Aogeba toutoshi

Spring

2023.03.062023.03.05

Aogeba toutoshi

Aogeba toutoshi wagashino on
Oshie no niwanimo haya ikutose
Omoeba itotoshi kono toshi tsuki
Imakoso wakareme iza saraba

Tagaini mutsumishi higorono on
Wakaruru nochinimo yayo wasuruna
Miwotate naoage yayo hagemeyo
Imakoso wakareme iza saraba

Asayuu narenishi manabino mado
Hotaru no tomoshibi tsumu shirayuki
Wasururu mazonaki yuku toshi tsuki
Imakoso wakareme iza saraba

***************************************

Precious enough to look up

Honorable enough to look up to the teacher
It’s been many years since I first attended this school
When I think back, the school days seemed to go by so fast
Now it’s time to say goodbye, farewell

The bonds we formed with the friends we made
Don’t forget them after you graduate
Let’s work hard to make a name for ourselves and be known
Now it’s time to say goodbye, farewell

From morning to evening, the school we’ve grown accustomed to
The light of fireflies, the snow that lingers
I’ll never forget the days that passed
Now it’s time to say goodbye, farewell

utasuky

March, the month of spring, is the season of graduation in Japan.
This song, which came from the U.S., was an essential part of graduation ceremonies in the Showa period (1926-1989).
But, it is no longer sung these days.
Some say this is because the lyrics are written in a literary style, making it difficult for children to understand.
or because the lyrics, which praise the teachers, are out of step with the times.
However, it is a shame that this beautiful melody should be forgotten.
Incidentally, “light of fireflies” and “snow that lingers” in No. 3 are both derived from Chinese folklore.
both originated from Chinese folklore and represent studying and rising in the world by the light of fireflies and snow.

Words：Unknown
Music：H. N. D.
in 1884

▼Site of the Army’s Toyama School, where Japan’s first graduation ceremony is said to have taken place.