March: Graduation Season in Japan

March, heralding the arrival of spring, marks the graduation season in Japan. First presented in the year 1884, as the 19th century drew to a close, the song went through a period of obscurity but later experienced a revival. It became an essential classic for graduation ceremonies during the Showa era.

Photo by Ishikawa Ken

Decline in Popularity

The use of the past tense to describe its significance is because it is no longer commonly sung in recent times. The reasons for this decline vary; some attribute it to the archaic language used in the lyrics, which is difficult for children to understand, while others suggest that the content praising teachers is no longer relevant to the times.

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Nevertheless, it is truly regrettable to see this beautiful melody fading into obscurity.

Origins and Creation

Originally created for the graduation ceremony of “Ongaku torishirabe kakari” (now part of the Tokyo University of the Arts Faculty of Music), an organization engaged in editing song textbooks and conducting music education research, the song’s lyrics underwent multiple revisions through a collaborative process involving scholars and poets before reaching completion. The composition process, however, remained shrouded in mystery for a long time. It was only in recent years that the original publication from 1871, finally discovered in the United States, bore the composer’s initials, H.N.D, as the sole identification.

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Attempts at Modernization

In later years, there was a movement suggesting that if the lyrics were too difficult and the meaning didn’t come across, why not try modernizing them into contemporary language? However, when this idea was actually implemented and presented, voices emerged expressing sentiments like “It doesn’t bring tears if it’s not the original lyrics,” resulting in unfavorable feedback. Upon reflection, it seems that Japanese people, as a whole, may prioritize nuances and emotions over the precise meaning of words. Despite this, Japan actively embraces music from abroad, and many musicians have gained popularity in Japan even before their home countries. This adaptability could be a source of happiness.

Symbolic Meaning

Incidentally, the third verse, featuring “light of fireflies” and “snow that lingers,” draws inspiration from Chinese tales, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and success through studying under the illumination of firefly lights and lingering snow.

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“Hotaru no Hikari” Echoes in Graduation Season—What Memories Do You Have?

As March draws to a close and cherry blossom buds begin to swell, the melody of “Hotaru no Hikari” can be heard from shops across Japan. This song, which accompanies graduation ceremonies, farewell parties, and year-end closings, evokes feelings that are somehow bittersweet yet warm. What history and meaning lie behind this tune that every Japanese person knows?

The Nairobi Japanese School/ナイロビ日本人学校 – The Nairobi Japanese School/ナイロビ日本人学校, CC 表示-継承 4.0, リンクによる

A Scottish Import—Actually Born Abroad

“Hotaru no Hikari” actually borrowed its melody from the Scottish folk song “Auld Lang Syne,” which means “old good times.” This song was popularized in the late 18th century by poet Robert Burns. In Western countries, it’s still a standard tune sung at New Year’s Eve parties and farewell gatherings.

In Japan, the current lyrics were added in 1881 during the Meiji era. It was truly a time of “Japanese spirit with Western learning.” You might say this song symbolizes the Meiji era, infusing Western music with Japanese sentiment.

What Are “Firefly Light” and “Window Snow”?

The title’s “Hotaru no Hikari” (Firefly Light) and “Mado no Yuki” (Window Snow) are actually symbols of studious students.

“Firefly Light” comes from a Chinese story about a poor student who collected fireflies to study by their faint light. Similarly, “Window Snow” refers to how snow accumulated on windows at night would reflect moonlight and brighten a room.

There might be modern versions like “reading textbooks by smartphone light,” but essentially, the message is “maintain your desire to learn regardless of your circumstances.” It carries a somewhat preachy but passionate message for Meiji-era children.

“keisetsu no kou” is a Japanese idiom that means “the fruits of hard work in study.”

Now a Signal for Closing Time—How Its Use Has Changed

The role of “Hotaru no Hikari” has changed with the times. During the Meiji era, it was a song encouraging young people to strive for success. After World War II, it became purely a song celebrating new journeys, and from the 1960s, it became established as department stores’ and shops’ signal for “we’re closing soon.”

It’s actually quite remarkable that people understand “it’s time to leave” just from background music playing. This might be a unique culture—a distinctly Japanese form of communication that conveys messages through “atmosphere” rather than words.

Graduation Ceremonies, Tears, and “Hotaru no Hikari”—A March Tradition

Have you ever experienced “trying not to cry but almost couldn’t hold back”?

March graduation ceremonies. While many might not remember the principal’s speech from the podium, the melody of “Hotaru no Hikari” that played at the end remains etched in many hearts.

As the ceremony nears its end and the piano prelude begins, tears that had been bravely held back start to fall. Even boys who thought “I won’t cry” somehow feel their eyes welling up. Current students begin singing, and graduating students join in harmony. Casual conversations in classrooms, lunchtime in the schoolyard, the excitement of cultural festivals—all these memories rush back at once.

“Hotaru no Hikari” sees off students in their uniforms, clutching albums as they exit the school gates. It’s a curious song that says “goodbye” while seemingly encouraging you with a “do your best” push from behind.

In fact, this moment when “everyone can cry together” might be a precious “officially sanctioned emotional release time” in Japanese society, which typically restrains emotional expression. Foreigners are often surprised when they witness this scene at Japanese graduation ceremonies.

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Not Understood by Foreign Tourists?—The Changing Role of “Hotaru no Hikari”

I’ve noticed something recently: when “Hotaru no Hikari” plays in department stores, foreign tourists show no sign of leaving…

While 100% of Japanese people understand “Hotaru no Hikari” as a signal for “time to leave,” to foreigners it’s just background music. With the increase in inbound tourism, many stores now use multilingual announcements or introduce more obvious closing signals.

It’s a little sad that more people don’t know this song’s special meaning, but conversely, explaining the cultural background of “Hotaru no Hikari” to foreigners could be an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.

Not Just Goodbye—”Hotaru no Hikari” Will Continue to Resonate

At the end of March, as cherry blossoms begin to bloom, “Hotaru no Hikari” echoes throughout the city. Though it seems to announce an “ending,” it actually contains expectations for a “new beginning” as well.

Even as its meaning changes with the times, this song continues to accompany the season of farewells and new encounters. What memories are connected to the “Hotaru no Hikari” that resonates in your heart? Perhaps this year too, new memories of “Hotaru no Hikari” are being etched into someone’s heart.

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