Rausu
吉幾三 Lyrics

The lyrics of 吉幾三's song Rausu describe the experience of a fishing trip in the waters around Rausu, a town on the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, Japan. The song begins with the sound of sailors calling out "yoisho yoisho" to coordinate their efforts as they prepare to set sail. The singer describes herself as a singer who sings while her companion sets out in the boat to gather "kombu," a type of kelp. The sea around Rausu is known for its roughness, and the lyrics suggest that the two of them need to work together to navigate the challenging conditions. The second verse describes a scene in which the singer chases a group of seagulls while her companion engages in a different type of fishing called "akiaji." They navigate through the Nemuro Strait and wave goodbye to the singer's father on a passing ship.

The third verse mentions the island of Kunashiri, which is visible in the distance. The singer identifies it as the birthplace of her ancestors. The fourth verse describes the morning fishing trip for "sukesou," or saury, in the frozen waters. The singer notes that the sea is filled with drift ice, making for a challenging and potentially dangerous fishing experience. In the fifth verse, the singer observes the scenery around Shiretoko, a mountain range that is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The final lines of the song return to the idea of the husband and wife fishing together, as they make their way from Rausu Bay to the top of nearby Mount Rausu.