“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.

The “pechka,” a heating appliance born from the wisdom of northern peoples, is a type of stove that combines the functions of a fireplace and a stove. It has evolved uniquely in different regions. In Scandinavia, stone pechkas, primarily made of granite due to its low thermal conductivity, are characteristic. It is believed they maintained consistent room temperatures by leveraging the stone’s heat retention properties.

In Russia, brick pechkas became dominant, often featuring elegant decorations while maintaining practicality. Records from mansions in St. Petersburg, the capital, document the existence of pechkas beautifully adorned with decorative tiles.

The pechka culture in Manchuria is considered to have been formed through a confluence of historical factors. The presence of Russian communities who settled in northeastern China, the influence of engineers involved in the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway, and the arrival of Japanese migrants all intertwined to cultivate a distinctive style.

In the 1920s, Manchuria was in the midst of significant social transformation. The warlord conflicts following the Xinhai Revolution, the influx of Russian immigrants after the Siberian Intervention, and Japan’s full-fledged management of Manchuria created a historical landscape where different cultures met and merged.

During this period, the South Manchuria Educational Association commissioned the creation of songs for Japanese children living in the area. In response, KITAHARA Hakushuu wrote the lyrics and YAMADA Kousaku composed the music. It is said that during their visit to the region, they were exposed to a rich musical culture where Russian folk songs, Chinese folk songs, and Japanese songs intermingled, with the pechka as a central gathering point.

Later, the pechka was also introduced to Hokkaido. Documents from the Colonial Ministry record that Russian engineers, invited by the Meiji government, provided guidance, and the pechka was modified to suit the lives of Japanese people using locally available materials. Today, pechkas can still be seen in places like the Historical Village of Hokkaido, the former NAGAYAMA Takeshiro Residence, and the former Mitsubishi Mining Dormitory. In recent years, the thermal efficiency and heat retention of the pechka have garnered renewed attention due to environmental concerns, and new research incorporating the latest technologies has begun.

People gather around its warmth, engaging in casual conversations. One of the few joys of a cold winter is found around the pechka. The lyrics and music that evoke such scenes continue to be loved by many, even 100 years after their release.

According to one prevalent theory, the rich and fascinating history of skiing in Japan can be traced back to the year 1895, which is approximately 130 years ago. It is said that a soldier named Toshitane Matsukawa, who served in the Japanese army, traveled to Scandinavia and was captivated by the local culture and the winter sports practiced there. Upon his return to Japan, he brought back with him a pair of skis, which marked the very beginning of skiing as a recreational activity in the country. This moment is often seen as a pivotal point in the introduction of skiing to Japan, laying the groundwork for what would become a beloved winter pastime.

長岡外史 – 投稿者自身による著作物, CC 表示-継承 3.0, リンクによる

About 75% of Japan’s land area is covered by mountains and hilly terrain.

Since that historic moment, the number of skiers in Japan has gradually but steadily increased over the years. The country’s diverse and mountainous terrain, coupled with its generous snowfall, has made skiing an appealing and accessible pastime for many. As more people discovered the joy of gliding down snowy slopes, ski resorts began to pop up across the nation, catering to both beginners and seasoned skiers alike. This growth in popularity has transformed skiing from a niche activity into a mainstream sport, enjoyed by families, friends, and individuals seeking adventure during the winter months.

The peak of skiing’s popularity in Japan occurred during the bubble economy of the 1980s. During this vibrant period, the number of skiers reached its highest level, leading to a surge in demand for ski resorts. Popular ski destinations experienced overwhelming crowds, with many skiers waiting in long lines for up to two hours just to access the lifts. This frenzy not only reflected the enthusiasm for skiing but also the economic prosperity of the time, where leisure activities were highly valued. The atmosphere at these ski resorts was electric, filled with laughter, excitement, and the joy of winter sports, making it a memorable era for skiing enthusiasts.

Many ski resorts in Japan are not just about skiing; they also offer a unique blend of winter sports and relaxation. A significant number of these resorts feature hot spring facilities, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate after a long day on the slopes. The experience of soaking in a steaming hot spring while surrounded by the beautiful snowy landscape is an integral part of the Japanese winter experience. After skiing, many people look forward to warming up in the hot springs, and some even venture out to enjoy the vibrant nightlife at nearby hot spring resorts. During these evenings, visitors can savor a variety of local delicacies that reflect the unique culinary traditions of each region, often accompanied by a glass of fine sake (Japanese rice wine). This combination of skiing, hot springs, and regional cuisine creates a harmonious winter retreat that attracts visitors from all over the country.

Japan is home to numerous ski resorts, particularly in regions known for their exceptional winter conditions. Hokkaido and Nagano Prefecture, both of which have hosted the Winter Olympics, are particularly famous for their world-class skiing facilities. These areas, along with the Tohoku and Jo-shinetsu regions, are bustling with activity during the winter months. Ski enthusiasts flock to these resorts to enjoy the pristine snow and well-maintained slopes. The atmosphere is lively, with families and friends coming together to create unforgettable memories on the slopes, making Japan a premier destination for winter sports lovers.

Setsubun is the day that divides the seasons. Originally, it existed for each of the four seasons, but now only Setsubun remains to divide winter and spring, which falls on the day before the vernal equinox in early February (February 3 in 2024). This is the time of seasonal change, when the bad energy of the year is most accumulated. In addition, the cold weather makes it easy to fall ill. Therefore, it has taken root as an event to purify bad qi and pray for good health throughout the year. As a result, the custom of scattering beans and decorating holly and sardine heads was born to ward off evil spirits. The spiritual meaning of Setsubun is to purify one’s negative emotions and thoughts, and to prepare for the new season with a positive attitude.Many shrines and temples hold Setsubun events.

By – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

On Setsubun day, families generally eat dinner together. After dinner, they prepare beans for throwing and demon masks, and throw beans towards the inside and outside of the house while chasing the demon role wearing the mask. When throwing, it is customary to say “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons out! Luck in!). After the bean-throwing is over, they pick up and eat the same number of beans as their age. This is a charm to stay healthy for a year.

Holly and sardine heads are amulets to ward off evil spirits. Holly has many thorns and is said to prick bad energy. Sardine heads are said to find bad energy because sardines have large eyes. By decorating holly and sardine heads at the entrance or window, it is said to protect the house.

Ehoumaki, a sushi roll eaten on Setsubun day, is one of the pleasures of the day. The origin of Ehoumaki is a custom that began in Osaka during the Edo period. It is a custom to silently eat Ehoumaki while facing the lucky direction (ehou) of the year to wish for good luck. Ehoumaki contains seven ingredients named after the Seven Lucky Gods. Ehoumaki became a nationwide phenomenon from the 1990s to the 2000s. During this time, convenience stores and supermarkets launched campaigns to sell Ehoumaki. It is said that this was a strategy of the distribution industry to attract customers during the Setsubun season.

May 5th is Children’s Day, also known as Tango-no Sekku, a day to celebrate and pray for the healthy growth of boys.

Looking back, this song may have had an influence, but in the Showa era it was customary for siblings to measure their height against each other and mark it on a pillar on May 5th. Nowadays, with an increasing number of people living in rental housing, marking pillars and causing damage would likely result in anger from the parents. Such changes in the times can be felt in these aspects as well.

The line in the first verse, “Finally as tall as the string of a haori”, is said to represent the younger brother’s perspective, who had grown up to the height of the string that fastens the coat of his older brother, who had dressed up in formal attire to celebrate Tango no Sekku. In the second verse, the view of Mount Fuji from inside the house is depicted, which is likely the scenery from UNNO Atsushi’s hometown in Suruga, Shizuoka Prefecture. The mountains that compete with each other in height may be referring to the Southern Alps mountain range. Houses where one can enjoy such long views are now likely limited to the upper floors of high-rise apartments.

By the way, the “chimaki” that his older brother is measuring his height while eating is often imagined in eastern Japan as a steamed dish made with seasoned meat, bamboo shoots, and glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves or other materials. In western Japan, it is more common to refer to a Japanese confection wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with sweet dumplings. The lyricist, UNNO Atsushi, is from Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan, which is located on the border between eastern and western Japan. So, I wonder which one he was referring to.
However, it seems that the “chimaki” eaten on Tango-no Sekku often refers to the sweet Japanese confection pictured.

100 Best Japanese Songs

Amefuri kumanoko — Why This Simple Melody Still Captures Hearts

Shochiku Central Theater 1960.By Project Kei – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

This beloved song first captured hearts when it was introduced on NHK’s “Uta no Ehon” in 1962, the predecessor to the popular children’s program “Okaasan to Issho.( With Mom. )” The song tells the story of a playful young bear, radiating an irresistible cuteness that has enchanted generations. Despite being over 60 years old, it remarkably feels as fresh today as it did decades ago. The secret lies in its deceptively simple yet captivating melody—one that can be played with just a single finger on a piano or organ. This accessibility has allowed families to enjoy the song together, ensuring its timeless appeal across generations.

What Makes This Song So Touching?

The lyrics create a consistent, tender world that perfectly matches the image of an adorable young bear. Like a child completely absorbed in watching rain fall, oblivious to everything else around them, the song embodies pure innocence and wonder. It glows like a small, warm light in one’s heart, filled with gentle kindness. Many Japanese listeners describe experiencing an unexpectedly emotional response: “It’s not a sad song, but for some reason, it brings tears to my eyes.” This mysterious quality speaks to the song’s ability to touch something deep within us.

How a Father’s Memory Became a Beloved Song

The lyricist, TSURUMI Masao, reportedly drew inspiration from a deeply personal memory. He recalled watching his young child from a second-floor window, mesmerized by water flowing through their family garden during a rainstorm. This nostalgic scene offers a glimpse into Japan’s post-war landscape, during a time of rapid economic growth and anticipation for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics—Asia’s first Olympic Games. The intimate domestic moment captured in the lyrics reflects a Japan in transition, balancing traditional family life with modernization.

Can We Still Find That Magic Today?

Though information about TSURUMI himself remains limited—we know only that he was born in Niigata Prefecture and graduated from Waseda University—we can imagine that his “family garden” was likely somewhere in Tokyo. In those days, even areas just outside the city center featured unpaved roads and natural puddles, as Tokyo rapidly transformed in preparation for the Olympics. Today, those rural mountains that once lay just beyond the city are carefully preserved and cherished by many. Perhaps it’s time to visit the enchanting “Totoro Fund,” where magical adventures still await those who seek them.

Why Does This Song Warm Our Hearts So Gently?

There’s something almost magical about “Mikan no Hana Saku Oka” (The Hill Where Orange Blossoms Bloom). The song is woven with a nostalgic melody and lyrics that trace memories of childhood days, but it’s not melancholic at all. Rather, it’s a melody that gently embraces the heart, offering warm comfort to all who listen.

Even if you’ve never witnessed such a scene, the image of fragrant orange blossoms blooming on hillsides comes alive in your heart. This goes beyond mere description of nature—it awakens feelings for the “homeland” that everyone carries deep within their soul. The true charm of this song lies in how it evokes nostalgia while gently encouraging and comforting its listeners.

Mikan no hana (Orange flower)

What Is the “Mother’s Love” Hidden in This Song?

The greatest theme of this song is undoubtedly the loving “mother’s presence” from childhood days. What’s embedded in the lyrics is a deep longing for the beautiful scenery once viewed together with mother. Orange blossoms gazed upon while holding mother’s hand as a child, hill paths walked together, peaceful afternoon moments shared—such loving memories breathe within this song.

The reality of “now viewing alone” means more than just the passage of time. It tells a story of growth and separation, representing life’s journey while carrying precious memories of a beloved mother in one’s heart. Looking back at the scenery from memories with mother, now as an adult viewing it alone—this sentiment is precisely why this song resonates so deeply in many people’s hearts.

A Miracle Born in Just 30 Minutes

This heartwarming masterpiece was born in 1946, just one year after the war’s end. During an era when Japan was seeking new hope, this song was created alongside innovative technology—for a groundbreaking live radio broadcast connecting Tokyo and Ito City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

What’s remarkable is that this eternal masterpiece was completed in an unbelievably short time. Lyricist KATO Shogo, born in a fishing port town in Shizuoka Prefecture, deeply understood coastal landscapes and maternal love. Within just 30 minutes on the day before the broadcast, he completed lyrics filled with gratitude to mothers and love for hometown. Each carefully chosen word, despite being written so quickly, possessed the power to touch listeners’ heartstrings.

Why It’s Still Loved After 80 Years

Composer KAINUMA Minoru was moved by KATO’s lyrics while traveling to Ito by train, inspired by the actual orange groves visible from his window to complete the melody. The lyrics singing of memories with mother harmonized beautifully with the gentle melody that embraces the heart, creating a masterpiece that continues to be loved by many people nearly 80 years later.

The reason this song is loved across generations is because it awakens the gratitude everyone holds for their mother and the longing for pure childhood love. In today’s busy life, when people hear this song, they remember their own memories with mother and the preciousness of ordinary days spent together. This isn’t sadness, but warm gratitude for loving memories.

Sunrise from Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture　By Shift, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Maternal Love That Will Be Sung Forever

“Mikan no Hana Saku Oka” received the honor of being selected as one of Japan’s “100 Best Japanese Songs,” but its true value doesn’t lie in awards. The real meaning of this song is that it continues to sing about how maternal love supports the human heart and enriches life.

Even as times change and lifestyles evolve, maternal love and the pure heart of childhood remain unchanged. This song has been carefully passed down to this day, entrusting such universal forms of love to its beautiful melody. The hill where orange blossoms bloom will continue to gently illuminate many people’s hearts as a spiritual hometown where memories with mother bloom eternally.