KITAHARA Hakusyuu: A Poet and Lyricist Who Shaped Japanese Song Culture

KITAHARA Hakusyuu (1885-1942) was a luminary in the world of Japanese poetry and children’s songs. His exceptional talent as a poet and his deep love for language left an indelible mark on Japanese modern literature.

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A Young Prodigy and a Pioneer of Innovation

Born in Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, KITAHARA displayed extraordinary sensitivity from a young age, excelling in tanka and haiku poetry. In 1904, he moved to Tokyo and studied at Waseda University, where he met poets such as Ishikawa Takuboku and co-founded the “Shinshisha” (New Poetry Society).

Drawing inspiration from Symbolism and Romanticism, KITAHARA composed poems that were characterized by innovative use of language and vivid imagery. His first poetry collection,”Jashumon”(The Heretical Gate) published in 1909, sent shockwaves through the contemporary poetry scene and catapulted KITAHARA to fame.

A Multifaceted Talent: From Ballads to Children’s Songs

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Beyond his accomplishments as a poet, KITAHARA also produced numerous masterpieces in the genres of ballads and children’s songs.

His poetry collections, including “Kiri no Hana”(Paulownia Flowers), “Omoide”(Memories), and “Jashumon”(The Heretical Gate), captivate readers with their lyrical beauty and evocative imagery.

Beloved by children and adults alike, his children’s songs, such as “Amefuri“(Rain), “Yurikago no uta”(Cradle Song), “Kono michi“(This Road), “Pechka“(The Stove), “Sunayama“(Sand dunes), and “Machibouke”(Standing in Vain), feature endearing melodies and heartwarming lyrics.

A Profound Love for Language: Infusing Emotion into Song

Hailed as a magician of words, KITAHARA was passionate about unlocking the full potential of the Japanese language. His works are imbued with a love for nature, joy for life, and profound emotions.

Transcending time, KITAHARA’s words continue to resonate with hearts and are cherished by countless individuals to this day.

Discovering the world of KITAHARA Hakushuu serves as a gateway to a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and aesthetic sensibilities.

Representative Works of KITAHARA Hakushuu

Children’s Songs:

Ame (Rain)
Amefuri (Rainy Day)
Yurikago no uta (Cradle Song)
Sunayama (Sand Mountain)
Karatachi no Hana (Orange Blossom)
Kono Michi (This Road)
Pechka (The Stove)
Awate Tokoya (Flustered Barber)
Machibouke (Standing in Vain)
Jougashima no Ame (Rain on Jougashima Island)

Poetry Collections / Song Collections:

Jashumon (The Heretical Gate)
Omoide (Memories)
Kiri no Hana (Paulownia Flowers)
Kimagire-shu (Collection of Whims)
Suzume no Tamago (Sparrow’s Egg)
Hata no Matsuri (Festival in the Field)
Shinju-sho (Pearl Collection)
…and many more

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Amefuri

Ame ame fure fure kaasan ga
Janome de omukae ureshii na
Pitchi pitchi chappu chappu
Ranranran

Kakemasho kaban o kaasan no
Ato kara yukoyuko kane ga naru
Pitchi pitchi chappu chappu
Ranranran

Ara ara ano ko wa zubunure da
Yanagi no nekata de naiteiru
Pitchi pitchi chappu chappu
Ranranran

Kaasan boku no o kashimashoka
Kimi kimi kono kasa sashitamae
Pitchi pitchi chappu chappu
Ranranran

Boku nara iinda kaasan no
Ookina janome ni haitteku
Pitchi pitchi chappu chappu
Ranranran

lyricist：KITAHARA Hakushuu
Composer：NAKAYAMA Shimpei
in 1925

Rainfall

Let it rain, Let it rain, mam comes to
pick me up with oiled-paper umbrella, I’m so happy
Pitchi pitchi, chappu chappu
Ranranran

Let’s put the bag on mom’s shoulder.
Behind us, the temple bell rings, yuk-yuk-yuk
Pitchi pitchi, chappu chappu
Ranranran

Oh my, that girl is soaking wet
Crying at the shade of a willow
Pitchi pitchi, chappu chappu
Ranranran

Mom, may I borrow mine?
You, you, put on this umbrella
Pitchi pitchi, chappu chappu
Ranranran

If it’s me, it’s fine, in mom’s
Big oiled-paper umbrella, I’ll go in
Pitchi pitchi, chappu chappu
Ranranran

utasuky

Table of Contents

1. Fun in the Amefuri (rainfall)! Mom’s Loving Umbrella and Children’s Smiles
2. The Crying Child and the Willow Tree: A Mysterious Rainy Day Tale
3. Mom’s Scent Creates Comfort! The Wonderful Science of Mother-Child Bonds

Fun in the Amefuri (rainfall)! Mom’s Loving Umbrella and Children’s Smiles

Young children love their mothers unconditionally. Indeed, many of the songs about parents and children in the world are probably more about mothers than fathers. As a man, as a father, I feel a little disappointed, but thinking back, I was the same way. It is inevitable.

 

Rain is depressing when you are an adult. However, this song depicts a fun, childlike rainfall.

 

When a child is under an umbrella with their mother, their bodies are close to each other and they want to talk about various things.

JYANOME is a type of Japanese umbrella. It was so called because many of its designs resemble the ME (eyes) of JYA (snake).

The Crying Child and the Willow Tree: A Mysterious Rainy Day Tale

JYANOME is a type of Japanese umbrella. It was so called because many of its designs resemble the ME (eyes) of JYA (snake).

 

But then you look over and see a child crying under a willow tree. Is the child crying because there is no umbrella? Or is it because their mother is not there to pick them up? So he lends the child his umbrella. He calls out “kimi kimi” and “sashitamae” in the tone of a great gentleman.

 

There are some different interpretations of this part. Speaking of under the willow tree, it is the usual setting for ghosts in Japan. So, this child could be a ghost who has passed away and is crying because of the loneliness of not being picked up by their mother when it rains. I thought it might be a contrast with the happy “I”. We do not know the true meaning intended by KITAHARA Hakushuu who wrote the lyrics. It may simply have reminded him of the many willow trees planted along the waterways of Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, where he grew up.

Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, famous for its waterways.

Mom’s Scent Creates Comfort! The Wonderful Science of Mother-Child Bonds

Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, is famous for its waterways.

 

In 2021, a research team from Reichman University in Israel found that babies may be more receptive to strangers if they smell their mothers. “Amefuri” (rainfall) must have been a very enjoyable time for children to feel their mother’s scent up close and personal.

Babies found to be more likely to accept unfamiliar women when the odor of their mother is present

A team of researchers from the Interdisciplinary Center, in Israel, working with a colleague from Canada, has found that...

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100 Best Japanese Songs

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