Soushunfu – 早春賦

“Soushunfu” is a song that expresses the anticipation of spring from early February, around the “Risshun” period in the 24 solar terms(24 Sekki), to March, marking the end of winter in Japan. However, despite being called spring, the wind remains chilly. Even the nightingale, the bird that heralds spring, refrains from singing. During this time, plum blossoms are just beginning to bloom, and it is still quite cold. The reeds commonly seen along Japanese waterways have started to sprout, but then again, it is snowing… portraying the longing for spring with beautiful lyrics. Although the lyrics are written in an old style, they have a beautiful resonance, and the pronunciation is not difficult. Therefore, it is perfect for lessons on the beautiful old songs of Japan.

YOSHIMARU_Kazumasa, a professor at the Tokyo Music School, and a member of the compilation committee for “Jinjo Shogakko Shoka” (Elementary School Songs for Common People), visited Azumino in Nagano Prefecture in the early Taisho era. He was deeply moved by the melting snow scenery around Hodaka Town and completed the poem for “Soushunfu.” He entrusted the composition to his colleague NAKADA_Akira (father of NAKADA_Yoshinao, known for songs like “Natsu no Omoide,” “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa,” and “Yuki no Furu Machi wo”), giving birth to the song.

Azumino, located at the foot of the Northern Japan Alps, is known for its clear air and water, providing a cool climate even in summer. It is also renowned for producing wasabi and soba. For YOSHIMARU, who was born and raised in the warm Oita Prefecture in Kyushu, it must have brought a fresh and different sensation. There is also a monument erected in commemoration of this song.

User: (WT-shared) NY066 at wts ウィキボヤージュ, CC 表示-継承 3.0, リンクによる

It has been selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs” selected by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Japan PTA National Council.