Spring songs from the early Showa era: a collection of kayōkyoku and shōka that evoke spring
When you hear “spring,” what songs come to mind?In the early Showa era, spanning from before to after the war, many popular songs, school songs, and children’s songs were created that delicately captured the changing seasons.In this special feature, we present a rich selection of songs and school songs about spring from that time.Some of the linked audio-video materials use original recordings from the era, so please savor the spring air of those days along with the retro sound.We hope you enjoy a gentle springtime, humming along to these nostalgic melodies.
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Spring songs from the early Showa era: A collection of kayōkyoku and shōka that evoke spring (41–50)
Blue MountainsFuji Yama Ichirou, Nara Mitsue
“Blue Mountain Range” is a song loved by many Japanese people, a Showa-era popular tune released in 1949, shortly after the war.
It was created as the theme song for a film directed by Tadashi Imai, based on the novel of the same name by Yojiro Ishizaka.
The original performance was a duet by Ichiro Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara.
Because Ms.
Nara passed away early, Mr.
Fujiyama’s solo rendition became more famous, and the song transcended its role as a movie theme to become a truly national anthem of hope for postwar Japan.
The lyrics were written by Yaso Saijo and the music composed by Ryoichi Hattori.
Notably, both Fujiyama and Hattori later received the People’s Honor Award, making it interesting that this song involved two such honorees.
Incidentally, Blue Mountain Range has been adapted multiple times into films and TV dramas, and each time this song has been used as the theme, with many other singers also performing it—so be sure to check those versions out as well!
hometownshouka
Blue mountains, pure waters, and memories of childhood play.
The gentle melody that wraps these scenes of a beloved hometown, along with feelings for family and friends living far away, holds a universal appeal that resonates with everyone.
First published in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, this piece was created by Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano, vividly reflecting the rural landscapes and lifestyles of Japan at the time.
It was sung at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving countless people.
Its simple, memorable melody in G major and triple meter continues to be sung at life’s milestones, such as graduation and coming-of-age ceremonies.
With lyrics and melody that evoke nostalgia, it is truly a song that stands by all who live away from their hometowns—a work that can be said to symbolize the heart of Japan.
tricolor violetSakurada Junko
This is a song by Junko Sakurada, released in February 1974, that entrusts the tender feelings of first love to tricolor violets.
Singing of a fleeting romance, the track reached No.
10 on the Oricon chart and sold approximately 186,000 copies.
The fusion of Akuyu’s delicate lyrics and Taiji Nakamura’s evocative melody beautifully captures the aching innocence of a young girl’s love.
The work depicts the emotions of adolescence—where hope and anxiety intertwine—with elegance, while Sakurada’s clear, translucent voice adds depth to the story.
It is a gentle companion for anyone who holds close the longing of waiting and the poignancy of an unfulfilled love.
Comrades-in-arms cherry blossomsItō Hisao
“Dōki no Sakura,” a Japanese military song.
It portrays the brilliant, pure way of falling as cherry blossoms, and this expression also became the origin of the term referring to classmates who enlisted in the same year.
The original song was “Sen’yū no Uta (Nirin no Sakura),” released by King Records in 1939.
It was later covered by artists such as Koji Tsuruta, Hibari Misora, and Saburo Kitajima.
It is a piece that, while valiant, carries a hidden sense of fragility and sorrow, and perhaps it continues to be sung so we do not forget the hardships of war.
Maiden of the LakesideKikuchi Akiko
Akiko Kikuchi, a singer who earned full mastery of the biwa at the age of six, made her debut as a vocalist in 1939.
Her single “Lakeside Maiden,” released on November 15, 1942, became a major hit as the theme song for the film Farewell by the Lakeside.
Its clear, soaring high tones and lyrical melody evoke the charm of Japan’s bygone musical era.
It’s an emotional number you’ll want to hear while paying attention to the lyrics, which are steeped in the beauty of the Japanese language.
