Auld Lang Syne👈Click Here For Music

Auld Lang Syne / 蛍の光

In this artwork, I explore the emotional and spiritual narrative of Lemuria’s final moments. According to legend, Lemuria, an ancient and mythical continent, sank in a single night, taking with it the lives, culture, and spirit of its people. At the heart of this piece is a shrine maiden, who chose to remain with Lemuria, singing until the very end. Her song, Auld Lang Syne—known in Japan as 蛍の光—represents a farewell not only to a lost land but to an era, a culture, and a way of life.

For Japanese people, Auld Lang Syne carries deep emotional resonance. Its melody accompanies graduations, store closings, and moments of transition, symbolizing the passage of time and the bittersweet farewell to what once was. The song’s connection to Lemuria takes on special significance as it echoes the legend that Lemuria, the Jomon culture, and modern Japanese people share a spiritual lineage. This cultural memory is woven into the fabric of the piece, with visual elements representing the sinking continent, the fading light, and the final moments of the shrine maiden’s song.

The water crashing over the land represents the inevitability of change, while the shrine maiden stands as a beacon of hope, grace, and dignity amidst destruction. Subtle details, such as musical notes and doves, symbolize the transcendence of her song—carried forward through time, from Lemuria to today, and felt deeply in the hearts of those who remember its message.

Through this artwork, I invite the viewer to reflect on their own experiences of farewell and memory. Whether in Japan or beyond, the themes of transition and remembrance are universal. Auld Lang Syne connects us all, across time and culture, reminding us of the power of holding on to memories, even as we let go.