An introduction to Japanese nursery rhymes by a Japanese composer!

Apart from its food cultures, such as Sushi and Soba noodles, did you know that Japanese music also has a rich history?

In this article, I’d like to introduce you to some of the Japanese nursery songs called “Doyo/童謡”, which many Japanese used to listen to in their childhood.

I’ll post piano-arranged versions, so enjoy checking those out, too.

Moon over the Ruined Castle/荒城の月

This song was composed by Taki Rentarou, who explored western music styles during the Meiji era.

In many cases music is affected by a historical backdrop, but I think this song has a very fragile atmosphere, which makes me think the composer wasn’t a young man.

What kind of impression do you get from this song?

My Country Home/故郷

I’m not sure when was the first time I heard this song, I always felt I knew the melody already. This music has been familiar to me ever since I was a very little. The melody lines are supple, reminding me of the legato sound of a violin. 

Already a hundred years have passed since it was composed, so the meaning of the title, my country home, could be a bit different from the meaning nowadays.

Many young people back then used to come to big cities trying to succeed in life. There should have been a certain number of people who decided to go back to their hometown, because they weren’t able to make it in the city. We can find many emotions from this tune.

Wings To Fly/翼をください

This song could be considered to be pop music, not a nursery song though is familiar to people in all generations. We can say this is one of the Japanese standard songs.

It’s just an aside, this song made it into the top-rank of royalty on a song any given year. This is the healing music of the Heisei era.

Bubbles/シャボン玉

This song is about wishing the wind brings bubbles far away. It has Japanese vibes and sounds very peaceful. It is also said this song is about the souls of children who have died.

Still, many people will sing this tune when playing with soap bubbles. We can interpret it as a dark song such as “My Country Home/故郷”.

Though the sound seems to be bright. I wonder what the reasons are for the melodies to have ups and downs and what the composer wanted to express with the bubbles floating in the sky.

Bon Fire/たき火

The people that sell coal and oil at their stalls often play this song. Of course we can listen to it on kid’s TV shows, too.

Listening to this song can awaken heartwarming feelings that would come from poetry or a child’s kindness.

The unique Lyrics “Pii-Puu” were words coined by a composer, who is from the north of Japan, in order to remind us of the cold. 

Conclusion

“Doyo/童謡” songs have a lot in common; they often have a bit of sad feeling and sound somewhat like classical or lively music.

I think it’s because the music was influenced by social environments, historical background, and the composer’s personality.

There are a lot of interpretations about “Doyo/童謡” songs and many piano-arranged songs, too.

A large number of people who work in the music industry music want foreigners to listen to them. Please check them out!