[Japanese Wagakki, koto, shamisen, hakuhachi flute Intro
Verse 1 We shared the last onigiri by the vending machines After school in uniforms chasing the biggest dreams Purikura photo strips folded between us two Pinky-swore on everything I thought I’d always do
Your playlist, all City Pop and anime themes We knew every lyric, every word in between Rainy Tuesdays, konbini runs, counting coins for tea You were every Tuesday I thought I’d always need
Pre-Chorus Then we had no choice we we’re leaving March before the day the Sakura bloomed I didn’t know how to say it, didn’t know how to to tell you So I said what I always do, every time I had to leave you…
Chorus Mata ne Like I’d see you next week at the gate Mata ne Like the trains would always run that straight I held it like a promise Said it like it wasn’t the last Mata ne But the Sakura fell and so did we Into different versions of who we’d be I still hear you in City Pop at 3am Mata ne, my oldest friend
Verse 2 I kept the ticket from the last train ride we took Pressed inside a notebook you once told me not to lose Different skyline, different air, different kind of blue But every crowded platform still reminds me of you You said, “Don’t let the world make you someone you’re not” I laughed it off, but I still remember every thought Now I walk these streets where nobody knows my name But I hear your voice every time it starts to rain
Pre-Chorus I still play our playlist on the grey days Rewatched the anime shows that broke our hearts The Purikura photo strip neatly folded near my bed Hoping one day to see you by the vending machines again
Chorus Mata ne Like we never had to say goodbye Mata ne Like forever wasn’t just a lie I held it like a promise Said it like we had more time Mata ne Now the seasons change without a sound And I’m still looking when no one’s around I still hear you in City Pop at 3am Mata ne, I’m still your friend
Bridge Obon season, you sent me a photo The lanterns looked the same I lit one in my backyard And called out your name We’re not strangers, we’re not close We’re something time forgot Like a song you know the feeling of But can’t remember how it starts
Final Chorus Mata ne Even if it’s worlds away Mata ne Even if it’s not someday I’ll carry what we were Through every version that I am Mata ne Where the sakura fall like snow And all the things we’ll never know I’ll still hear you in City Pop at 3am Mata ne… my only friend Mata ne --- my only Friend Mata ne --- my only Friend Mata ne --- my only Friend