for family and friends,
All they saw was an endless mountain of debris.
The runway at Sendai Airport lay closed,
The lifeline severed on that fateful day.
Yet, the hands you extended to us,
Pushed open the doors to our future.
Oh friends, you gave us wings to fly,
Working tirelessly through day and night.
The hope you breathed into Sendai Airport,
Led Tohoku toward its rebirth.
Clearing the mountains of rubble,
Polishing runways buried in mud,
Your unwavering dedication shone bright,
Overflowing with heartfelt gratitude.
To welcome the light of dawn again,
You moved without rest, shadows in motion.
All of Eastern Japan watched in awe,
As your efforts shaped a path to tomorrow.
Oh friends, the miracles you forged,
A testament to friendship across the seas.
The light ignited by Operation Tomodachi,
Illuminated the future of Japan.
Wings of hope soared from the runways,
The sound of supplies connecting lives.
The efforts you poured into this land,
Are etched in hearts, shining forever.
Thank you, Operation Tomodachi,
For your tireless devotion through night and day.
From the day Sendai Airport came back to life,
The road to the future began to unfold.
On the sandy shore, we carved “Arigato,”
Our gratitude to you circles the skies.
Oh friends, we await the day,
When we can meet again in the rebuilt Tohoku.
Thank you to・・・
Thank you to all our dear friends in America・・・
On the sandy shore, we carved “Arigato,”
Our gratitude to you circles the skies.
Oh friends, we await the day,
When we can meet again in the rebuilt Tohoku.
Thank you to all our dear friends in America・・・