きらり feels like opening a window, where the body lightens before the mind does. Yet, listening closely to the lyrics reveals moments of loss and helplessness within it. It sounds less like a song sung by someone free from worry, and more like one sung by someone who carries worries but tries not to grip the day too tightly.
A light rhythm does not erase sadness
When a lonely feeling settles into upbeat music, the mood does not necessarily turn dark. Just as one might briefly choke up while laughing about past events, joy and regret can coexist in the same moment. 「きらり」 refuses to force these two emotions into a single category, allowing them to move together.
That is why the lightness of this track feels distinct from a posture of pretending nothing happened. One does not need to resolve every past experience before being able to smile again. It is possible to take a walk, listen to music, and feel the wind of today while still carrying a lingering sense of regret in one corner of the heart. A light step does not deny the weight of the days that came before.
Letting go does not mean discarding the past.
The song carries a desire to let go and move forward, yet it does not condemn the past as entirely wrong. There is warmth in viewing even an awkward past alongside present life; releasing attachment is distinct from erasing the value of memory.
Even if a past decision no longer feels right, there is no need to keep blaming the self who did their best at the time. After all, that version of oneself was operating within specific limits. Whether one imagines a companion for the journey or simply recalls a mindset that fosters greater self-compassion, both approaches are valid. Rather than closing off with a single interpretation, it is worth listening while reflecting on what one wishes to let go of and what one wants to keep.
Perhaps a new day isn't something brought in from far away.
When familiar routines grow tedious, it can feel like a change of scenery is the only way to shift one's mood. Yet even the same path becomes a different day depending on who walks it and what catches the eye. 「きらり」 resonates less with an expectation of grand transformation and more with the perspective of rediscovering what already lies nearby. Like its title, it leans toward recognizing those brief, fleeting moments of sparkle.
On a second listen, focus on how the brief words glide lightly over the rhythm. Different charms emerge depending on whether one grasps the meaning of each sentence individually or follows the flow of the entire song. What remains is not the confidence of knowing everything, but the ease of accepting that there are still things unknown. It is the mindset of seeing something sparkle within an imperfect today, rather than expecting it to shine because it is perfect.
Listen along with the track details
Open the official video on YouTube
きらり — 藤井風
"きらり" is a digital single by 藤井風 released on May 3, 2021. 藤井風 wrote the lyrics and composed the music, while Yaffle handled the arrangement; the track was used in a Honda VEZEL advertisement.
The title 'きらり' is a Japanese expression depicting something that sparkles momentarily. Listening to the sounds and rhythms of the short onomatopoeia in the lyrics reveals how the title connects with the movement of the song.
Rather than turning up the volume, leaving room between the lines better preserves the song's relaxed atmosphere.
More stories to read
▶ Official music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcLLpZBWsck
If this song resonated with you
Nobishiro – Creepy Nuts: A song that sees the process of gradually getting to know oneself, even without becoming a perfect adult, as growth.
전력소년 — 스키마스위치: A song about rediscovering the passion buried after growing up, making it a fitting listen before embarking on a new beginning.