Japanese Subtitles

The Japanese subtitle translation of Thoughts Become Things marked one of the earliest steps in the film’s journey beyond Bermuda. Created to support the film’s introduction to Japanese audiences, this translation explored how Bermudian poetry, rhythm, and ancestral storytelling could live within a different language and cultural context.

This process was not simply about translating words. It was about preserving meaning, emotion, and symbolism even as the language changed.

Working closely with a Japanese translator, the film’s poetry was carefully unpacked line by line. Bermudian expressions, metaphors, and cultural references were discussed so their intent could be understood, rather than translated literally.

As part of this journey, the film’s poster was also reimagined for Japanese audiences under the title Gombey: A Message from Our Ancestors, offering additional cultural context while staying true to the heart of the story.

This translation helped affirm that while language may shift, the core themes of ancestry, identity, and the power of thought remain universal.

Translation note:

The English text below is a direct interpretation of the Japanese subtitles, not a word-for-word translation. Some phrasing shifts to preserve meaning, rhythm, and emotional intent across language and culture.

To watch with Japanese subtitles via YouTube. Select Japanese subtitles in the video player to experience this translation.

ゴンベイ～先人からのメッセージ～

Gombey: A Message from the Ancestors

捕まらないさ
I won’t be caught,

たとえ相手が
Not even if it’s the

警察でもね
police.

さあ、寝る準備をしましょう
Come on, let’s get ready for bed.

お父さんそっくりね
You look just like your father.

明日はきっとうまくいくわ
Tomorrow will surely go well;

友達もいるし    ご先祖さまも見守ってくれる
Your friends will be there, and your ancestors will watch over you.

叩きつける雨のように    心に轟くゴンベイのリズム
Like rain pounding down, The rhythm of the Gombey resounds in the heart.

ゴンベイは魂の叫び
The Gombey is the song of the soul,

頭を殴られたように    いつまでも続く躍動
A relentless rhythm like a blow to the head, A never-ending pulse.

先人たちの教えは未来へのガイダンス
The teachings of those before us guide the future,

先人の想いは次の世代へと受け継がれる
Their spirit passed on to the next generation.

基盤は生きる力となり
Our foundation becomes the strength to live,

意思は現実を動かす
Our will moves reality

言葉は成功への武器となり
Words become tools for success

翼となって   どこまでも飛んでいく
Wings that carry us wherever we wish to go,

誰にも捕らえらえないほど
No one can capture them.

速く
Naturally

心に轟け  ゴンベイのリズム
Let the rhythm of the Gombey resound in our hearts.