Chinese Restaurant
Takako Mamiya Lyrics


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Toki wa sugiteyuku mono ne
Marude shiran furishite

Natsu no gogo no kyafyeterasu
Tsumetai miruku o nondeta
Nanige naku mukōgawa
Shisen o utsushitara
Marui te-buru kakonde
Kawai ii ni nin no kodomo




Ano hito to waratte wa
Tanoshisō na jikan

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from Takako Mamiya's song "Chinese Restaurant" depict fleeting moments that pass by without us realizing. The lyrics begin by acknowledging the passing of time, stating that it goes by unnoticed, as if we are unaware of its presence. The next lines transport us to a summer afternoon inside a café, where the singer recalls drinking cold milk. As the lyrics continue, they mention looking across the other side, probably referring to the other tables in the restaurant or perhaps symbolizing glimpses of other people's lives. Through a circular table surrounded by two cute children, the singer shares a genuine laugh with someone, creating a joyful and pleasant atmosphere.


The song seems to evoke a nostalgic sense of simplicity and the appreciation of small moments. It invites us to cherish the seemingly normal experiences that often pass by unacknowledged. The imagery of a Chinese restaurant serves as a backdrop for these fleeting encounters, representing a place where people gather to share meals and conversations, capturing the essence of everyday life.


Line by Line Meaning

Toki wa sugiteyuku mono ne
Time passes by, doesn't it?


Marude shiran furishite
As if pretending not to know


Natsu no gogo no kyafyeterasu
The summer afternoon's cafeteria


Tsumetai miruku o nondeta
Drank cold milk


Nanige naku mukōgawa
Without any particular purpose, on the other side


Shisen o utsushitara
When I reflected my gaze


Marui te-buru kakonde
Surrounded by round tables


Kawaii ni nin no kodomo
Children, cutely


Ano hito to waratte wa
Laughing with that person


Tanoshisō na jikan
A joyful time




Contributed by William L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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