Let’s Sing Along! How to Sing “Sakura Sakura” in Japanese!

Useful techniques you need to know when you sing Jpop

Hello, Jpop lovers! Welcome to Honey Music School.

If you are interested in singing Japanese songs, this is the best place to join because we are going to learn how to sing “Sakura Sakura” in Japanese.

Four Sections We Are Going to Go Through

Here are four sections we are going to go through today;

1. historical background of Sakura Sakura
2. Meaning of the lyrics
3. Musical features
4. Useful tips and techniques for singing.

Let’s jump right into it!

Historical Background

Sakura Sakura, also known as Sakura, is a very traditional  Japanese folk song created in the Edo era, contrary to popular belief.

The song depicts the season of cherry blossoms so it is  often sung as a representative of Japan.

Although there are various theories about  its origin, it was originally created for Koto (a Japanese traditional musical instrument that has many strings.)

Meaning of the Lyrics

The original lyrics was created in the Edo era approximately around 1600 to 1850 but in 1945, the Ministry of Japanese Education published a new version of the lyrics.

If you have a look at the lyrics, you may notice that there are some words or expressions which sound quite unfamiliar even for someone who has been studying Japanese for quite a long time.

I picked up some difficult words (which are highlighted in yellow) so that you can evoke all of the senses.

Kasumi : 霞 (kasumi) means “mist” or “haze” in Japanese. We use this noun to describe the blurred vision of cherry blossoms  looking from a distance in spring time.

Niou: にほふ (niou) in this context means “shining brightly”. 

Hanazakari: 花盛り (Hanazakari) means “cherry blossom is in full bloom”. “Hana” means flowers and “zakari” refers to when flowers are in full bloom.

Musical Features (Chord)

The original chord used for this song is A minor and it also uses a “Pentatonic scale”. When you use the Pentatonic scale, you need to omit the 4th and 7th notes from the scale.

Many Japanese traditional folk songs are based on the Pentatonic scale and it has an oriental and exotic vibe. Many musicians believe that the Pentatonic scale conveys a Japanese sense of well-being.

Useful Tips and Techniques for Singing Sakura Sakura

Let’s start with the very first sentense; “Sakura Sakura”. You need to repeat the exact same word twice here.

If you just repeat these two words, it’s going to sound flat and boring. To make a contrast, you can use a different tone for each word. You could lower your voice for the second “Sakura ” to make a difference.

For the second line , make sure that you need to start with a soft voice, gradually turn up the volume towards the top, and return to where you are originally from at the end of the sentence. You could imagine that you are drawing a big arch ⤴︎⤵︎.

Pretty much the same rule can be applied to when you sing line 4 (Kasumika Kumoka).

When  you sing the last verse (Hanazakari), I would like you to remember the best way to end the verse. You should avoid sounding choppy at the very end of this verse. Just imagine that the echo of your singing voice is still floating and resonating  in the air after singing. 

Learn More About How to Sing Japanese Songs at Honey Music School!

We offer online lessons at Honey Music School by native Japanese vocal teacher who can teach you many useful techniques and tips to sing your favorite Japanese songs.

If you feel like singing more of the rest of “Sakura Sakura” or if you have your favorite Japanese songs to practice, please join us at Haney Music School. Until then, see you soon!