The Hong Kong-based group Sakura Fukubi has released “Carpe Diem,” a track that draws from Japanese tradition and spring symbolism to create something soft, meaningful, and reflective. The title may echo a well-known Latin phrase, but the music’s heart beats in Japanese time. Built around the imagery of cherry blossoms and the fleeting nature of life, “Carpe Diem” balances delicacy and intention without leaning into cliché.
The ensemble behind this release features Ada on vocals, Keith on acoustic rhythm guitar, Bryan Kam on bass and sound effects, Alexander Shirazee on percussion, Jenny on keys, and Emily on flute. That flute—centered purposefully in the arrangement—is a direct homage to the Japanese band Kalafina, whose influence helped shape the track’s emotional and tonal direction. The flute doesn’t decorate the song—it guides it, like a breeze through falling petals.
There’s nothing abstract about this piece. “Carpe Diem” was written as a nod to spring, and in particular, to sakura fubuki: the flurry of petals that fills the air when cherry blossoms begin to fall. The track uses that image not just visually, but structurally. The flute and keyboard work in tandem, mimicking wind and movement, while the guitar and bass keep everything rooted. Vocals from Ada are sincere and measured—nothing ornamental, just direct emotion with a clear purpose.
The recording took place at Yeah Studio in Hong Kong, a space that holds significance for the group. It’s not about pedigree—it’s about familiarity and being able to capture something close to the skin.
What makes “Carpe Diem” land is its refusal to overcomplicate anything. It’s soft without being sleepy, emotional without being performative. That balance allows it to function beyond just listening—it could easily fit in certain kinds of visual storytelling, particularly in scenes that explore memory, change, or the passing of time. The style would sit well in anime dramas, gentle narrative-driven games, or even short films built around quiet but potent emotions.
Sakura Fukubi is also preparing to release their first album this summer, with a launch event already confirmed at MOM Livehouse in Hong Kong. If “Carpe Diem” is any indication of what’s ahead, the album will likely continue to explore the interplay between tradition, nature, and personal reflection.
Carpe diem isn’t just a borrowed phrase here. The track embodies what it means in real terms—recognizing the brief moments, honoring the small things, and being fully present before they disappear.
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