It’s been a while since I’ve encountered an opening song that holds so much meaning within its lyrics. Japanese lyricists truly amaze me with their ability to create unique and captivating songs. The opening song of Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou is no exception. The lyrics are full of depth and emotions, inviting you to appreciate and join in the admiration.

One particular line from the pre-chorus caught my attention: “Right now we’ll prove that it was all worth the wait!” And indeed, it was worth the wait! The four tracks featured in these two EPs perfectly encapsulate the essence of the anime.

The Opening Song EP

The first track, “Ugoku, Ugoku” (動く、動く), holds a subtle yet powerful meaning. “Ugoku” means “to move” and is often used to refer to inanimate objects. It carries the idea of urging something to move, just like telling someone to move aside. This perfectly aligns with the theme of Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou, which revolves around exploration and operations.

As Chito and Yuuri embark on their journey, they constantly question whether things still work or not. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of hope in hopelessness, symbolizing the duo’s search for meaning in their quiet and lonely lives. The song’s animation choreography further enhances the experience, capturing the essence of the lyrics.

The vocals in this song are outstanding. The seiyuu’s synchronization and their cute yet powerful performance make it a joy to listen to. But as an instrumental fan, I must say that the instrumental side of “Ugoku, Ugoku” is a delight. The synth-pop sounds and the presence of a guitar make it truly special.

The second track, “Endless Journey,” is a more optimistic and uplifting song. It complements the show’s theme of exploration and leaves you with a sense of happiness and hope.

The Ending Song EP

The first track, “More One Night,” is a completely different kind of happiness. It would be a sin to skip the ending credits and miss out on this delightful song. The girls even drop the anime’s title a few times during the song, inviting us to want more and enjoy an encore.

The second track, “Amadare no Uta” (The Song of Rain), surprised me with its unique instrumental. The sounds of cutlery and water drops create the entire instrumental, while the uplifting melodies are delivered solely through the vocals of the seiyuu. It’s been a while since I’ve heard something as grand as this in Japanese music.

Overall, Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou’s opening and ending songs have brought me immense happiness and joy. The Fall Season has truly delivered some incredible anime song EPs. As I close this review, I invite you to join me in my 30 Day Anime Challenge. And since you’ve probably listened to some (or all) of the songs mentioned here, I’m sure it will be a happy and enjoyable journey for you!

Thank you for reading and listening. Enjoy the content throughout the month!

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