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 popular songs and school songs that evoke spring (51–60)
Sakura, sakurashouka
When you think of spring, isn’t the first thing that comes to mind cherry blossoms? There are many other famous flowers, but when you close your eyes, what you picture behind your eyelids is a row of cherry trees in bloom.
And this piece, “Sakura Sakura,” is a quintessential Japanese song—a classic sakura song.
It’s also well known as a practice piece for the koto.
You often hear it as background music in scenes meant to symbolize Japan.
It seems that the lyrics were a bit different before 1941, and singing it with the old lyrics can be fun too.
It’s a song that represents Japan’s beautiful four seasons—especially spring.
The Night Wind of the JourneyKirishima Noboru, Misu Koromubia
“Tabi no Yokaze” is a Showa-era popular song released in 1938.
It was composed as the theme song for the film Aizen Katsura, which was based on a novel depicting a quintessential ‘star-crossed’ romance, and it became a smash hit for the time, selling over 800,000 copies.
Even if people don’t know the song’s title, many will recognize it when the opening lyrics play and say, “That’s the song from Aizen Katsura, isn’t it?” The understated yet expressive vocal performance by Noboru Kirishima and Miss Columbia remains moving even today.
Happy Hinamatsuri
In 2006, in Japan, 101 songs selected from children’s songs, school songs, and popular songs—chosen by the Agency for Cultural Affairs with the aim of being passed down between parents and children for generations—were announced as the “100 Selections of Japanese Songs.” The piece introduced in this article, “Ureshii Hinamatsuri,” is one of those 101 selections.
It hardly needs explanation as it is a famous children’s song that everyone has heard.
Released in 1935 as a children’s song with lyrics by Hachiro Sato and music by Chokurei Kawamura, “Ureshii Hinamatsuri,” as its title suggests, is themed around the Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri).
Interestingly, despite its lyrics evoking the joy and sentiment of spending a delightful time during Hinamatsuri, the song is set primarily in minor keys—what is commonly called a “minor mode.” It is also true that the lyrics contain some inaccurate depictions of actual Hina dolls.
Nevertheless, the excellence of the composition remains unchanged, which is why, as mentioned at the beginning, it continues to be loved as one of Japan’s representative spring children’s songs.
Happy HinamatsuriKawamura Junko
With the arrival of spring, the Doll’s Festival (Hinamatsuri) is celebrated by decorating with colorful lanterns and peach blossoms.
A song that beautifully captures this seasonal scene is “Ureshii Hinamatsuri” by Junko Kawamura.
Since its release in 1936, this beloved tune has been cherished in homes across Japan, a classic that people of all ages find themselves humming.
Listening to it evokes an immediate sense of spring and brings a gentle warmth to the heart.
The lyrics by Hachirō Satō portray the Hinamatsuri landscape, where family bonds and tender moments intertwine, leaving a deep impression on the listener.
Included on the albums “Junko Kawamura: A Journey Through Children’s Songs I” and “Junko Kawamura: A Journey Through Children’s Songs II,” its nostalgic melody remains timeless even today.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to hear each time spring returns.
Spring songs from the early Shōwa era. A collection of popular songs and school songs that evoke spring (61–70)
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!
Spring NightMiyagi Michio
This piece beautifully portrays a scene where the pure tones of the koto reverberate through a spring evening wrapped in silence.
Released in 1914 (Taisho 3), it is known as a masterpiece of Japanese music composed by Michio Miyagi at the young age of twenty.
It delicately depicts a man, guided by the sound of the koto on a night scented with white plum blossoms, experiencing a fleeting encounter with a beautiful woman.
The melodies Miyagi wove after overcoming blindness gracefully express the quiet of a spring night and the subtleties of the human heart, opening a new horizon for traditional Japanese music.
This work is recommended for those who wish to feel the changing seasons of Japan and the nuances of emotion.
On a tranquil spring night, why not surrender yourself to the harmonies of koto and shakuhachi?
In conclusion
We’ve shared a wide selection of spring songs—popular tunes, kayōkyoku, school songs, and children’s songs—that have been loved before, during, and after the war as times changed.
In every piece, the breath of spring gently carries the feelings of the people who lived in that era.
It would be wonderful if you’ve found a song you’ll want to hum each time the seasons turn.
Keep your favorite spring song close in your everyday life.