“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.

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.

Celebrating Hina Matsuri: Japan’s Enchanting Festival for Girls’ Day

Every year on March 3rd, Japan celebrates a delightful spring tradition known as Hina Matsuri, or “Girls’ Day.” Also referred to as Momo no Sekku (Peach Festival), this special occasion coincides with the blooming of plum and peach blossoms following the traditional start of spring (Risshun). Families pray for the health and happiness of young girls by displaying elegant hina dolls, which represent members of a historic imperial court.

While many Japanese households arrange these dolls on a tiered stand, regional variations highlight unique customs such as Nagashi-bina (floating dolls set adrift on rivers to carry away misfortune) or Tsurushi-bina (colorful hanging ornaments). At the center of a typical hina display, you’ll find a lord and princess figure—often referred to as Odairi-sama—surrounded by court attendants called San-nin-kanjo, who serve the princess, and Gonin-bayashi, a group of five musicians playing festive tunes. The display also includes Zuijin (court guardians), featuring a left minister (Sadaijin) and a right minister (Udaijin). On the lower tiers, civilian figures known as shichou appear, symbolizing people tasked with everyday responsibilities.

iwatsuki nagashibina

By Sakaori (talk) – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

In more affluent or traditionally-minded communities—especially in rural areas—you might encounter multi-tiered displays showcasing numerous dolls, miniature furniture, and intricate decorations. Meanwhile, in modern urban settings, busy lifestyles and limited living spaces have encouraged the popularity of compact hina sets that emphasize sleek designs. These may include highlights like Dairi-bina (simplified lord-and-princess dolls), Bonbori (paper or silk lanterns), as well as iconic festival foods like Shirozake or Amazake (sweet non-alcoholic rice drinks) and Hishimochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes in vibrant colors).

Interestingly, the well-known Japanese children’s song celebrating the festival mentions “Odairi-sama and Ohina-sama” as if they were separate entities. Historically, however, Odairi-sama alone already indicates both the lord and princess. This detail led lyricist YAMANO_Saburou (an alias of SATOU_Hachirou) to express regret over the confusion in later years—yet the phrasing has become a beloved part of this seasonal tune. Whether you encounter an elaborate, multi-tiered hina arrangement or a modest, contemporary display, Hina Matsuri remains a cherished symbol of springtime in Japan and a testament to the country’s enduring cultural traditions.

Hina Cake

A Cute, Compact Hina Doll Set for Small Spaces

A small square display (approx. 12.2 × 12.2 in; partition height 6.9 in), made with soft rayon crepe and an acetate-rayon carpet.
Includes the Emperor & Empress dolls, paper lanterns, diamond-shaped rice cakes, a partition, and a carpet.

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