Japanese shoka (school songs). Nostalgic tunes, songs of the heart.

Sakura, sakuraSuginami Children’s Choir

“Sakura Sakura” Suginami Children’s Choir

While they bloom magnificently across the entire sky, perhaps thanks to the children’s chorus, there’s also a sense of simple beauty.

The charm of cherry blossoms—the kind that somehow makes you want to go see them, whether they’re the ones in your neighborhood or the famous spots—was clearly conveyed.

I often hear it performed on the koto, but apparently there are electric guitar arrangements as well, which is another idea unique to cherry blossoms.

Flower TownTokyo Tama Boys and Girls Choir

Flower Town - Tokyo Tama Children’s Choir 2015.05

The lyrics were written by Akiko Ema, and the music was composed by Ikuma Dan; the song was created in 1947, after the war.

It spread nationwide through a radio program.

It is still widely sung today, and in 2006 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Verses 1 and 2 are bright, but the lyrics of verse 3 evoke a slight sense of loneliness.

The dolphin goes splish-splash.Tokyo Broadcasting Children's Choir

The dolphin goes splash-splash.

Lyrics by Tatsuo Azuma, music by Shoji Wakamatsu.

It’s a fun waltz in 3/4 time suitable for lower elementary grades.

The lyrics include puns and are amusing.

Since animals like dolphins and grasshoppers appear, children quickly warm up to it and can sing along.

There are also activities that combine this song with bamboo dance to help children physically experience the triple meter.

Whispers of HopeTokyo Mixed Chorus

Whisper of Hope / Whispering Hope / 微聲盼望

The composer is Hawthorne from the United States.

There are two versions of the Japanese lyrics, but this time we chose the translation by Ryoko Morozono.

It has been sung as a women’s chorus since before the war, with colloquial lyrics set to a flowing melody.

It has also been performed by Saori Yuki and Shoko Yasuda.

Harvest MoonYasuko Ukishima

Nursery Rhyme / The Full Moon on the Night of the Fifteenth {Nursery Rhyme Singer Yasuko Ukishima}

I had never thought about the lyrics of this song before, but when I listened closely, I realized it was a sad song.

The way it speaks to the harvest moon about how the mother has passed away and the younger sister has been separated is so sorrowful yet tender.

Is this also a song that reflects its era?

Early Spring OdeSaori Yuki, Shoko Yasuda

Early Spring Carol Saori Yuki & Sachiko Yasuda

It seems this song was also selected as one of the “100 Japanese Songs.” Befitting that honor, it makes me once again appreciate the charms of Japan—its four seasons, the beauty of its scenery, and the feelings they evoke.

Through the sisters’ beautiful singing, you can feel the longing as spring is still far off, and the beauty of the slightly chilly, quiet landscapes of this delicate time of year.

Let’s search for Tomorrow

[Choral Song] Let’s search for Tomorrow / With Lyrics [96/200]

A 1989 work with lyrics by Toru Hori and music by Toru Osawa.

Hori and Osawa are the same person, so in fact it is a piece written and composed solely by Osawa.

Although it was composed as a three-part mixed chorus for junior high school students, it is now also sung at elementary school graduation ceremonies.

It features measures of 2/4 interspersed within a 4/4 meter.