さくらさくら [Sakura Sakura]
Words & Music : 作者不詳 [Unknown]
“Sakura Sakura,” or “Sakura,” is a very famous traditional Japanese song. Originally, it was a song called “Saita Sakura” and used as a practice piece for children learning the koto (a traditional Japanese string instrument). The melody became popular, and new lyrics were later added, creating “Sakura Sakura.” The melody was composed in the late Edo period (1603-1868), while the lyrics are believed to have been written during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Therefore, the image of it being an ancient traditional song may not be entirely accurate.
This song uses a scale called “miyako-bushi.” There are several traditional Japanese scales, but this particular one might be what sounds the most “Japanese” to foreign ears.
さくら さくら
sakura sakura
やよいの空は
yayoi no sora wa
見わたす限り
miwatasu kagiri
かすみか雲か
kasumi ka kumo ka
匂いぞ出ずる
nioi zo izuru
いざや いざや
izaya izaya
見にゆかん
mi ni yukan
- さくら [sakura] : cherry blossom
(translation) “Sakura, sakura,
the sky of Yayoi, as far as the eye can see,
is it mist or clouds? A fragrance is in the air.
Come, come, let’s go see it!”
Many of the words in the song are still used today, but understanding their meaning requires some knowledge.
“やよい / yayoi” refers to the third month of the lunar calendar, the time when the cherry blossoms bloom.
Mist and clouds refer to the distant view of the cherry blossoms, which may seem unrealistic but is a traditional form of Japanese expression.
“Sakura” is often seen as Japan’s representative flower. The Japanese love to go out and view the cherry blossoms when they are in full bloom in the spring. People gather under the cherry trees to enjoy food, drink, and hold parties. Let’s go see it.
In 1941, another set of lyrics was created. Many people are more familiar with this version.
さくら さくら
sakura sakura
野山も里も
noyama mo sato mo
見わたす限り
miwatasu kagiri
かすみか雲か
kasumi ka kumo ka
朝日ににおう
asahi ni niou
さくら さくら
sakura sakura
花ざかり
hanazakari
(translation) “Sakura, sakura,
in the fields, on the mountains, in the village, as far as the eye can see,
is it mist or clouds? The morning sun makes them glow.
Sakura, sakura, in full bloom.”
This version of the song is easier to understand. The mountains, fields, and villages are all covered with cherry blossoms as far as the eye can see.
The cherry blossoms bloom for only a short time each year before falling, but this brief moment of beauty is one of Japan’s iconic scenes.
By the way, there are many other more authentic traditional Japanese songs, but explaining the lyrics in detail can be difficult. Still, if I have the opportunity, I hope to introduce more of them to you.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to comment if you have any feedback or questions.
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