“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.

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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.

The Delicate Season Between Winter and Spring

“Soushunfu” is a song that beautifully expresses the anticipation of spring in Japan, capturing the transitional period from early February (around “Risshun” in the traditional 24 solar terms) through March. Despite being officially spring, this period is characterized by winter’s lingering presence—the wind remains chilly, and even the nightingale, traditionally known as the herald of spring, still refrains from singing. The landscape presents a poetic contradiction: plum blossoms beginning to bloom while snowflakes continue to fall, and fresh reeds sprouting along waterways despite the persistent cold. These elements combine to create a poignant portrayal of the longing for spring’s full arrival.

Though written in classical Japanese style, the lyrics offer a beautiful resonance without overly difficult pronunciation, making it an ideal piece for those studying Japan’s traditional musical heritage.

The Inspiring Origins in Nagano’s Alpine Landscape

The song originated in the early Taisho era (1912-1926) when YOSHIMARU Kazumasa, a respected professor at the Tokyo Music School and member of the “Jinjo Shogakko Shoka” (Elementary School Songs for Common People) compilation committee, visited Azumino in Nagano Prefecture. The melting snow scenery around Hodaka Town profoundly moved YOSHIMARU, inspiring him to compose the poem for “Soushunfu.” For the musical composition, he turned to his colleague NAKADA Akira, a renowned composer who was the father of NAKADA Yoshinao (known for beloved songs such as “Natsu no Omoide,” “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa,” and “Yuki no Furu Machi wo”).

Azumino: The Landscape That Inspired a Classic

Nestled at the foot of the Northern Japan Alps, Azumino presents a striking natural environment that was particularly impactful for YOSHIMARU. Having been born and raised in the warm climate of Oita Prefecture in Kyushu, the distinct seasonal transitions and alpine scenery of Azumino offered a fresh perspective that deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities.

The region is characterized by remarkable natural beauty—crystal-clear streams fed by alpine snowmelt, vast fields framed by mountain vistas, and a distinctive climate that remains cool even during summer months. This environmental contrast between his native Kyushu and the alpine landscape of Nagano likely heightened YOSHIMARU’s sensitivity to the subtle signs of early spring depicted in the song.

Azumino’s agricultural fame for premium wasabi and soba noodles further connects to its exceptional water quality and climate—elements that form the backdrop for the song’s portrayal of nature’s awakening. Today, visitors to the area can find a monument commemorating the creation of “Soushunfu,” recognizing the song’s cultural significance and connection to this specific landscape.

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Cultural Recognition and Enduring Legacy

“Soushunfu” has earned significant recognition in Japan’s cultural canon, being selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs” by both the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Japan PTA National Council. This official recognition highlights the song’s artistic merit and its importance in preserving traditional Japanese sensibilities about nature and seasonal transitions.

The song continues to be taught in schools and performed in various contexts, serving as both a cultural touchstone and a reminder of Japan’s deep poetic tradition of observing and celebrating the subtle changes in nature throughout the year.