Shanks Mare Lyrics Translation — Fujieda Ep | Asian Kung-Fu Generation | Masafumi Goto
Asian Kung-Fu Generation returns with ‘Shanks Mare,’ a track from their Fujieda EP. Masafumi Goto writes the lyrics, while the band collaborates with Kenichi Koga to create the melody. The song reflects on the fleeting nature of physical existence and the connections that endure.
Released: March 25, 2026
Shanks Mare
Asian Kung-Fu Generation | Masafumi Goto • From “Fujieda EP”
Lyricist
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Composer
Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Kenichi Koga, Emily Lazar
Shanks Mare Lyrics Translation (from “Fujieda EP”)
The poet Masafumi Goto asks, ‘What’s left after 100 years, is only physical,’ highlighting the transient nature of life. The lyrics describe a journey where the future turns into a parking lot, yet a hand keeps the narrator moving forward. The imagery of pine needles and currents adds depth to this heartfelt story.
100-nen tatte nokoru no waWhat’s left after 100 years,
Physicalis only physical.
Sarachi ni natte ikisaki wa chuushajouIt becomes an empty lot, its future just a parking lot.
Kono shunkan ni horobu no moWhat perishes in this very moment,
Physicalis also physical.
Eien nante chikae wa shinai neI guess I can’t swear on forever, can I?
Taigan de money gameThere’s a money game on the opposite shore,
Sono mukougawaand whatever lies beyond it.
DounikaSomehow,
Tagai ni tagutta en dewith this connection we’ve reeled in together,
Dounimo naranai koto o shiruI’ve come to know things that just can’t be changed.
Douyara kewashii ryotei mo kakugo no ueIt seems I’m prepared for the rugged journey ahead.
Doudemo ii toka iu nara issoIf you’re going to say it doesn’t matter, then you might as well,
Kyou ni mo ayumi o tomete shimae yojust stop walking today.
Souiu wake ni wa ikanuBut that’s not an option for me,
Anata no tebecause of your hand.
Matsuba ga tsumotta tsuchi o fumishimeruI plant my feet firmly on the earth where pine needles have piled up.
Heartbreak yuuYou say ‘heartbreak’.
Kosu ni kosarenu nagare o jitto matsuI wait patiently for a current that can’t be crossed.
Heartbreak yuuYou say ‘heartbreak’.
Karera to watashi no mirai oIt tightly binds their future and mine,
Kako made marutto tsunaide iteconnecting it all the way back to the past.
DounikaSomehow,
Tagai ni tagutta en dewith this connection we’ve reeled in together,
Dounimo naranai koto o shiruI’ve come to know things that just can’t be changed.
Douyara kewashii ryotei mo kakugo no ueIt seems I’m prepared for the rugged journey ahead.
Doudemo ii toka iu nara issoIf you’re going to say it doesn’t matter, then you might as well,
Kyou ni mo ayumi o tomete shimae yojust stop walking today.
Souiu wake ni wa ikanuBut that’s not an option for me,
The ‘Shanks Mare’ lyrics question the permanence of physical things. Asian Kung-Fu Generation creates a melody that supports the emotional weight of the lyrics.
