“Haru yo koi” is a children’s song that depicts a little girl named Mii-chan eagerly awaiting the end of the snowbound winter and longing to play outside. Mii-chan is believed to be the model for this song, the daughter of the lyricist SOUMA_Gyofuu, who was just two years old when the song was released in 1923. Gyofuu, the father, never spoke about it, but according to the mother, he once showed them the “tiny, tiny red straw sandals that were the first gift Mii-chan ever received.”

After attending Waseda University in Tokyo and working as a university lecturer while engaging in literary activities, Gyofuu returned to his hometown of Itoigawa City in Niigata Prefecture in his mid-thirties. From then on, alongside his creative pursuits, he also delved into the study of Ryoukan, a local monk and poet. Ryoukan was known for his love for children, and his famous anecdote of playing with them until sunset. “Haru yo koi” reflects Gyofuu’s unique perspective and empathy towards Ryoukan.

By Yoshio Kohara, CC BY 3.0, Link

Although Itoigawa City, situated along the Sea of Japan, rarely experiences an average temperature below freezing in February, Niigata Prefecture is renowned as one of the world’s leading snowfall areas. The song beautifully captures the emotions of children eagerly anticipating the arrival of spring, even in this snowy region.

Around late spring to early summer, May 5th is “Children’s Day” in Japan.

In contrast to “Momo-no Sekku” held on March 3rd for girls, a ceremony celebrating the growth of boys is conducted nationwide as “Tango-no Sekku.”

A carp climbs a waterfall and becomes a dragon

Inspired by the Chinese tale of “Carp Climbing the Dragon’s Gate,” where a carp that successfully ascends 100 waterfalls transforms into a dragon, carp streamers are erected on the eaves of houses with boys, symbolizing the wish for boys to grow into admirable men by overcoming hardships. Inside the house, decorations such as helmets and armor are displayed, and it’s customary for boys to bathe in water adorned with iris leaves resembling swords, called “shoubu,” a homonym for “victory.”

Tango no sekku

These lyrics were written over a century ago during the early Taisho period as a Ministry of Education song (meaning they were anonymous). Therefore, the authorship of both lyrics and music remained unknown for a long time. It wasn’t until later when HIROTA Ryuutarou reportedly told SATOU Hachirou, “I composed this song,” that it became attributed to HIROTA Ryuutarou.

While the language may be somewhat archaic for children, as adults celebrating their own children, one truly comes to appreciate the dignified, brave, and wonderful nature of this song.

▼Another ‘Koinobori’ song.

Koinobori / Yaneyoritakai (1931) - こいのぼり

"yaneyori takai koinobori" Discover good old-fashioned Japan through lyrics and images: Roman readings, English translations, and reflections. Take a cultural journey through the melodies of "Doyo Shoka" (Children's Songs).

douyo-shouka.com

2025.05.02