"Maboroshi no Hito" (Mystery Man) is a May 1977 single by singer-songwriter Miyako Chaki（茶木みやこ）. I've already had a few articles up for this distinctive singer but this is probably one of her most atmospheric works.
For one thing, there is that relentless rhythm with the drums and something that sounds really funky like boots walking at a syncopated beat. Then, there is that repeated synthesizer riff that sends that feeling of a mystery afoot. According to the lyrics by Toshikazu Terayama（寺山寿和）, it involves a remote train station and various hints at something having happened with only the most oblique of references to the mystery man. Chaki's haunting vocals also help although from the release date of "Maboroshi no Hito", there was no intention for this to be a Halloween song (I'm not even sure whether Halloween was really celebrated all the way back then in Japan).
Adding to the mystery, at least for me, is that despite the brevity of "Maboroshi no Hito" at 2:47, it feels like a much longer song and that isn't any accusation of it having gone on too long. The arrangement, which includes a sudden feeling of happiness thanks to a guitar that sounds like a ray of sunshine breaking through the gloom, is just so filled with those sounds and Chaki's vocals that it feels like a filling and satisfying meal all done within a very short period of time.
Hi, sorry if you can't understand me, I'm using the translator.
ReplyDeleteOnly i want comment this song is so beutiful and increible. I fall in love the it first time listened.
You could explain me what it´s about this song? Or Send me the lyrics?
From Mexico, thank you and have a nice day
Hello there and thanks for your comments. I don't have any of her albums with me so unfortunately I don't have any access to her lyrics (there is a brief display of the lyrics from the original single in the video but they are much too small for me to see). However, as I mentioned above, it apparently has something to do with a mystery man and a remote train station. Sorry that I can't give a better explanation.
DeleteAll the best to you in Mexico!
Hello and thanks for sharing the theme and background information on this song! I recently completed my first short film and I selected this particular track for the closing credits without understanding the lyrics but by feeling the mysterious vibe/energy of song. You can imagine my surprise now, the film is about a certain mystery man stuck between the future and the past at a metaphysical train staion.station.. what are the odds?? In any event, my sincere gratitude for your work here!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Tony. I hope that "Maboroshi no Hito" does well by your creation. If you can tell us the title of your film, perhaps we can look it up!
DeleteHello and thank you again! The name of the film is "Shape of Things to Come". It's a short experimental film with a cliffhanger ending (that's where "Maboroshi No Hito" comes in with "that feeling of mystery afoot" :)
DeleteTechnically I haven't published the film yet due to film festival considerations (they prefer premiers and screenings of unreleased films for selection) but I'm beyond thrilled to share an advanced preview for you and your amazing audience (should they like to see this enchanting song in a new/modern work) in sincere gratitude to you for illuminating the meaning behind the song.
Here's the link/hope you enjoy:
https://youtu.be/hRTK87hF9f4?si=3Cw3tdgauaq2a0lK
Cheers!
My pleasure, Tony. I had a look at "Shape of Things to Come" and was interested in the story of the Singularity which is at the core. I know that it's about 20 years away but I'm wondering if the arrival might be even sooner.
DeleteHi J-Canuck, thank you so much for reviewing the film and sharing your feedback. It's been a real pleasure to connect with you, especially over the meaning (and our shared fondness) of the closing track "Maboroshi no Hito".
DeleteHopefully I did the song justice in your estimation and perhaps this short film can generate a renewed interest in the artist and song with a new generation of listeners today.
With regards to the Singularity narrative in the film - I too share your concern that it's most likely closer than we think - I used 20 years out in the film as a very conservative number - in order to avoid any type of unnecessary sensationalism but from the data that's been made available to me I'd wager it happens within the next 5 years (if not sooner).
In closing, last night I was made aware of a recent keynote by a very high ranking advisor to the WEF that took place this past September (they just made the keynote available online/published to YouTube this past month) and he basically confirms everything outlined in the film in the first 20 minutes (including the same verbiage and symbolism I used) verbatim. The name of the keynote is titled "The Flaw of Information" should you or anyone of your fine guest like to fact check the films accuracy.
Thanks again for your interest in the film and making this whole conversation possible, it's greatly valued and appreciated friend! Cheers!