"I’m not the protagonist of a novel or anything. I’m just a college student who likes to read, like you could find anywhere. But... if, for argument’s sake, you were to write a story with me in the lead role, it would certainly be...a tragedy." -Ken Kaneki
I think this theme captures the whole feeling of Tokyo ghoul, for what it actually is, a tragedy. It always disturbed me a bit when people overlooked Kaneki's trauma just because he was "cooler" after it.
It made me sad when I realized he was really just a completely different person, he didn't really smile or anything. I mean change is good n all but man
@꧁Panda _꧂ i dont think his aunt was jealous of his mom. Kaneki's mother was anything but perfect, she was the typical overworked Japanese mom. His aunt's family did care for him at first, but as time passed, they just got fed up with providing care to him.
@@dorianpompa8409 Actually, it does have a manga. The first two seasons are combined into one manga just titled Tokyo Ghoul. Studio Pierrot just split it into two parts
Damn this opening really grew on me. I remember the first time it played, I was like "bruh wtf is this" but then I gave it a chance cuz I personally never skip openings, they set the tone for the show. About four episodes, in I started to really analyze it, the symbolism, lyrics, instrumentation etc. That's when I had finally realized this was a perfect opening for the way the story had shifted. Bottom line is, I love it lmao.
I got what it was getting at but I didn't really get the "Prostitute spat fire and somebody died" part... I got a feeling it has something to do with Rize when she convinced Kaneki to go ape shit and basically killed off the old Kaneki... or am I just thinking into it too much.
this shit is goat tbh. I had the same thoughts until I really sat back and experienced it. one of the saddest openings I've ever seen especially how it pertains to the season and the events that transpire.
1:17 when the rest of the music stops and only the piano continues to play, while the background becomes completely white and a tear of blood falls from her face ... unique
THIS SERIES IS "SEINEN" NOT "SHOUNEN" god dammit. I seriously don't see why everyone doesn't like the song, like, Unravel was focused on how he was transitioning from human to ghoul, now Incompetence is all about how he deals with these tribulations and trials as he isn't the same Kaneki he was anymore. Mentally this deals with him now, not physically anymore. It's the sadness of the show - the struggle of being half human half ghoul - if you were Kaneki and survived all that crap would you still call yourself human? Anyways in the start of the song there are nice calm colors then the colors become dark and violent then going back to calm colors. Rize put his masks on telling him he's a monster ( results in the bloody colors ) Touka takes it off ( saying that he's still human ) The song itself represent change. This song is beautiful and the lyrics may seem weird, but they aren't actually "random" they hold a meaning. You just have to really think about what they could mean. As much as I love unravel & TK. I have to say, I'm really in love with this song.
i remember ppl discussing that it could actually be hide's arms and hes restoring kaneki's humanity(taking off the mask) and thats why we see the blood tear after the arms dissapear
That is a total of about half an hour listening to this opening. If I were to do that, then I would need to subtract 7 from 1,000 so much that I lose my sanity from doing too much subtraction.
I think this opening has alot more meaning. When the first set of hands come up they are painted pink, and she puts the mask on. the second pair that touches him from behind has no paint, but those hands remove the mask. Two different women...
I love how all the comments are "omg this has so much meanings nd it's so sad [heart] [heart]" and there is just one comment of " 1:17 says "touka threw a chicken and it caw-cawed"" like-
I know it's the unpopular opinion but this theme man... it just portrays the sadness and overall theme of the season. Just makes me happy to listen to it. Honestly I think it's as good as the first op but feel free to disagree. Anyways who else is ready for :re?
it's funny how many people have it grow on them.... I took to it relatively instantly tonight cuz the lyrics at least are relatable... I might pick up on watching this series after watchmojo said it was a terrible theme song. despite that top 10, I actually like it more and more the more I try to find reasons to dislike it haha. intriguing to say the least.
That piano at end always gives me goosebumps. This song perfectly matches with the whole theme of the second season. At first when I listened to it, I just skipped to the start of the episode since I wasn’t bothered. Then when I eventually listened to it, I was pretty surprised by how well it came out. It sure isn’t as good as Unravel, but it’s pretty comparable. It’s just my opinion 😅
In my opinion I think its better than unravel purely off its meaning and how much it means to the story this opening imo conveyed feelings and deepness that unravel isn't doing but this is just my opinion lol have a nice day!!!
I guess people misunderstood this song so much. The first time I listened to this OP, I sobbed and instantly liked it. This song fits the overall story of the anime at that time, how it captures Kaneki's deepest fear and sadness. Kudos for the song choice and the animation, it was perfect. I just hope people would appreciate and understand it more.
This is how I see the opening: So the first pair of hands (Rize I think) made him feel like a ghoul, which was something he didn’t want to accept for the longest time. He even looked sad as she put her hands over his eyes. After that he looks up from the ground as if he’s accepting and coming to terms with it. The second pair of hands (either Touka’s or Hide’s) made him feel more human, and were comforting as they showed up around him in an embrace, but it saddened him because he knows he’s no longer a full human. This could be shown because his left eye is the only one crying, and it’s crying blood. All the pain he went through was because of his ghoul side.
Am I the only one who actually liked thus song after hearing it the first time? Like I was actually brought to tears just by listening and when I listened to it the second time whilst reading the lyrics it made me love it 100% more. Sure it's not up beat or fast paced but so many other things make up for it like the Chang in time signatures, that had to be so delicately planned and don't even get me started on the instrumentals!!! Needless to say, this is my favorite op from the series and always will be. Props to the composer of this amazing song!
I think the part, "we wanted to be held", refers to Kaneki wishing that his mother chose him over his aunt as a child. The hands putting on the mask are actually Rize's. This represents his sane side after he learned the truth of the world he lives in. The hands taking off the mask would be his mom's, this is him remembering the crazy side of him, (before he was a ghoul). As a child, his aunt abused him for trying to be better than her kids, hence the, "untouchable kids", and, "simple words", (saying that his cousins weren't as smart as him, yet were stronger in family power because of their relation to the aunt.
idk why I thought this opening was the worst thing ever when I was younger, this opening is actually really good! I think my younger self was so uncultured that I thought less movement in opening = bad since I thought this opening was boring but it definitely isn't.
Same!! Growing up I just thought Unravel was so unparalleled. Now I honestly almost feel like this one is better?? It just perfectly encapsulates the tragic story of TG and Kaneki’s internal turmoil without spelling anything out literally. Plus its a little abstract. Gorgeous song and visuals.
His life was worse when he *first* became a ghoul because on top of Jason's torture he was also going through psychological torture that nearly drove him insane because his whole world had changed.
People get so bent out of shape because the intro isn't some flashy animation. It perfectly fits the mood of the series, from the music to Kaneki's expression. This isn't some shonen anime like many people seem to believe.
***** All they really did was flip a few arcs that had no impact on the overall story and omit a few unnecessary backstories. For 12 episodes, it was pretty faithful. It doesn't always have to be a play-by-play of each scene, otherwise it *really* would've felt rushed.
The first time I saw this opening it made my spine chill. I can see and feel the pain,loneliness and suffering kaneki is going through all alone while trying to save his loved ones and not become a monster himself. I myself went through alot of suffering and thoughts of suicide for many years and seeing this made me fully relate to his pain. Nevertheless I haven't seen a more beautiful opening to this day!
If you're interested in finding meaning to this opening, here's my line by line analysis using the official translation. I had a dream/ It was of the time we were born/ We lived such a beautiful life/ in a city of wombs. Knowing a prostitute is mentioned later in the opening and this is the city of wombs, we can assume this metaphorical setting is a city of prostitution, representing a place of sin and continuously birthed hate. The we are the children of these prostitutes, born out of sin, evidenced by the line it was of a time we were born. They are the ghouls. They are born out of evil (and the lust of flesh-- double entendre here). So again, the "We" are the children birthed from evil and hate (ghouls). We lived such a beautiful life implies that these children (ghouls) tried to live happily and innocent, supported by the line We clapped our hands and smiled. This refers to the main cast in Anteiku. But then comes We drank the paint dry/ The colors of the rainbow changed. They lived life trying to be happy with each other, but in the end, they are what they are, children of sin (ghouls). Their happiness is overwhelmed by this fact with that sense of being (sense of sin) never going away (because the ghouls have to continuously eat meat and survive, reminding them of who they are). Thus, the artificial happiness, the "paint" of that rainbow, was "drank dry." This refers to the melancholy of the cast in living with themselves as ghouls, as well as the beginning of Kaneki's realization of those feelings they have when he sees that ghouls are practically humans too. Children of prostitutes, even if "sinful," are obviously humans. Next, We started wanting to be held/ I couldn't walk alone anymore/ We smiled at each other. These children have to support themselves to survive. It's almost a parallel to the struggles we saw in Anteiku (or the entire beginning of this series). These ghouls are just trying to live in comfort, and have to get rid of the barriers between themselves (not have internal fights with other ghouls ie. Nishio). It refers to them clinging onto each other as they were when they were happy, but this time, out of desperation. It can also be referenced to Hinami and Touka's questioning of their lives as ghouls when they faced Mado, but everyone supported them to get through it. We gave our love to toys refers to them sticking together to fight out their opposition (investigators). The "toys" are their masks, but this line mostly serves to intensify the bond being created with the ghouls. Then, I wish we could destroy/ The untouchable children using simple words! The "we" in this instance is back to the timeline of when the opening first plays. The children from before are older, and this line is after the "dream" has been described. Or, you could look at dream, as in hopes, and the timeline would still match up. Regardless, this "we" is that generation grown, or more experienced. They wish they could end the continuously birthed hate in their city (of prostitution/ghouls) which they are stuck in using "simple words," meaning without violence. They want peace living with their sin (peace between the ghouls and humans) and for this notion of them (the ghouls) being "untouchable children" to vanish (including those feelings of hate to future unborn, and hence, untouchable ghouls-- two possible meanings). However, The prostitute spat fire/ In a faraway city, somebody died. The prostitute is the original being of the ghoul. The origin of that sin. Kaneki went to a faraway city, away from the city of wombs (of sin) because he tried to leave that sin behind (referring to him leaving the cycle of hatred) to make peace. However, he was caught in the fire/hell of the ghouls cycle of hate, and his former self died there, in that faraway city where he tried to make things right. (Notice how it is purposefully not the "city of wombs," but rather a "faraway city.") EDIT!!: That last line. I need you to know that I've changed my mind about that. The prostitute spat fire is Rize (basically) talking trash about Kaneki while he's being tortured. Remember how he imagined her saying that he was weak and all the rest of that? The original being of the ghoul, as represented by Rize (which is fitting because she's a binge eater) had broken his mind during those torture sessions and changed him into who he is now because he listened to that. After the prostitute spat fire, in other words, when he listened to imaginary Rize's words, he "accepted" he was a ghoul and changed. (The old Kaneki has still died, but the words prior to that now make much more sense in the context of what was going on). I loved this opening, and couldn't stand people hating it. Do you like it a little better now? It sure as hell is tragic though. Edit: Furthermore, the line city of wombs does not itself have a negative connotation. So what does this mean? It is a city of metaphorical prostitution (evil) yes, but the "womb" is generally known as a place where babies are nurtured. As such, the idea of ghouls supporting each other in a peaceful, human way is implied from this early point as well. This city is given a double meaning in which it is both good and evil. Specifically, this must be referring to the point where Kaneki was quickly integrated into their "evil/sinful" society (Anteiku) consisting of people who loved each other since the lines right before talk about birth-- the beginning of it all in those peaceful days at Anteiku. Of course, it has its general meaning to do with the whole of the ghoul world as well, which is what we understand when we first analyze it. In my eyes, the opening is amazing, given the fact that the entire story of Kaneki's integration into the ghoul world all the way up to his "death" is secretly within the lines. Seriously, HOLY SHIT! Not just him, but the entire story of the ghouls. NOW GIVE IT ANOTHER LISTEN!! Edit 2: Also, when I say this opening should be appreciated, I don't limit my advocation to the lyrical context of the song, but the actual melody. Tokyo Ghoul is supposed to be a tragedy, and having two "ending" style themes especially hits that point home and really captures the melancholy atmosphere which characterizes a lot of Ishida's original manga. It's an atmosphere which I love (personally). It's a matter of taste, but there's that. (Still, if you listen to it more, I bet you'll like the melody too. Listen to the crazed harmony of those drums beating against the rhythm of piano, with complementing, but not overly rough contrast to the soothing voice of the singer! Come on!) But if you don't like it, I guess you don't like it. Please do not judge this post by my view on how the opening should be appreciated though. Judge it by what I've found in the lyrics. Anyways, I've given you the main points of my analysis. If you look at it with this understanding, it'll mean a lot more, or at least be more intriguing (yeah, it was a little weird for me at first too). I hope you liked this breakdown! The rest of the post is not analysis of the Opening, so you may stop here Edit 3: In regards to whether or not the song was produced with a specific connection to Tokyo Ghoul. So, the question: Is the analysis relevant considering the song may have been chosen for Tokyo Ghoul instead of created for Tokyo Ghoul? What if it was just fitted in? My answer: There is a summary TLDR on the bottom. If you want to know more though-- If this song was not "meant" for Tokyo Ghoul, one must then think of the purpose it was chosen to represent it through the lens of the producers who fit it into the themes of Tokyo Ghoul. Thus, the meaning derived from what they (the ones who selected this song for the OP) deduced in relation to Tokyo Ghoul must be considered. As such, the OP retains A meaning having to do with Tokyo Ghoul, as opposed to THE meaning which the song was originally produced for. Regardless, a deeper layer holds true to the anime then, for that is what the ones who chose this song have created by having the song represent it. Consequently, it doesn't even matter if the producer of the song thought of Tokyo Ghoul at all. To reiterate, it now matters why this is the opening, and why it was chosen to be from an original song (with original meaning). But by transitive property, it now is relative to Tokyo Ghoul. By choosing it as the OP, the producers have breathed life into it through the lens of Tokyo Ghoul (from their own vision of the relationship), making the original song meaning irrelevant in the context of the anime. Thus, all analysis of the song in relation to Tokyo Ghoul is relevant for we are now searching for that vision. However, does the fact that the song was not intended for the anime detract from its meaning? That's your own call, but I would say an artist would tell you that part of the beauty of art is that it means different things to different people, and if we are to respect this, it means that the validity of reasonable interpretation holds true when presented with an ambiguous piece of art (and music obviously, for music is an art), of which this opening is (at least the selected portion which plays as the opening, for nothing relatable to an otherwise concrete meaning is given). As such, what is being said is the same, except through the voice of the anime developers rather than the band. And if that is true, which it must be, if it were not the band (for the song would not have been chosen otherwise), the depth of the lyrical connection is no less potent. Keep in mind though that the possible original meaning behind the song should have greater respect than the analysis of it in relation to Tokyo Ghoul if it indeed does have its own truth. Since we do not seem to know it though, it is safe to hold on to the thought of a different meaning while looking at it this way and wholly accepting it. The preceding notion of ambiguity within this song further supports the development of having branching connections to the lyrics of it, which supports that the song may justifiably be connected to Tokyo Ghoul if not already justified under my defined notion of visions holding respect in and of themselves. Once more, a connection to Tokyo Ghoul has become even more viable. Keep in mind that the song, in the end, may actually have been intended for TG to begin with anyways (which is what I think as of now). In the end, what remains is that all evidences allow for analyses to be established. In truth, what I have said also affirms this analysis as my own vision and thus, also a true vision to those who find it as "reasonable interpretation" (who believe it to be true as the connection the lyrics have to the anime). Now to each of us, that meaning has been solidified and made true if we still believe it as reasonable interpretation, because we would otherwise not think it a valid interpretation if we did not believe it to be a viable real one. So, if you find this analysis as reasonable interpretation, and think it explains the lyrical relation, for you, it has actually become the real meaning of the lyrics (in relation to Tokyo Ghoul) on the contingency an official statement from the band explaining the lyrics' relation to Tokyo Ghoul is not released. If it were the anime developers releasing the statement, they could only be explaining their vision, in which case this analysis has just as much credibility as their statement. If the band says that it was not made for TG, then like I've said, their intent should be respected, although allowing the song to represent the anime has now separated their original meaning in context of Tokyo Ghoul. Edit 3 TLDR: What I have proven to you is that it is pointless to dismiss the lyrics as irrelevant, or not made for Tokyo Ghoul. www.reddit.com/r/TokyoGhoul/comments/2rwlrh/extensive_analysis_of_tokyo_ghoul_a_opening/ +Saib17
I personally see this as one of the better openings, it fits the theme of the struggles he was facing accepting his new life he was thrown into unexpectedly and how "Someone far away died" part was his old life.
HIDE 0^0 idk I dislike touka and i friggin love Hide a ton more so I just think of Hide, besides the author said it can be whoever you think is right. He said it might actually be black hair kaneki Madelyn Moriarty
Wut... If joke, not funny. If serious, stfu. There's enough retarded yaoi of Kaneki already. He shows no sign of homosexuality whatsoever, and so he cannot possibly be gay. The only love interest he has Is touka, who is a girl.
My favorite parts of the song: *We drank the paint dry* *The prostitute spat fire* Honestly i think that there is weird lyrics because of how it is a messed up world in Tokyo Ghoul and i don't know about you guys but the lyrics are beautiful and i could listen to them all day 💕
So much meaning in this, from the lyrics to Rize and Touka trying to guide Kaneki through the new way he was forced to live. Screw the nerds who're looking for the same generic opening 50+ shows have.
Tapp I really love the opening of season one, but this opening really sets the tone of the story in my opinion. I feel people confuse this anime for a narration of heroic bloodshed when in actuality the story commits its self to an epic tragedy. The dichotomy of the opening to the action in the show portrays the inner struggle of the main character in an almost noir fashion. Although the mental struggle of him becoming a monster in his mind is not portrayed as well as it was in the manga. "The noir hero is a knight in blood caked armor. He's dirty and he does his best to deny the fact that he's a hero the whole time." - Frank Miller
To be fair the opening for season 1 wasn't anywhere near as "generic" as other animes. For starters it didn't have any action like most OPs do, it revolved more around showing the contrast of kaneki's human and ghoul sides, and it showed touka as a human when she's walking by showing her regular eye and in her reflection it shows her ghoul eye. It shows she's just as human as kaneki is and not a monster. This OP seems revolves more around the sadness of the entire 2nd season and showing kaneki's feelings.
I feel as though the first part where the pair of hands with nail polish and is putting on the mask on Kaneki is Rize because she made him like this and the second part with the second pair of hands takes off the mask is Hide because in a way he sets him free but with a price which is him dying. That's why Kaneki cries blood like in the last episode of season 2 . You don't have to agree with me this is my theory ( really more of an opinion)
Actually the hands after Rize's, are Hides! The animators made the hands to look genderless, but it was confirmed by Ishida [I dont remember where, I think his Twitter?] that they were Hides. They also made the person who Kaneki was holding in the white tarp look genderless also, because they didn't want to spoil that it was Hide.
This anime opening theme more related with Kaneki as an independent character who acknowledge his own irresponsibility and weakness. I personally think people should appreciate this theme more!
Tokyo ghoul fans weren't prepared for this opening, it's a misunderstood masterpiece and they called it trash because they compared it to unravel. It is the representation of art in an opening🌺
Honestly this opening are fit to Season 2, because this is Kaneki who embracing his pain of being Ghoul. While the first season was him who become Ghoul and can't accept it first.
Can I just say that even though Unravel was one of the best anime themes I have ever heard, Munou seriously measures up to it. The singer's voice is beautiful, the animation is smooth and meaningful, so much symbolism, I mean it is a perfect depiction of season two while being original and not spoiling anything. Season 1's theme may have been really awesome, but this kind of brings a deeper meaning to the show, much like season 2 as a whole. Anyways, my point is the style is so much different, but I kind of appreciate this much more than unravel. AND HOLY CRAP THE CHANGE AT 0:34 IS FREAKING AMAZING :0
@@RelikRS This show is meant to be edgy if you think unravel better fits this show your are mistaken unravel was a good intro don't get me wrong but if you don't get the deep meaning to this intro you should not have watched or be watching the show
I think the first pair of hands are Rizes because she kept on pushing Kaneki to be a ghoul and to forget that he is human and the second pair of hands are hides because he was the only connection he had to his past life as a human and so hide reminded Kaneki that there is still human inside of him. Also when (spoilers if u haven't finished season 2) hide dies Kaneki sheds the same tear that is in the opening. I don't think Touka would be the second pair of hands because she didn't do anything to remind Kaneki that he is still human. This opening has a lot of meaning to it. The creators of the anime used great songs for the openings because they both had a lot of meaning to the anime.
+Livy3030 well she is really the only one who understands the struggle of being a one eyed ghoul sooo yeah and in The mangabthey interacted alot more so maybe Eto
Whenever I hear this OP, I start crying and scream "Plz STOP! My hears! I want to keep my sanity... PLZ!!! Y does the f*cking volume button decides to lag NOW? **sepuku**"
They wanted an action packed opening and instead got one that held much more significant meaning but they didnt like it. i Personally love this opening over unravel
Yep! Glad to know there's others with the same opinion. The whole OP really relates Kaneki's situation well, and I feel like that part is where the illusion is lifted. It's not a happy song or life, and it's distorted, perverted.
lyrics: yume wo mitandayo umareta toki no koto utsukushiku ikite ne shikyuu no machi bokura te wo tataite warattanda enogu wo nomihoshita niji no iro kawatta dakishimeraretakunatta hitori ja mou arukenakunatta waraiatteitanda yo omocha ni ai wo sasagete furerarezaru kodomotachi wo kantan na kotoba de kowashitai shoufu ga hi wo hanatta tooku no machi de dareka ga shindayo
This song is ironically very fitting for Tokyo Ghoul (especially :re) despite how much the anime fucked up. SPOILERS DOWN BELOW Beforehand note: The song doesn't have to refer to anything. It's just me interpreting the lyrics since I believe that Ishida was the one who chose this song as the OP (since he did make a tweet about it and he does like österreich a lot). For example, "I had a dream" can refer to Kaneki as a whole up until he stopped being Haise and remembered the truth about his mother ("It was of the time we were born."). "We lived such a beautiful life" fits as well since it is referring to how Kaneki put the wool over his own eyes and pretended to be kind and selfless. Now, "in a city of wombs" is very complicated. It can refer to the notion of the Wombs of the Washuu clan, since Kaneki's other personality takes on the form of Rize early in the series (very subtle foreshadowing to the fact that Kaneki was messed up since before the series). "We clapped our hands and smiled / We drank the paint dry / The colors of the rainbow changed". From what I think, it can be literally be saying how Kaneki was so desperate to be the "kind and selfless" person he is that he "drank the paint dry," as in his facade fell apart and they (well technically one at that point in the manga) realized his true face. Thus, Touka punched him and yelled at him (the colors changed). "We started wanting to be held / I couldn't walk alone anymore." = Kaneki's insane fear of being alone. May also be his want to be held in the arms of death that comes later on (makes a true and not-so-subtle first appearance in chapter 140-something). "We gave our love to toys" Kaneki likely viewed his "friends" as toys he played with to keep himself from being lonely when he first met them. These feelings dissipated by the time :re rolled around. "The prostitute spat fire." Prostitute=Rize (in a way, considering what she was born to do). Rize also "spat fire" in the fact that she successfully ran away from the Sunlit Garden and spat in the face of V/Washuus. "In a faraway city, someone died" can refer to Kaneki's death as an imposter (becoming Akaneki or Yamineki), Shirazu's death (he died far away from reaching his goal), or Arima's death (he died far away from the world he hated, the world were he was forced to take lives again and again). Some of the stuff I skipped is basically redundant words as it just elaborates on some lines here. Hope it makes sense!
Yes. Unravel is beautiful. But this one is beautiful too. The lyrics are so sad but yet so beautiful. It’s peaceful. Sure, it may not be fast and upbeat, but it’s still Tokyo Ghoul and still a beautiful masterpiece just like the others. The meaning is more beautiful than ever.
People who compare unravel and this are just wrong. They can’t physically be compared as they’re both complete different genres which reflect on kanekis life and trauma and this opening is an amazing reflection back on the events that have happened and the symbolism. It’s a beautifully animated piece just like unravel
I cosplayed as kaneki at Animefest. I got attacked by a fangirl dressed as Rize. Then I saw a really good Rize, and she walked by me and winked at me. Best times of my life
alert alert the second pair of hands are hide's hands. hide made him human again. it's not kaneki's mum. kaneki's mum actually abused him. alert is done bye
This song really hit me hard. I have been crying at this for over 30 minutes. Its 00:07 o clock and i am here at my room listening to this and crying and i dont even know why i am crying tbh
The second pair of hands. Is. Not. Touka.I don't know why people think it's her. Based on my impressions in the manga and in the anime, both seasons, there is no reason for those arms to be Touka. She is most definitely never tried to convince Kaneki or remind him that he is still human. In fact when she first met him, she beat his ass because she hated how he refused to accept he was a ghoul. The only individuals I can speculate to be those arms are Hide...and Kaneki's mother. Remember that Hide represents Kaneki's humanity. He's the very person who ties him back to the human world. His mother, well, I say this because if you remember, when Kaneki was transitioning from human to ghoul after being tortured, who did he think of? Who was present? Rize was. But who did he think of as well? Who did he call pit to? His mother. She too represents his humanity and while she didn't speak to Kaneki or play a large role in the series as of yet, he thought of her and might have been...
the only reason he still retains some humanity within himself. I'm still betting money that it's his mother. Honestly I could go either way with this but I lean more to his mom only because the arms looked feminine.
What amazes me about this theme is how much it says with such little imagery. To me it matches the motif of dying inside and no longer knowing yourself
Just to you guys who hasn't read the manga, the second season of Tokyo was not canon and never happened. In the manga Kaneki was on the verge of death and Hide let him eat him. That is what happened
Watch Tokyo Ghoul here! got.cr/cc-tgop
Don't waste ur time, just read it 😄
@@thepacific_fart92 fax
@@thepacific_fart92 fr
vool
Is and beautiful❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Unravel is a great OP for attracting new fans to the franchise. But this OP is actually what I feel when I think about Tokyo Ghoul.
Agreed
U feel it cause what studio pierrot do to tokyo ghoul they make it trash
I agree 100%, this is definitely one of my favorite Tokyo ghoul op’s our of the 4 if you count re: . I also really like the season 1 op for re:
Facts its best op idc what anyone thinks
I agree
"I’m not the protagonist of a novel or anything. I’m just a college student who likes to read, like you could find anywhere. But... if, for argument’s sake, you were to write a story with me in the lead role, it would certainly be...a tragedy."
-Ken Kaneki
Holy shit I just read the manga and that quote resonated with me!
Kuroi Yurei same
I think this theme captures the whole feeling of Tokyo ghoul, for what it actually is, a tragedy. It always disturbed me a bit when people overlooked Kaneki's trauma just because he was "cooler" after it.
Yeah. Most people didn't acknowledge what he went through, only what he was like after it.
That dude needed a whiskey on the rocks he’s been throught it 😭 but let’s be honest he went from a 3 to a 10 with that hair
@@kaceyhoang554 he just needed to change his style up 😣😣
@@mikeyscb250t8 literally tho I still love him tho that man needed a hug and a stylist that mask tho personality I think it made him more attractive
It made me sad when I realized he was really just a completely different person, he didn't really smile or anything. I mean change is good n all but man
Opening one - Escaping the pain
Opening two - Accepting the pain
Too real bro.
Opening three - living the pain without knowing
@@plant1137 Opening 4 - releasing the pain
Nice
@@plant1137 nice
what always makes me cry is : he truly didn't deserve this pain
all he wanted was a date with a girl and that breaks my heart :(
@@hannahx1243 I was so happy he was at peace with his family and friends
@꧁Floofy_ Fox꧂ yeah they meant the end
@꧁Panda _꧂ i dont think his aunt was jealous of his mom.
Kaneki's mother was anything but perfect, she was the typical overworked Japanese mom.
His aunt's family did care for him at first, but as time passed, they just got fed up with providing care to him.
Ok
Ya either love it or hate it
well said, shuu
Lol
can't choose
LOVE IT
+Suzuya Juuzou SHUSH JUUZOU GO BACK TO GETTING OVER THE FACT THE YOU WILL NEVER BE PARTNERS WITH SHINOHARA AGAIN!!! *cries over kaneki*
0:29 She killed all my sheep
Lol
LMAO
I hear chips
Or She kicked on my jeep
27decimotrio damn you got sharp ears
No one:
Literally no one:
Kaneki's Hair: ◼️◻️🔳◼️◻️
More like susaki's
LMAO
Literally
true
I WHEEZED
I feel like people would like this op a bit more if the first op wasn't so damn amazing.
That’s the truest thing I’ve ever read. I didn’t like this one at first, but then I was like hey, that’s actually pretty nice.
Chittagi 1:27 ikr
I still really like the first one more then any anime opening but I like this one 2
Chittagi 1:27 ikr
This looks more like an ed then an op
the "you should have read the manga" season.
I liked it either way....
@@listoncutinho4961 Same, i even think Anteiku raid was better in anime. Both manga and anime are enjoyable.
too bad that this trash filler season doesn't even have a manga lmao
@@dorianpompa8409 Actually, it does have a manga. The first two seasons are combined into one manga just titled Tokyo Ghoul. Studio Pierrot just split it into two parts
can you help me? what chapter season 2 starts?
Damn this opening really grew on me. I remember the first time it played, I was like "bruh wtf is this" but then I gave it a chance cuz I personally never skip openings, they set the tone for the show. About four episodes, in I started to really analyze it, the symbolism, lyrics, instrumentation etc. That's when I had finally realized this was a perfect opening for the way the story had shifted. Bottom line is, I love it lmao.
ikr. I first heard the opening and was like "wtf they messed up what is this crap" and I listened to it and started to like it, as well
I got what it was getting at but I didn't really get the "Prostitute spat fire and somebody died" part... I got a feeling it has something to do with Rize when she convinced Kaneki to go ape shit and basically killed off the old Kaneki... or am I just thinking into it too much.
this shit is goat tbh. I had the same thoughts until I really sat back and experienced it. one of the saddest openings I've ever seen especially how it pertains to the season and the events that transpire.
Honestly I hated this OP at first but as the second season progressed I realized how beautifully it fit the theme of the second season
+onyx Panda basically
1:17 when the rest of the music stops and only the piano continues to play, while the background becomes completely white and a tear of blood falls from her face ... unique
That's the part where it says "touka threw a chicken and it caw-cawed"
his*
@@urmylildiscordkitten775 thanks, can't unhear it now
LMAO MOZART YOU JUST GOT GOT BY KANEKI'S TRAP DEBUSSY
Mozart
I don't see why people hate this opening, I fits the season perfectly
ya it does fit the season perfectly. Both a piece of garbage. Do yourself a favor and read the manga so you can enjoy tokyo ghoul at its fullest
+Chris Bluebreeze I do read the manga.....
MORPHiNE good
+Chris Bluebreeze and yes the manga is wayyyy better than the anime
omg i read your response.... ITS SSOOOO TRUE
1:17 “Touka threw a chicken and it caw-cawed”
Lol
Joshua Sheppard 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@missmaserati0839 underated comment 😂😂😂😂
XD🤣🤣🤣
Lol I'm fucking dying dude I will never unhear that
THIS SERIES IS "SEINEN" NOT "SHOUNEN" god dammit.
I seriously don't see why everyone doesn't like the song, like, Unravel was focused on how he was transitioning from human to ghoul, now Incompetence is all about how he deals with these tribulations and trials as he isn't the same Kaneki he was anymore. Mentally this deals with him now, not physically anymore.
It's the sadness of the show - the struggle of being half human half ghoul - if you were Kaneki and survived all that crap would you still call yourself human?
Anyways in the start of the song there are nice calm colors then the colors become dark and violent then going back to calm colors.
Rize put his masks on telling him he's a monster ( results in the bloody colors )
Touka takes it off ( saying that he's still human )
The song itself represent change.
This song is beautiful and the lyrics may seem weird, but they aren't actually "random" they hold a meaning. You just have to really think about what they could mean.
As much as I love unravel & TK. I have to say, I'm really in love with this song.
Azphix Xaxa You're a dumbass who can't pay attention to anything that isn't filled with upbeat songs and action. Face it.
THANK YOU
God for bid we have to like this song...
*****
I'm starting to get that impression myself.
Exactly why my thoughts changed about the visuals
First hands = Rize because the nail colors
Second one = Touka because loves Kaneki, no nail colors and hugging Kaneki
i remember ppl discussing that it could actually be hide's arms and hes restoring kaneki's humanity(taking off the mask) and thats why we see the blood tear after the arms dissapear
@@NuiGrant468 They are girly hands, but it might be true what your saying. thanks for replying btw
Oh ok thanks
@@NuiGrant468 can people stop shipping best friends
@@boris554 who’s shipping? All they said is that it can be hide’s arms
At first I hated this opening and thought it could not be compared to the other ones but after listening to it like 20 times, I've grown to love it.
That is a total of about half an hour listening to this opening. If I were to do that, then I would need to subtract 7 from 1,000 so much that I lose my sanity from doing too much subtraction.
Koruahh If you really hated it you wouldn’t listen to it again. I always skip openings I dislike. This one I liked in the first place.
@@deusexbaby5555 not really.... i usually don't skip openings and after hearing this opening a few times it sounds good
Phantom Killer This opening sux
I loved for the first time i heard it. Her voice and music are fits with the S2 story
I think this opening has alot more meaning.
When the first set of hands come up they are painted pink, and she puts the mask on.
the second pair that touches him from behind has no paint, but those hands remove the mask.
Two different women...
Agreed☺
Touka and Rize????
@@greebnn definitely.
@kita631 unpopular opinion but I'm 99% sure it's Hideyoshi Nagachika hands that take off the mask.
yeah it's pretty on the nose about it
At first I didn't like this opening but it grew on me!
xeslayer102 Same! I hated it at first but then it just grew onto me
same. and my friend too
xeslayer102 ya me too.
xeslayer102 yea me to
xeslayer102 ya me to
I love how all the comments are "omg this has so much meanings nd it's so sad [heart] [heart]" and there is just one comment of " 1:17 says "touka threw a chicken and it caw-cawed"" like-
Bro.
Copied comment
🤣🤣🤣😂 stop it's so sad and you're making me laugh
@@justagamerwithamoustache5240 they literally said that “there is just one comment that says” meaning their saying someone else commented that,💀
Toko no machi de darika ga shyundyo
I know it's the unpopular opinion but this theme man... it just portrays the sadness and overall theme of the season. Just makes me happy to listen to it. Honestly I think it's as good as the first op but feel free to disagree. Anyways who else is ready for :re?
ORC17 yeeess I need to rewatch (no pun intended) the entire show again to hype myself up, I love the new opening
I think they rize
The issue is that you try watching this twelve times in a row breaking up filler. You will be bored.
I need to start watching
@@Angel-qv3zk watching Tokyo ghoul or Tokyo ghoul :re lol. I know alot if people will tell you this also but pleaseeee read the manga
I can't be the only one who saw this as more of an ending.
You're right midori! Why don't you ask Yandere Dev that?
Actually that would've been perfect for the ending theme.
Midori Gurin Same
Midori Gurin The opening and ending for season 2 should have been switched
Midori Gurin I like it better as an opening; it's an odd anime in the first place, and an anime like this needs to have some weird openings too :p
I don't understand why people don't like this opening. It's so sad, yet beautiful and it fits the season.
It's so good.
Because it has the zeal of an ending them, not an opening
EXACTLY
I love it, but from sound to look, it's an ED.
If you compare this opening with the first one, this opening is so bad
0:34 there's something so hauntingly beautiful about that part. My favorite Tokyo Ghoul opening by far
FR
same
it's like attack on titan ending 3
"we started wanting to be held"😔😔😩😩🙏
What about Apoxsee
You either think this is the best opening or the worst opening, there is no in between
I think it's the best one. Then asphyxia, then Unravel. My opinion.
@@goead u forgot the best one katharsis
1. Unravel
2. Katharsis
2. Asphyxia
4. None
1.Munou
2.Unravel
3.Katharsis
4.Asphyxia
I liked both. Didn't watch Re:.
All this started from Kaneki only wanting to meet a girl at a cafe.
djfluffy123 Guess who's never going on a date again? :)
TooFabulousForUToo Handle C: well especially after his boyfriend died
GianniGhost his death isn't canon lol
djfluffy123 Honestly XD
DjFluffy EOF #Damn...
#RipOwl #RipHide #RipJason #RipResei
Honestly I hated this OP at first but as the second season progressed I realized how beautifully it fit the theme of the second season
Same, actually
Same
same
it's funny how many people have it grow on them.... I took to it relatively instantly tonight cuz the lyrics at least are relatable... I might pick up on watching this series after watchmojo said it was a terrible theme song.
despite that top 10, I actually like it more and more the more I try to find reasons to dislike it haha. intriguing to say the least.
+Brandon Bevill same I saw the watchmoji video and I was like what no its good and it happens the same with the 1 opening too
this op is really underrated tbh, feel free to disagree but its really beautiful and just calming it needs more attention
yes
The lyrics are just amazing
Specially the way kaneki switch emotions tru hes way of moving in the video. I feel like we can all relate with him. Atleast i do
I mean its okay, it just doesnt feel like an opening to me. Idk maybe i been listening to aot openings too much.
more like overhated
This is probably one of the most beautiful anime openings ever
@Maou Sama stfu dude this op captures the essence of Tokyo ghoul dude, especially at this part of the story
yea exactly the anime wanted me to tear my eyes out and the opening wanted me to tear my ears out
This OP gives me so much nostalgia and if you dont like this OP you don't have a soul.
@@jonioriteo1399 same..
wtf guys this opening is trash no matter what it tells to you and others
KANEKI JUST WANTED A FUCKING DATE
IKR! 😭😭😭
when the virgin ken felt confident the only confidence he got was getting almost killed
The moral of the story is you can't trust these hoes 💯
+Metro Boomin 😂😂
lol true
That piano at end always gives me goosebumps. This song perfectly matches with the whole theme of the second season. At first when I listened to it, I just skipped to the start of the episode since I wasn’t bothered. Then when I eventually listened to it, I was pretty surprised by how well it came out. It sure isn’t as good as Unravel, but it’s pretty comparable. It’s just my opinion 😅
Agreed
Yes straight goosebumps 😩
In my opinion I think its better than unravel purely off its meaning and how much it means to the story this opening imo conveyed feelings and deepness that unravel isn't doing but this is just my opinion lol have a nice day!!!
It just makes me cry I remember first watching tokyo ghoul time flies and to see him cry blood man:/
I guess people misunderstood this song so much. The first time I listened to this OP, I sobbed and instantly liked it. This song fits the overall story of the anime at that time, how it captures Kaneki's deepest fear and sadness.
Kudos for the song choice and the animation, it was perfect. I just hope people would appreciate and understand it more.
This is how I see the opening:
So the first pair of hands (Rize I think) made him feel like a ghoul, which was something he didn’t want to accept for the longest time. He even looked sad as she put her hands over his eyes. After that he looks up from the ground as if he’s accepting and coming to terms with it. The second pair of hands (either Touka’s or Hide’s) made him feel more human, and were comforting as they showed up around him in an embrace, but it saddened him because he knows he’s no longer a full human. This could be shown because his left eye is the only one crying, and it’s crying blood. All the pain he went through was because of his ghoul side.
Jukou 4life true
Damn thanks for the insight bro
H A I don’t remember this but I think I did a decent job
Me before seeing Tokyo Ghoul: dafuq is this depressing emo stuff
Me after seeing Tokyo Ghoul: *tears run down face* LEAVE KANEKI ALONE!
*LOL*
sleepyash facts
Am I the only one who actually liked thus song after hearing it the first time? Like I was actually brought to tears just by listening and when I listened to it the second time whilst reading the lyrics it made me love it 100% more. Sure it's not up beat or fast paced but so many other things make up for it like the Chang in time signatures, that had to be so delicately planned and don't even get me started on the instrumentals!!! Needless to say, this is my favorite op from the series and always will be.
Props to the composer of this amazing song!
fufu fifi this was beautiful
I agree!
Only you
@@NarutoUchiha-lb8zq bOi stop lying this is awesome
Agree so much
*This Opening deserves a place in a Museum.*
yes
Facts
Unravel should be the one to deserve a place in a museum. Although, this OP and Tokyo Ghoul: Re OPs should too.
Fax
1:03 that singer voice and line sound so sad and beautiful it fits with kaneki's feeling in re
I agree with you completely
I hate this opening at first but it grew on me and i really like it now
It got a nice beat tho
Exactly u have to make it grow on you
I like the song but the visuals just rehashed the same symbolism and called it a day and it can't even remotely compare to Unravel.
yeah. I thought it was boring at first, but now.. It's pretty good
IOSGamingStudios eww
I think the part, "we wanted to be held", refers to Kaneki wishing that his mother chose him over his aunt as a child. The hands putting on the mask are actually Rize's. This represents his sane side after he learned the truth of the world he lives in. The hands taking off the mask would be his mom's, this is him remembering the crazy side of him, (before he was a ghoul). As a child, his aunt abused him for trying to be better than her kids, hence the, "untouchable kids", and, "simple words", (saying that his cousins weren't as smart as him, yet were stronger in family power because of their relation to the aunt.
idk why I thought this opening was the worst thing ever when I was younger, this opening is actually really good! I think my younger self was so uncultured that I thought less movement in opening = bad since I thought this opening was boring but it definitely isn't.
Same!! Growing up I just thought Unravel was so unparalleled. Now I honestly almost feel like this one is better?? It just perfectly encapsulates the tragic story of TG and Kaneki’s internal turmoil without spelling anything out literally. Plus its a little abstract. Gorgeous song and visuals.
nah its boring af
This op sucks compared to the fourth op
@@yatoclub this one has nostalgia
@@EduardoOliveira-yr3ib Nah it just ain't your cup of tea
People should appreciate this opening more
Kagiri Season 1 was better tho
Unpopular opinion: this opening is better than unravel
@@Furk38 I like session 2 op more than season 1
stanton Middlebrooks Thats your opinion, mine is that season 1 was better
@@Furk38 You're the only one here lol
Poor kaneki, his life's been a living hell, even before he was turned into a ghoul....
Actually I feel his life is much better as a ghoul, he got a job got friends got people who care for him and he got married to the over hot touka 🤤
His life was worse when he *first* became a ghoul because on top of Jason's torture he was also going through psychological torture that nearly drove him insane because his whole world had changed.
@@m.b.0077 but after he became haise everyrhing went cool
@@armysope616 He seemed to be pretty happy living with the quinx as Haise
He was sort of like a motherly figure for them
People get so bent out of shape because the intro isn't some flashy animation. It perfectly fits the mood of the series, from the music to Kaneki's expression. This isn't some shonen anime like many people seem to believe.
*****
Actually, up until the new season, the anime was pretty faithful to the manga. This series isn't about action; it's a psychological show.
For gods sake we know about the manga already. Trust me. Everyone has been informed on what the manga is like. Can we drop it?
TheJincorporated
So what if I mention it? It was to make a point that really wasn't even about the manga per se.
This should of been the outro
*****
All they really did was flip a few arcs that had no impact on the overall story and omit a few unnecessary backstories. For 12 episodes, it was pretty faithful. It doesn't always have to be a play-by-play of each scene, otherwise it *really* would've felt rushed.
The first time I saw this opening it made my spine chill. I can see and feel the pain,loneliness and suffering kaneki is going through all alone while trying to save his loved ones and not become a monster himself. I myself went through alot of suffering and thoughts of suicide for many years and seeing this made me fully relate to his pain. Nevertheless I haven't seen a more beautiful opening to this day!
If you're interested in finding meaning to this opening, here's my line by line analysis using the official translation.
I had a dream/ It was of the time we were born/ We lived such a beautiful life/ in a city of wombs. Knowing a prostitute is mentioned later in the opening and this is the city of wombs, we can assume this metaphorical setting is a city of prostitution, representing a place of sin and continuously birthed hate. The we are the children of these prostitutes, born out of sin, evidenced by the line it was of a time we were born. They are the ghouls. They are born out of evil (and the lust of flesh-- double entendre here). So again, the "We" are the children birthed from evil and hate (ghouls). We lived such a beautiful life implies that these children (ghouls) tried to live happily and innocent, supported by the line We clapped our hands and smiled. This refers to the main cast in Anteiku.
But then comes We drank the paint dry/ The colors of the rainbow changed. They lived life trying to be happy with each other, but in the end, they are what they are, children of sin (ghouls). Their happiness is overwhelmed by this fact with that sense of being (sense of sin) never going away (because the ghouls have to continuously eat meat and survive, reminding them of who they are). Thus, the artificial happiness, the "paint" of that rainbow, was "drank dry." This refers to the melancholy of the cast in living with themselves as ghouls, as well as the beginning of Kaneki's realization of those feelings they have when he sees that ghouls are practically humans too. Children of prostitutes, even if "sinful," are obviously humans.
Next, We started wanting to be held/ I couldn't walk alone anymore/ We smiled at each other. These children have to support themselves to survive. It's almost a parallel to the struggles we saw in Anteiku (or the entire beginning of this series). These ghouls are just trying to live in comfort, and have to get rid of the barriers between themselves (not have internal fights with other ghouls ie. Nishio). It refers to them clinging onto each other as they were when they were happy, but this time, out of desperation. It can also be referenced to Hinami and Touka's questioning of their lives as ghouls when they faced Mado, but everyone supported them to get through it.
We gave our love to toys refers to them sticking together to fight out their opposition (investigators). The "toys" are their masks, but this line mostly serves to intensify the bond being created with the ghouls.
Then, I wish we could destroy/ The untouchable children using simple words! The "we" in this instance is back to the timeline of when the opening first plays. The children from before are older, and this line is after the "dream" has been described. Or, you could look at dream, as in hopes, and the timeline would still match up. Regardless, this "we" is that generation grown, or more experienced. They wish they could end the continuously birthed hate in their city (of prostitution/ghouls) which they are stuck in using "simple words," meaning without violence. They want peace living with their sin (peace between the ghouls and humans) and for this notion of them (the ghouls) being "untouchable children" to vanish (including those feelings of hate to future unborn, and hence, untouchable ghouls-- two possible meanings).
However, The prostitute spat fire/ In a faraway city, somebody died. The prostitute is the original being of the ghoul. The origin of that sin. Kaneki went to a faraway city, away from the city of wombs (of sin) because he tried to leave that sin behind (referring to him leaving the cycle of hatred) to make peace. However, he was caught in the fire/hell of the ghouls cycle of hate, and his former self died there, in that faraway city where he tried to make things right. (Notice how it is purposefully not the "city of wombs," but rather a "faraway city.")
EDIT!!: That last line. I need you to know that I've changed my mind about that. The prostitute spat fire is Rize (basically) talking trash about Kaneki while he's being tortured. Remember how he imagined her saying that he was weak and all the rest of that? The original being of the ghoul, as represented by Rize (which is fitting because she's a binge eater) had broken his mind during those torture sessions and changed him into who he is now because he listened to that. After the prostitute spat fire, in other words, when he listened to imaginary Rize's words, he "accepted" he was a ghoul and changed. (The old Kaneki has still died, but the words prior to that now make much more sense in the context of what was going on).
I loved this opening, and couldn't stand people hating it. Do you like it a little better now? It sure as hell is tragic though.
Edit: Furthermore, the line city of wombs does not itself have a negative connotation. So what does this mean? It is a city of metaphorical prostitution (evil) yes, but the "womb" is generally known as a place where babies are nurtured. As such, the idea of ghouls supporting each other in a peaceful, human way is implied from this early point as well. This city is given a double meaning in which it is both good and evil. Specifically, this must be referring to the point where Kaneki was quickly integrated into their "evil/sinful" society (Anteiku) consisting of people who loved each other since the lines right before talk about birth-- the beginning of it all in those peaceful days at Anteiku. Of course, it has its general meaning to do with the whole of the ghoul world as well, which is what we understand when we first analyze it.
In my eyes, the opening is amazing, given the fact that the entire story of Kaneki's integration into the ghoul world all the way up to his "death" is secretly within the lines. Seriously, HOLY SHIT! Not just him, but the entire story of the ghouls.
NOW GIVE IT ANOTHER LISTEN!!
Edit 2: Also, when I say this opening should be appreciated, I don't limit my advocation to the lyrical context of the song, but the actual melody. Tokyo Ghoul is supposed to be a tragedy, and having two "ending" style themes especially hits that point home and really captures the melancholy atmosphere which characterizes a lot of Ishida's original manga. It's an atmosphere which I love (personally). It's a matter of taste, but there's that. (Still, if you listen to it more, I bet you'll like the melody too. Listen to the crazed harmony of those drums beating against the rhythm of piano, with complementing, but not overly rough contrast to the soothing voice of the singer! Come on!) But if you don't like it, I guess you don't like it.
Please do not judge this post by my view on how the opening should be appreciated though. Judge it by what I've found in the lyrics.
Anyways, I've given you the main points of my analysis. If you look at it with this understanding, it'll mean a lot more, or at least be more intriguing (yeah, it was a little weird for me at first too). I hope you liked this breakdown!
The rest of the post is not analysis of the Opening, so you may stop here
Edit 3: In regards to whether or not the song was produced with a specific connection to Tokyo Ghoul.
So, the question: Is the analysis relevant considering the song may have been chosen for Tokyo Ghoul instead of created for Tokyo Ghoul? What if it was just fitted in?
My answer:
There is a summary TLDR on the bottom. If you want to know more though--
If this song was not "meant" for Tokyo Ghoul, one must then think of the purpose it was chosen to represent it through the lens of the producers who fit it into the themes of Tokyo Ghoul. Thus, the meaning derived from what they (the ones who selected this song for the OP) deduced in relation to Tokyo Ghoul must be considered.
As such, the OP retains A meaning having to do with Tokyo Ghoul, as opposed to THE meaning which the song was originally produced for. Regardless, a deeper layer holds true to the anime then, for that is what the ones who chose this song have created by having the song represent it.
Consequently, it doesn't even matter if the producer of the song thought of Tokyo Ghoul at all. To reiterate, it now matters why this is the opening, and why it was chosen to be from an original song (with original meaning). But by transitive property, it now is relative to Tokyo Ghoul. By choosing it as the OP, the producers have breathed life into it through the lens of Tokyo Ghoul (from their own vision of the relationship), making the original song meaning irrelevant in the context of the anime.
Thus, all analysis of the song in relation to Tokyo Ghoul is relevant for we are now searching for that vision.
However, does the fact that the song was not intended for the anime detract from its meaning? That's your own call, but I would say an artist would tell you that part of the beauty of art is that it means different things to different people, and if we are to respect this, it means that the validity of reasonable interpretation holds true when presented with an ambiguous piece of art (and music obviously, for music is an art), of which this opening is (at least the selected portion which plays as the opening, for nothing relatable to an otherwise concrete meaning is given). As such, what is being said is the same, except through the voice of the anime developers rather than the band. And if that is true, which it must be, if it were not the band (for the song would not have been chosen otherwise), the depth of the lyrical connection is no less potent.
Keep in mind though that the possible original meaning behind the song should have greater respect than the analysis of it in relation to Tokyo Ghoul if it indeed does have its own truth. Since we do not seem to know it though, it is safe to hold on to the thought of a different meaning while looking at it this way and wholly accepting it. The preceding notion of ambiguity within this song further supports the development of having branching connections to the lyrics of it, which supports that the song may justifiably be connected to Tokyo Ghoul if not already justified under my defined notion of visions holding respect in and of themselves. Once more, a connection to Tokyo Ghoul has become even more viable. Keep in mind that the song, in the end, may actually have been intended for TG to begin with anyways (which is what I think as of now).
In the end, what remains is that all evidences allow for analyses to be established. In truth, what I have said also affirms this analysis as my own vision and thus, also a true vision to those who find it as "reasonable interpretation" (who believe it to be true as the connection the lyrics have to the anime). Now to each of us, that meaning has been solidified and made true if we still believe it as reasonable interpretation, because we would otherwise not think it a valid interpretation if we did not believe it to be a viable real one.
So, if you find this analysis as reasonable interpretation, and think it explains the lyrical relation, for you, it has actually become the real meaning of the lyrics (in relation to Tokyo Ghoul) on the contingency an official statement from the band explaining the lyrics' relation to Tokyo Ghoul is not released. If it were the anime developers releasing the statement, they could only be explaining their vision, in which case this analysis has just as much credibility as their statement. If the band says that it was not made for TG, then like I've said, their intent should be respected, although allowing the song to represent the anime has now separated their original meaning in context of Tokyo Ghoul.
Edit 3 TLDR: What I have proven to you is that it is pointless to dismiss the lyrics as irrelevant, or not made for Tokyo Ghoul.
www.reddit.com/r/TokyoGhoul/comments/2rwlrh/extensive_analysis_of_tokyo_ghoul_a_opening/
+Saib17
Hated that opening at first, then I find it to be a work of art.
+Itaker Taker same here. now it brings major feels to me.
that was a very long comment.
+[FOG] Shaka I was going to read all of it but i got lazy and asked the computer to
+[FOG] Shaka Give this man a cookie, and some milk to go along with that cookie :) I bet you got all A's on your English essays :P
I love how everyone talking about 1st or 3rd season opening but everyone just forgot about this one lmao
Well, in my opinion all other 3 openings are better than this one!
I actually like this one more than re's 1st opening 😄
I really like katharis (tokyo ghoul:re op 2)
I forgot but returning to it is like. DAMN It’s so sad.
Because it wasn't good
Am I the only one that thinks this wouldve have been better as an ending?
And have an intro similar to the first season?
+Jawuan Hart i do
THANK YOU!!
I've always thought the same!!!
***** I'm sure there is, all I'm saying is that from how I see it it feels like it would be better as an ending.
I personally see this as one of the better openings, it fits the theme of the struggles he was facing accepting his new life he was thrown into unexpectedly and how "Someone far away died" part was his old life.
Rize puts on the mask
And hide takes it off
Just pointing out that hide freed kaneki from his pain
It is actually Touka...
HIDE 0^0
idk I dislike touka and i friggin love Hide a ton more so I just think of Hide, besides the author said it can be whoever you think is right. He said it might actually be black hair kaneki Madelyn Moriarty
IKRR!! what does she do when kaneki gets back? HITS HIM Roman Bloomfield
I always knew Kaneki was gay
Wut... If joke, not funny.
If serious, stfu. There's enough retarded yaoi of Kaneki already. He shows no sign of homosexuality whatsoever, and so he cannot possibly be gay. The only love interest he has Is touka, who is a girl.
11 views away from 1 million. Don't worry guys I got this
Same fam
oH SHIT it's at one million guys you're welcome
It's WE
2 million here we come
@@yoznfroogurt it was the end the end of ken and the start of eye patch
"We drank the paint dry, The colors of the rainbow changed"
It's my favorite part of the song c:
drug reference, anyone?
+Joshua What's-his-name
I'm not sure, not yet anyways..
AriaPetShops ™ lol I know it isn't one
+AriaPetShops ™ He got HIGH with hide, BUT WAIT A MINUTE
Compare the words HIGH and HIDE.
+Stuff OH MY GOD
Me when first hearing this intro: What a peaceful intro
Me when reading the lyrics: 😮
lol
Straight out drk
Ngl this op really creeps the f**** out of me
@@beaubien3116 at a faraway city, somebody died and that is kaneki
it gives me an eerie feeling and i love it
My favorite parts of the song:
*We drank the paint dry*
*The prostitute spat fire*
Honestly i think that there is weird lyrics because of how it is a messed up world in Tokyo Ghoul and i don't know about you guys but the lyrics are beautiful and i could listen to them all day 💕
sAME
How did u forgot the last part
Somebody in a faraway city died
This hits hard and this phrase stuck in my head
So much meaning in this, from the lyrics to Rize and Touka trying to guide Kaneki through the new way he was forced to live.
Screw the nerds who're looking for the same generic opening 50+ shows have.
too much action and catchiness in songs nowadays.
And what's wrong with those??? Those alot of the "generic" openings are good
CJAdams97 Nothing, they're just repetitive and people suddenly think this is the worst opening in the world since nobody's getting shot or hit.
Tapp I really love the opening of season one, but this opening really sets the tone of the story in my opinion. I feel people confuse this anime for a narration of heroic bloodshed when in actuality the story commits its self to an epic tragedy. The dichotomy of the opening to the action in the show portrays the inner struggle of the main character in an almost noir fashion. Although the mental struggle of him becoming a monster in his mind is not portrayed as well as it was in the manga.
"The noir hero is a knight in blood caked armor. He's dirty and he does his best to deny the fact that he's a hero the whole time." - Frank Miller
To be fair the opening for season 1 wasn't anywhere near as "generic" as other animes. For starters it didn't have any action like most OPs do, it revolved more around showing the contrast of kaneki's human and ghoul sides, and it showed touka as a human when she's walking by showing her regular eye and in her reflection it shows her ghoul eye. It shows she's just as human as kaneki is and not a monster. This OP seems revolves more around the sadness of the entire 2nd season and showing kaneki's feelings.
I feel as though the first part where the pair of hands with nail polish and is putting on the mask on Kaneki is Rize because she made him like this and the second part with the second pair of hands takes off the mask is Hide because in a way he sets him free but with a price which is him dying. That's why Kaneki cries blood like in the last episode of season 2 . You don't have to agree with me this is my theory ( really more of an opinion)
Samaria P Wait Hide dies
If you look up hide's profile it says that Status:Unknown J-PнѕΧ-ツ • 224
Samaria P though we don't actually know Hide's status, I agree.
You hit the nail right on the head dude
Samaria :/ instead of hide taking the mask off it might be kaneki fighting back
This feels so nostalgic dude
exactly.
1:17 Touka blew a chicken and it caw caw-ed
She won't die oh
I'm done 😂
😂😂😂😂
omfg im ded
IM DEAD
Actually the hands after Rize's, are Hides! The animators made the hands to look genderless, but it was confirmed by Ishida [I dont remember where, I think his Twitter?] that they were Hides. They also made the person who Kaneki was holding in the white tarp look genderless also, because they didn't want to spoil that it was Hide.
Time to go cry in a corner now :'))))
This anime opening theme more related with Kaneki as an independent character who acknowledge his own irresponsibility and weakness.
I personally think people should appreciate this theme more!
100th like i really like this theme
Idk why people don't like this its beautiful asf. I love the instrumental and her voice especially
This anime has such a sad story
Agreed!!
It was kind of boring though because all they showed was fight scenes..I mean that's my opinion
@@kutolaomeeng9432 well I thought season was more emotional than season one ,but I personally love season 3's opening the best
Fun fact: tokyo ghoul has the horror genre on Hulu
@@kutolaomeeng9432 its based mostly around fights tho so it probably just wasnt for u 🤷🏾♂️
This actually grew on me
Same
same
same
I know right, i hated it at first
same
Tokyo ghoul fans weren't prepared for this opening, it's a misunderstood masterpiece and they called it trash because they compared it to unravel. It is the representation of art in an opening🌺
Honestly this opening are fit to Season 2, because this is Kaneki who embracing his pain of being Ghoul. While the first season was him who become Ghoul and can't accept it first.
This is beautiful. Ya'll ain't woke. 😤
edit: whether y'all agree or not, i love y'all. 4.5k AAAAAAAAAAA
Slit Bodmod I like it to
Slit Bodmod
I’m not a huge fan of it. Probably because I’m a fan of more fast pace songs like Unravel or Asphyxia
Pizza time?
I actually just got into Tokyo ghoul, and am legitimately loving these songs, since I read the manga
Get woke go broke
What a relief taking a shit listening to this song
same
LMAO
Fr
Omg, same. And I'm not even lying.
i laughed so hard at this comment and its 2:37 am LMFAO
I much prefer this opening. I really captures his loneliness and being trapped in his own terrible thoughts
Matthew James he's not lonely he's got yamori rize and human kaneki
Tyler Day people can be lonely even when surrounded by many people. In this season you can obviously tell
finally someone with taste
EXACTLY AND IT MADE ME CRY AFTER I WATCHED AFTER I SAW HIDE die ;(
CoolGhoulFool tanaka Some of the people here are new to the fandom so try to avoid spoilers :P
Este es probablemente el opening mas incomprendido de todos los tiempos
totalmente
La verdad 👍🏼
Yo creo que ya no tanto Davey. Creo que poco a poco ya la gente nota lo bello que es
Una obra de arte el opening
Siendo realistas parece un ending
Can I just say that even though Unravel was one of the best anime themes I have ever heard, Munou seriously measures up to it. The singer's voice is beautiful, the animation is smooth and meaningful, so much symbolism, I mean it is a perfect depiction of season two while being original and not spoiling anything. Season 1's theme may have been really awesome, but this kind of brings a deeper meaning to the show, much like season 2 as a whole.
Anyways, my point is the style is so much different, but I kind of appreciate this much more than unravel.
AND HOLY CRAP THE CHANGE AT 0:34 IS FREAKING AMAZING :0
Aka Unravel is better
@@RelikRS This show is meant to be edgy if you think unravel better fits this show your are mistaken unravel was a good intro don't get me wrong but if you don't get the deep meaning to this intro you should not have watched or be watching the show
The tone too on that part...
woah
@@RelikRS nope, i think the best op of the whole series is either Katharsis or Asphyxia. Well that doesn't mean Unravel isnt good.
ZeoX [WDs] I bet you’re 8
I think the first pair of hands are Rizes because she kept on pushing Kaneki to be a ghoul and to forget that he is human and the second pair of hands are hides because he was the only connection he had to his past life as a human and so hide reminded Kaneki that there is still human inside of him. Also when (spoilers if u haven't finished season 2) hide dies Kaneki sheds the same tear that is in the opening. I don't think Touka would be the second pair of hands because she didn't do anything to remind Kaneki that he is still human. This opening has a lot of meaning to it. The creators of the anime used great songs for the openings because they both had a lot of meaning to the anime.
I agree with your speculation 100%. I think you're one of smart people here.... (I've seen odd speculations...)
Jordan Thompson Wait so you didn't see Kaneki carrying Hide? The Cover was blown away when Kaneki was walking and it was Hide he was carrying.
Tbh I agree
the remaining candidates (For me anyways)
are as follows
Eto (In a sick twisted way)
or as you said
Hide
+Livy3030
well she is really the only one who understands the struggle of being a one eyed ghoul sooo yeah and in The mangabthey interacted alot more so maybe Eto
+mysterious “mike reiss” hooded figure its touka after watching the first opening i am 95 percent sure of it.
how could this not make you want to cry
The lyrics make me laugh maybe would be better with a different song
+Zombiekillerss10fromps3 I really like this song it also sounds good in English.
Tbh I didn't think season 1 or 2 was sad 1 bit? Wtf
Whenever I hear this OP, I start crying and scream "Plz STOP! My hears! I want to keep my sanity... PLZ!!! Y does the f*cking volume button decides to lag NOW? **sepuku**"
+Derek Taillefer the song is gud m8
I love this artistic feel of the song, the way he just stands there and does nothing and sadly looks, it really brings the chills and feels.
That single blood tear just keeps hitting me right in the feels for some reason
k8thegamer that blood tear fell out when hide died.
Ruby roobsters yeah
0:07 if you don’t want ears to be bleeding
Thanks man💯
Too late....
Ye thanks
@@meeploaf welp same
1:44 if you don't want your ears to be bleeding
when I first saw comments on this theme people were all like "this is terrible", but now there all like "i really like this song"
I think this is one of the most beautiful openings in anime history it’s so compelling
Do y'all not understand that this opening is about Kaneki and Hide
LITERALLY
*****
actually i think unravel was about kaneki and hide, this song is about chapter 53 of :re
i knew that
And Rize, since the first pair of hands are Rize's
yeah i know and im really happy that hide is alive no joke
i don't understand why some people don't like this opening
They wanted an action packed opening and instead got one that held much more significant meaning but they didnt like it.
i Personally love this opening over unravel
I don't think people get it it supposed to be telling a story look at the subtitles while looking at the backround
Miles Wilson ^
+thirst mcburst Cause most people didn't pass Gr 12 english so they can't interpret the meaning :P
+supersonicstep OVER UNRAVEL?!? THIS OPENING IS SHIT COMPARED TO UNRAVEL
I know for a fact that I'm not the only one who's favorite part is at 0:35 in the video
Net Work B.B.
Yep! Glad to know there's others with the same opinion. The whole OP really relates Kaneki's situation well, and I feel like that part is where the illusion is lifted. It's not a happy song or life, and it's distorted, perverted.
You're not alone. Its so beautiful, it sounds like a depressing lulluby/ children's song
Ahhh😖❤️❤️
Net Work same
lyrics:
yume wo mitandayo umareta toki no koto
utsukushiku ikite ne shikyuu no machi
bokura te wo tataite warattanda
enogu wo nomihoshita niji no iro kawatta
dakishimeraretakunatta hitori ja mou arukenakunatta
waraiatteitanda yo omocha ni ai wo sasagete
furerarezaru kodomotachi wo kantan na kotoba de kowashitai
shoufu ga hi wo hanatta
tooku no machi de dareka ga shindayo
Sad opening it’s like you can feel it 😢
Anime Tv yes agree
more like ending 😏
This song is ironically very fitting for Tokyo Ghoul (especially :re) despite how much the anime fucked up. SPOILERS DOWN BELOW
Beforehand note: The song doesn't have to refer to anything. It's just me interpreting the lyrics since I believe that Ishida was the one who chose this song as the OP (since he did make a tweet about it and he does like österreich a lot).
For example, "I had a dream" can refer to Kaneki as a whole up until he stopped being Haise and remembered the truth about his mother ("It was of the time we were born."). "We lived such a beautiful life" fits as well since it is referring to how Kaneki put the wool over his own eyes and pretended to be kind and selfless.
Now, "in a city of wombs" is very complicated. It can refer to the notion of the Wombs of the Washuu clan, since Kaneki's other personality takes on the form of Rize early in the series (very subtle foreshadowing to the fact that Kaneki was messed up since before the series).
"We clapped our hands and smiled / We drank the paint dry / The colors of the rainbow changed". From what I think, it can be literally be saying how Kaneki was so desperate to be the "kind and selfless" person he is that he "drank the paint dry," as in his facade fell apart and they (well technically one at that point in the manga) realized his true face. Thus, Touka punched him and yelled at him (the colors changed).
"We started wanting to be held / I couldn't walk alone anymore." = Kaneki's insane fear of being alone. May also be his want to be held in the arms of death that comes later on (makes a true and not-so-subtle first appearance in chapter 140-something).
"We gave our love to toys" Kaneki likely viewed his "friends" as toys he played with to keep himself from being lonely when he first met them. These feelings dissipated by the time :re rolled around.
"The prostitute spat fire." Prostitute=Rize (in a way, considering what she was born to do). Rize also "spat fire" in the fact that she successfully ran away from the Sunlit Garden and spat in the face of V/Washuus.
"In a faraway city, someone died" can refer to Kaneki's death as an imposter (becoming Akaneki or Yamineki), Shirazu's death (he died far away from reaching his goal), or Arima's death (he died far away from the world he hated, the world were he was forced to take lives again and again).
Some of the stuff I skipped is basically redundant words as it just elaborates on some lines here.
Hope it makes sense!
E_IO thank-you
no problem~
I've had enough dreams
noice
Yes. Unravel is beautiful. But this one is beautiful too. The lyrics are so sad but yet so beautiful. It’s peaceful. Sure, it may not be fast and upbeat, but it’s still Tokyo Ghoul and still a beautiful masterpiece just like the others. The meaning is more beautiful than ever.
Tokyo ghoul really blessed fans with its openings. Root a, unravel, katharsis and asphyxia are all amazing
1:25
That moment when you get soap
In your eyes
Awkward Beanie wow
So true
Lol but i think it should be 1:21
And you cease to exist
When you speak no japaneese but know every word of this song by heart.....
For real
*japanese
Kakashi, when was your hair ever straight down
LOL
What happened to your sharingan bro? lel
+SanJo OP I get it ;D
Ikr I've never seen Kakashi Sensei like this before!
Woah, at the end, I didn't know he could do Amaterasu.
People who compare unravel and this are just wrong. They can’t physically be compared as they’re both complete different genres which reflect on kanekis life and trauma and this opening is an amazing reflection back on the events that have happened and the symbolism. It’s a beautifully animated piece just like unravel
spoiler: tokyo has ghouls
😂😂😂😂
Mind blown🙀
no shit.
OH MY GOSH! SPOILED THE ENTIRE THING XD
You ruined it. You ruined everything, YOU MONSTER!
I cosplayed as kaneki at Animefest. I got attacked by a fangirl dressed as Rize. Then I saw a really good Rize, and she walked by me and winked at me. Best times of my life
Teriyaki Chicken666 Oh shit. What a good life. :)
alert alert
the second pair of hands are hide's hands.
hide made him human again.
it's not kaneki's mum.
kaneki's mum actually abused him.
alert is done
bye
Not hide's. Bye
+bartdude82 then who's hands is the second's set? it's not rize's, rize has the purple nail polish.
Omg your right! I'm crying again
also the 2nd pair doesnt have nail polish unlike the first proving your point correct
***** Who suggested Hinami, Hinami only shipped Touka X Kaneki.
This song really hit me hard. I have been crying at this for over 30 minutes. Its 00:07 o clock and i am here at my room listening to this and crying and i dont even know why i am crying tbh
Same, dude
??
The second pair of hands. Is. Not. Touka.I don't know why people think it's her. Based on my impressions in the manga and in the anime, both seasons, there is no reason for those arms to be Touka. She is most definitely never tried to convince Kaneki or remind him that he is still human. In fact when she first met him, she beat his ass because she hated how he refused to accept he was a ghoul. The only individuals I can speculate to be those arms are Hide...and Kaneki's mother. Remember that Hide represents Kaneki's humanity. He's the very person who ties him back to the human world. His mother, well, I say this because if you remember, when Kaneki was transitioning from human to ghoul after being tortured, who did he think of? Who was present? Rize was. But who did he think of as well? Who did he call pit to?
His mother.
She too represents his humanity and while she didn't speak to Kaneki or play a large role in the series as of yet, he thought of her and might have been...
the only reason he still retains some humanity within himself. I'm still betting money that it's his mother. Honestly I could go either way with this but I lean more to his mom only because the arms looked feminine.
Jordan McNamee Not for one second xD
FUCKING THANK YOU.
If you read the manga and know about the tarot cards then you'd know it's definitely Rize and Hide
his mother wouldn't fit in this op if you read the new re chapter...
Read TG:Re chapter 53.
The lyrics have a whole new meaning to them.
Hehehehe
didn't get it. What's the new meaning?
+Sana Tahir Did you read the chapter?
+Sana Tahir Did you read the chapter?
+Sana Tahir Did you read the chapter?
I think I'm the only one that likes this more than Unravel.
Neil Neilson no, but I prefer the first op over this one
Neil Neilson same
Neil Neilson same
it's even for me
Also me
What amazes me about this theme is how much it says with such little imagery. To me it matches the motif of dying inside and no longer knowing yourself
Spoilers!
Does the last line, “In a faraway city, someone had died,” refer to Hide after he was supposedly dead and found by Kaneki?
Nope refers to Kaneki's personality and Rize as well(read the fucking manga)
Yeah dude, Hide's dead and he's reincarnated and get a lot of scars on his face
Just to you guys who hasn't read the manga, the second season of Tokyo was not canon and never happened. In the manga Kaneki was on the verge of death and Hide let him eat him. That is what happened
Vrez he wasn’t reincarnated.
@@manaf1479 yea i mean kinda of it
0:48 is my favorite part
this opening kills me every time it's so nostalgic
this opening is absolutely beautiful. even after 9 years