“Tooryanse (Go on through)” is a well-known Warabe uta (children’s folk song) that has been passed down since the Edo period.It is said that MOTOORI_Nagayo composed the music for use in a children’s opera in 1921.

However, this song is accompanied by mysterious rumors. It involves a negotiation between those who wish to pass through the road to visit Tenjin-sama and those who question the reasons for doing so. In the end, permission is granted, but it sounds as if a warning is given, “You can go, but be careful on your way back,” imbuing a somewhat suspicious nuance. The unique melody also adds to this impression.

One significant reason for the mysterious atmosphere may be associated with the legend of the vengeful spirit of SUGAWARA_no_Michizane. Recognized for his talent and promising future, he fell victim to conspiracy, faced false accusations, and met an untimely death. Subsequently, disasters occurred frequently, and he came to be feared as the curse of Michizane. To appease his spirit, he was enshrined as “Tenjin-sama,” a deity still revered as the god of learning. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka is a representative shrine dedicated to him. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto was depicted on the old 5-yen bill along with the portrait of Michizane.

Photo: Knowledgekid87
5 Yen Note: The Bank of Japan – Picture from cellphone
Previously published: N/A, パブリック・ドメイン, リンクによる

Also, the lyrics mention “celebrating this child’s 7th birthday” and “to deposit a talisman,” but in Japan, there is an old saying, “Tsu ga tsuku uchi wa kami no uchi” (As long as ‘Tsu’ is attached, it is the same as a deity), which means that from 1 year old represented by “Hitotsu” to 9 years old represented by “Kokonotsu”, they are considered the same as a deity. It is also said, “Nanatsu madewa kaminoko” (Up to seven, they are children of a deity). This means that they are beings close to the world where the deity resides, and it can’t be helped if they return to the deity at any time. In other words, it represents being adjacent to “death”. In fact, in the past, the mortality rate of infants without resistance was high, and “Shichi Go San (753)” is an event to thank the deity for being able to live up to that year. By the way, 3 and 7 years old are for girls, and 5 years old is for boys. The “child” sung in “Tooryanse” is probably a 7-year-old girl. There are regions that call exceeding 9 years old with ‘Tsu’ and becoming 10 years old (Tou) as “Tsubanare”.In some regions, the age of 10 (Tou) is called “Tsubanare” after the age of 9 with “Tsu”.

Regarding the phrase “Iki wa yoiyoi, Kaeri wa kowai,” it is suggested that the setting of the song, Sanyono Shrine in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, within Kawagoe Castle, had strict surveillance by watchful soldiers. Therefore, the expression “scary” might have been used to convey the meaning of “I’ll let you go, but be cautious on your way back.” Since it is close to Tokyo, I encourage you to visit and explore it sometime.

SUGAWARA_no_Michizane was fond of plum blossoms and used them on his crest.

Mount Fuji, deeply loved by the Japanese people, is admired for its symmetrical beauty and sense of stability. It has been a motif in various works of art and has recently attracted many foreign tourists, contributing to its lively atmosphere.

“Akafuji” by KATSUSHIKA Hokusai

“Kanagawa oki namiurai” by KATSUSHIKA Hokusai

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a symbol of Japan, its history as such is surprisingly recent. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2013, twenty years after the first site in Japan, the “Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area” in Nara Prefecture, which was designated in 1993.

In 1992, the “Council for Making Mount Fuji a World Heritage Site,” composed of nature conservation groups from Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, was established. Despite efforts like signature campaigns, environmental degradation caused by constant trash and human waste from climbers prevented it from being nominated as a ‘World Natural Heritage’ site during domestic reviews.

Google 画像検索結果: https://mtfuji.nyanta.jp/pic3/pic-jam03.jpg

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Consequently, the target was shifted to ‘World Cultural Heritage,’ and in 2013, this long-held ambition was realized with Mount Fuji’s registration as a World Heritage Site.

Historically, Mount Fuji has been a focal point of faith since ancient times. From the Edo period to the early Showa era, a simple teaching that involved worshipping Mount Fuji, devoting oneself to its spirit, and expressing gratitude became widespread among common people. This faith, known as ‘Fujiko,’ is depicted in UTAGAWA Hiroshige’s “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” Practitioners would visit Mount Fuji, worship at the main Fuji Sengen Shrine, and then perform ascetic practices like the Fujiko Hakkai Meguri.

“Toukaidou gojyu-san tsugi” Hara by UTAGAWA Hiroshige

It’s worth noting that while some cultures interpret mountain worship as primitive faith, in Japan, it is understood not merely as animism but as part of the belief in ‘Yaoyorozu no Kami’ (Eight Million Gods). In this context, I encourage foreign visitors to consider why this mountain has been worshipped by the Japanese people.

That said, regardless of the various rationales, many Japanese people rejoice and take photos when they see Mount Fuji. As IWAYA Sazanami wrote, “Fuji is Japan’s greatest mountain.”

In public bathhouses “Sentou”, which served as a place of relaxation for the common people and a place for social interaction, there were almost always various paintings of Mount Fuji. It may be difficult to find them now.

100 Best Japanese Songs

The song “Senro wa tsuzuku yo dokomademo” is a beloved children’s song in Japan. Loved by people of all ages, from children to adults, this song has an intriguing history and cultural background.

The song was born in Japan in 1962, a time when the country was experiencing rapid economic recovery and development of its railway network after World War II. Japan was entering a period of high economic growth, marked by the introduction of bullet trains and intercity express trains. Railways became a symbol of economic progress, and people found hope in the idea that regions were becoming interconnected and new possibilities were emerging through rail travel.

The roots of this song trace back to the American labor song “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the construction of the transcontinental railroad was underway in the United States, connecting the East and West coasts. Many laborers worked in harsh conditions, singing songs to boost morale. “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” emerged from this background and spread among workers, its powerful melody reflecting their pride and determination.

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The song “Senro wa tsuzuku yo dokomademo” became popular in Japan partly due to the influence of American culture. After the war, Japan saw rapid economic recovery, and the education system was reformed, placing a greater emphasis on music education. It was during this time that “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” was introduced to Japan. Japanese lyrics were created based on the original English lyrics, expressing a sense of adventure and anticipation for the future through the theme of railways. The strong spirit of the American railroad workers resonated with Japan’s aspirations for economic growth, and as a result, the song became widely loved.

In 2022, Japanese railways celebrated their 150th anniversary. The history of Japanese railways has greatly influenced the nation’s economic growth and modernization. The first railway in Japan opened in 1872, connecting Shimbashi and Yokohama, a distance of about 29 kilometers. This marked the beginning of Japan’s railway history and a revolution in domestic transportation. Since then, Japan’s railway network has continued to expand and evolve through the Meiji, Taisho, Showa, and Heisei eras to the present day. The opening of the Tokaido Shinkansen in 1964 was a landmark event in Japanese railway history, connecting Tokyo and Osaka as the world’s first high-speed railway. The Shinkansen significantly contributed to Japan’s economic development.

Baidō Kunimasa – http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3g10426http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3g10424http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3g10425, パブリック・ドメイン, リンクによる

In Japan, railways have played a crucial role not only as a means of transportation but also in regional development and tourism promotion. In local cities, railways are the lifeline of the regional economy, and tourist trains are popular attractions. The development of the railway network has expanded people’s living areas and created a virtuous cycle of economic activity.

Japan has a large number of railway enthusiasts, often referred to as “tetsudo mania” or “tetsudo otaku.” There are several reasons why there are so many railway fans in Japan. One is the diversity and appeal of various types of trains. From bullet trains and express trains to commuter trains, local lines, sightseeing trains, and steam locomotives, there are many different types of trains, each with its unique features and history. These characteristics make trains a fascinating subject for exploration. Additionally, as expressed in the lyrics “Over fields, over mountains, and over valleys,” the enjoyment of various landscapes from the train window is a significant reason for the large number of railway fans. This sense of excitement is encapsulated in the title “Senro wa tsuzuku yo dokomademo” (The Tracks Go On and On).

The railway culture in Japan is very detailed, with a wealth of information available. Railway companies actively share information on the introduction of new trains, timetable changes, and events, providing constant new discoveries for railway fans. Railway models, books, magazines, and TV programs are also abundant, further stimulating the interests of railway enthusiasts. Numerous railway fan communities exist in Japan, and railway-related events are frequently held. Railway museums, preserved railways, and exhibitions serve as places for railway fans to interact and share information, further deepening railway culture.

“Senro wa tsuzuku yo dokomademo” is not just a children’s song but is deeply connected to Japan’s railway culture and history. The song’s sense of adventure and anticipation for the future overlaps significantly with the development of Japanese railways. Through this song, children may develop an interest in railways, which they can carry into adulthood. Railways are not just a means of transportation but a vehicle carrying the dreams and hopes of many people. As the title “Senro wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo” suggests, Japanese railways, too, will continue to extend into the future.

I hope this article serves as a source of new discoveries and interests for railway enthusiasts and those intrigued by the song “Senro wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo.” By reflecting on the history of Japan that has progressed alongside railways and reaffirming its charm, I hope to contribute to the further development of railway culture.

By the way, when traveling in Japan using public transportation such as trains, the “Welcome Suica” in the link below is convenient.
This is a prepaid electronic money card that can be used for transportation and shopping such as trains, buses and taxis all over Japan. Rechargeable without deposit, valid for 28 days. It seems that you can change it as a souvenir after using it.

“Kisha” is a song about the joys of train travel.

Today, “kisha” generally refers to steam locomotives and is distinguished from “densha.”

By 影山 光洋(1907-1981,KAGEYAMA Kouyou) – 『日本国有鉄道百年写真史』P308, Public Domain, Link

The song is about the joy of changing scenery from the train window, but today’s children are so engrossed in games that they do not enjoy the scenery.

By the way, there are many railroad fans in Japan, called “Tetsu Ota,” who enjoy riding the trains, taking pictures, recording them, and so on.

Railroad fans are probably found all over the world, but in the case of Japan, I have the impression that the concentration is very strong. Perhaps it is because, as sung in this song, the scenery changes at a glance. Nearly 70% of the country is mountain forest, which means that only 30% of the land can be traveled by rail. The scenery of the train window changes quickly. Even if you are not a railroad fan, you will feel excited.

ディック – 投稿者自身による著作物, CC 表示-継承 4.0, リンクによる

In this sense, the town of Hirono in Fukushima Prefecture is introduced as the setting of the lyrics because of the “Hironohara” part of the lyrics, but the popular theory seems to be that it is just a large field to sing about.

The 100 Best Japanese Songs.

The song titled “The Village Blacksmith” was sung until the late Showa era, long after the profession of blacksmithing had ceased to be a part of everyday life.

663highland – 投稿者自身による著作物, CC 表示 2.5, リンクによる

The reason for this persistence isn’t entirely clear, but perhaps the song’s lively rhythm was deemed fitting for children’s musical education.

Though the lyrics depict the blacksmith as someone who forges plows and hoes as agricultural tools, originally, the roots of blacksmithing were likely tied to swordsmithing. Japan has traditionally had a culture centered around blades, evident even in the popular anime “Demon Slayer,(Kimetsu no yaiba)” showcasing the pride associated with crafting the katana and wakizashi, swords worn at the waist of the samurai, the highest social class during the Sengoku period.

With the end of the samurai era and further declines due to mechanization, the demand for plows and hoes as agricultural tools drastically decreased. However, a few blacksmiths still remain scattered throughout Japan, supporting local farmers to this day. Moreover, the “art of blade-making” has also been an integral part of supporting Japanese culinary culture.

The song conveys the exuberance of children riding the train. It is very popular because of its very cheerful and joyful tune.

Originally, however, it was the soldiers who rode the train. The original version of this song, “Soldier’s Train,” was written in 1937 to see off soldiers heading off to war.

By Unknown author – http://www.pref.okayama.jp/hoken/hohuku/engo/photo/seikatu6-20.htm (adjusted by uploader), Public Domain, Link

In 1945, the year the war ended, the song was chosen to be sung in NHK radio’s New Year’s Eve special program “Kouhaku Ongaku Shiai (Kouhaku Music Contest),” and some of the lyrics were changed and reworked as a song for traveling children appropriate for the era of peace.

The lyricist, FUHARA Kaoru, was born in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture, at the foot of Mt. Gotemba was the site of an army training ground at the time, and it is said that he and his students often saw off soldiers who were going off to war.

The melody is said to have been inspired by Schubert’s “Military March.

100 Best Japanese Songs

“Furusato,” a song known to every Japanese person, remains an evergreen classic that continues to resonate with people across generations.

Born in the Meiji era, a time of significant transformation in Japan, this song was created during a period of rapid modernization and shifting values. It’s intriguing to ponder the significance of this song, composed during such a transformative time, and why it continues to be sung today.

The lyricist, TAKANO Tatsuyuki, married at the young age of 22, a rather unconventional choice for a poor student. His wife was the daughter of a prestigious temple, the very same one that served as the model for the temple in SHIMAZAKI Touson’s renowned novel “Hakai.” His future mother-in-law set a condition for their marriage: TAKANO would need to prove his worth by one day entering the temple grounds in a rickshaw. Takano fulfilled this promise when, at the age of 49, he was awarded a doctorate in literature for his research on the history of Japanese songs, allowing him to make a grand entrance into the temple as he had vowed.

The composer, OKANO Teiichi, complemented TAKANO’s poetic world with exquisitely beautiful melodies. The fusion of their talents transformed “Furusato” into a timeless piece that deeply resonates with people’s hearts.

“Furusato” paints a picture of Japan’s beautiful natural landscapes, particularly the satoyama, where people lived in harmony with nature. The lyrics “The mountains are green, the water is clear” symbolize the rich natural beauty of these rural areas. For centuries, people lived in satoyama, relying on the bounties of nature for their sustenance. These areas were complex ecosystems teeming with diverse flora and fauna, including forests, rice paddies, and streams.

Even after leaving their beloved hometowns to seek opportunities in bustling cities, people’s hearts yearn for the familiar faces and the serene landscapes of their hometowns—the green mountains and clear waters.

This timeless Japanese song carries a universal message.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cmiPD5RMtX8jsRJa9

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Interestingly, the lyrics, written in classical Japanese, contain words and phrases that are no longer commonly used in modern Japanese. For instance, “oishi” in the lyrics is often misinterpreted by schoolchildren as meaning “delicious” when in fact it means “to chase.” This has led to many a humorous misunderstanding.

“Furusato” has rightfully earned its place among “100 Best Japanese Songs”.