Mount Fuji, deeply loved by the Japanese people, is admired for its symmetrical beauty and sense of stability. It has been a motif in various works of art and has recently attracted many foreign tourists, contributing to its lively atmosphere.

“Akafuji” by KATSUSHIKA Hokusai

“Kanagawa oki namiurai” by KATSUSHIKA Hokusai

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a symbol of Japan, its history as such is surprisingly recent. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2013, twenty years after the first site in Japan, the “Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area” in Nara Prefecture, which was designated in 1993.

In 1992, the “Council for Making Mount Fuji a World Heritage Site,” composed of nature conservation groups from Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, was established. Despite efforts like signature campaigns, environmental degradation caused by constant trash and human waste from climbers prevented it from being nominated as a ‘World Natural Heritage’ site during domestic reviews.

Google 画像検索結果: https://mtfuji.nyanta.jp/pic3/pic-jam03.jpg

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Consequently, the target was shifted to ‘World Cultural Heritage,’ and in 2013, this long-held ambition was realized with Mount Fuji’s registration as a World Heritage Site.

Historically, Mount Fuji has been a focal point of faith since ancient times. From the Edo period to the early Showa era, a simple teaching that involved worshipping Mount Fuji, devoting oneself to its spirit, and expressing gratitude became widespread among common people. This faith, known as ‘Fujiko,’ is depicted in UTAGAWA Hiroshige’s “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” Practitioners would visit Mount Fuji, worship at the main Fuji Sengen Shrine, and then perform ascetic practices like the Fujiko Hakkai Meguri.

“Toukaidou gojyu-san tsugi” Hara by UTAGAWA Hiroshige

It’s worth noting that while some cultures interpret mountain worship as primitive faith, in Japan, it is understood not merely as animism but as part of the belief in ‘Yaoyorozu no Kami’ (Eight Million Gods). In this context, I encourage foreign visitors to consider why this mountain has been worshipped by the Japanese people.

That said, regardless of the various rationales, many Japanese people rejoice and take photos when they see Mount Fuji. As IWAYA Sazanami wrote, “Fuji is Japan’s greatest mountain.”

In public bathhouses “Sentou”, which served as a place of relaxation for the common people and a place for social interaction, there were almost always various paintings of Mount Fuji. It may be difficult to find them now.

100 Best Japanese Songs

This song for elementary school students was published in the early Taisho period.

As with all shouka of this era, neither the lyricist nor the composer has been made public and remains unknown to this day.

The place where the lyrics were set has also not been identified.
And surprisingly, it has not been selected for inclusion in the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” making it difficult to understand the literary lyrics,
The lyrics are no longer included in textbooks, perhaps because of the difficulty of understanding the literary lyrics.
However, the original scenery of the summer sea in Japan, which is being forgotten, can be found here.

Passing through a forest of pine trees, perhaps a windbreak, one comes to a stretch of beach.
At a nearby fishing port, nets are drying and the smell of the sea is in the air.
All that can be heard is the charming voices of children and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.
As dusk approaches, more and more boats with fishing lights (fish-collecting lights) are seen offshore.

Nowadays, the summer sea is a beach resort with elaborate performances for young people,
However, until around the 1970s and 1980s, the sea was known as “Kaisui Yokujyou (bathing beach).
And there were only a few huts selling yakisoba (fried noodles), uninspired ramen, curry and rice, and shaved ice.
That was the scenery of the summer sea.

Just like the song, beautiful time passed slowly and unobtrusively.

Even now, you might be able to enjoy such a scene at a beach near a not-so-famous local fishing port.

May 5th is Children’s Day, also known as Tango-no Sekku, a day to celebrate and pray for the healthy growth of boys.

Looking back, this song may have had an influence, but in the Showa era it was customary for siblings to measure their height against each other and mark it on a pillar on May 5th. Nowadays, with an increasing number of people living in rental housing, marking pillars and causing damage would likely result in anger from the parents. Such changes in the times can be felt in these aspects as well.

The line in the first verse, “Finally as tall as the string of a haori”, is said to represent the younger brother’s perspective, who had grown up to the height of the string that fastens the coat of his older brother, who had dressed up in formal attire to celebrate Tango no Sekku. In the second verse, the view of Mount Fuji from inside the house is depicted, which is likely the scenery from UNNO Atsushi’s hometown in Suruga, Shizuoka Prefecture. The mountains that compete with each other in height may be referring to the Southern Alps mountain range. Houses where one can enjoy such long views are now likely limited to the upper floors of high-rise apartments.

By the way, the “chimaki” that his older brother is measuring his height while eating is often imagined in eastern Japan as a steamed dish made with seasoned meat, bamboo shoots, and glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves or other materials. In western Japan, it is more common to refer to a Japanese confection wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with sweet dumplings. The lyricist, UNNO Atsushi, is from Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan, which is located on the border between eastern and western Japan. So, I wonder which one he was referring to.
However, it seems that the “chimaki” eaten on Tango-no Sekku often refers to the sweet Japanese confection pictured.

100 Best Japanese Songs

The Tea-Picking Season Heralding Early Summer

“Cha-tsumi” is a famous Japanese song that depicts the season from late spring to early summer. The “tea” mentioned in the song refers to Japanese tea. Japan’s representative “green tea” is an unfermented tea that doesn’t undergo fermentation, which has the benefit of preserving the natural freshness and nutrients of the tea leaves while retaining abundant antioxidants. In contrast, “Oolong tea” is semi-fermented, and “black tea” is fully fermented, all made from leaves of the same “tea plant.” These young leaves plucked from tea plants transform into our familiar beverages through various processing methods.

Qwert1234 – Qwert1234’s file, パブリック・ドメイン, リンクによる

The Significance of “Hachijyu Hachiya” and Agricultural Culture

The “Hachijyu hachiya (Eighty-Eighth Night)” sung in this song refers to the 88th day after “Risshun” (Beginning of Spring), one of the twenty-four solar terms, when the weather stabilizes, making it easier for tea picking. This important agricultural milestone, usually falling around May 2nd each year, signals the full-fledged beginning of farming activities. During this period, there is a risk of late frost called “Osojimo” occurring from chilly nights to dawn, potentially damaging crops. Despite this frost risk, tea picking is conducted during this time because the new buds contain the richest umami components and nutrients like catechins, producing aromatic high-quality tea leaves. Moreover, this “first flush” tea harvested during this period is particularly valuable and serves as a crucial source of income for tea farmers. A few days after Hachijyu hachiya comes “Rikka” (around May 6th), the beginning of summer according to the calendar. The song gently conveys the arrival of an extremely busy season for farmers.

painted by 長谷川等伯, calligraphy by 春屋宗園 – 1. Brill.com [1], 2. Omotesenke.com [2] , Omotesenke Fushin’an Foundation, パブリック・ドメイン, リンクによる

Tea Culture and Its Historical Development

The culture of enjoying tea has a long history, dating back to the reign of Emperor Shoumu in 729 AD, as recorded in ancient texts. Initially, it spread widely among the warrior class and became material for feasts. However, the concept of “Wabi-cha,” which sought simplicity and the spirit of Zen, emerged, leading to the spread of “Cha-no-yu” by figures like Sen no Rikyu. This tradition has been passed down to modern times as “Sa-do” (the Way of Tea).
In Sa-do, Matcha—now popularly used in chocolates and ice cream—is served as ground tea leaves. On the other hand, Sencha, which uses whole leaves without grinding, is commonly sold even in PET bottles. Naturally, the price varies greatly depending on the quality of the leaves and processing methods. Japanese tea culture has thus evolved with the times while maintaining its essential values.

不明 – “Letters from Japan” by Mrs. Hugh Fraser, New York, The Macmillan company; London, Macmillan & co., ltd.. 1904, パブリック・ドメイン, リンクによる

Origins and Spread of the Tea-Picking Song

According to one theory, this song is said to have roots in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, and the parts enclosed in quotation marks are considered citations from tea-picking songs sung there since ancient times. However, even after research by local historians, there is still no evidence to support this claim. Since tea harvesting requires intensive labor, there have always been migrant workers known as “Chatsumi musume” (tea-picking girls). As the timing of harvesting varies from region to region, it’s also speculated that the song spread gradually as workers moved from early harvesting areas to later ones.
This song is also known for its rhythmic nature, often accompanied by hand movements, and enjoyed in places like kindergartens and elderly care facilities. Its simple yet pleasant rhythm has become an important cultural asset that remains in the hearts of Japanese people across generations.

Tea-Producing Regions Throughout Japan

While Shizuoka Prefecture is famous as a tea-producing region, places like Yame in Fukuoka Prefecture, Chiran in Kagoshima Prefecture, and Sayama near Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture are also well-known. The soil and climate conditions of each region produce teas with distinctive flavors. In modern times, these traditional tea-producing areas have also gained attention as tourist destinations, with increasing numbers of visitors enjoying tea-picking experiences and the scenic beauty of tea fields. Japanese tea has transcended being merely a beverage to become a symbol embodying Japan’s natural features and culture.

100 Best Japanese Songs.

This is the third most famous tea plantation in Japan, closest to Tokyo.

Why Does This Song Warm Our Hearts So Gently?

There’s something almost magical about “Mikan no Hana Saku Oka” (The Hill Where Orange Blossoms Bloom). The song is woven with a nostalgic melody and lyrics that trace memories of childhood days, but it’s not melancholic at all. Rather, it’s a melody that gently embraces the heart, offering warm comfort to all who listen.

Even if you’ve never witnessed such a scene, the image of fragrant orange blossoms blooming on hillsides comes alive in your heart. This goes beyond mere description of nature—it awakens feelings for the “homeland” that everyone carries deep within their soul. The true charm of this song lies in how it evokes nostalgia while gently encouraging and comforting its listeners.

Mikan no hana (Orange flower)

What Is the “Mother’s Love” Hidden in This Song?

The greatest theme of this song is undoubtedly the loving “mother’s presence” from childhood days. What’s embedded in the lyrics is a deep longing for the beautiful scenery once viewed together with mother. Orange blossoms gazed upon while holding mother’s hand as a child, hill paths walked together, peaceful afternoon moments shared—such loving memories breathe within this song.

The reality of “now viewing alone” means more than just the passage of time. It tells a story of growth and separation, representing life’s journey while carrying precious memories of a beloved mother in one’s heart. Looking back at the scenery from memories with mother, now as an adult viewing it alone—this sentiment is precisely why this song resonates so deeply in many people’s hearts.

A Miracle Born in Just 30 Minutes

This heartwarming masterpiece was born in 1946, just one year after the war’s end. During an era when Japan was seeking new hope, this song was created alongside innovative technology—for a groundbreaking live radio broadcast connecting Tokyo and Ito City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

What’s remarkable is that this eternal masterpiece was completed in an unbelievably short time. Lyricist KATO Shogo, born in a fishing port town in Shizuoka Prefecture, deeply understood coastal landscapes and maternal love. Within just 30 minutes on the day before the broadcast, he completed lyrics filled with gratitude to mothers and love for hometown. Each carefully chosen word, despite being written so quickly, possessed the power to touch listeners’ heartstrings.

Why It’s Still Loved After 80 Years

Composer KAINUMA Minoru was moved by KATO’s lyrics while traveling to Ito by train, inspired by the actual orange groves visible from his window to complete the melody. The lyrics singing of memories with mother harmonized beautifully with the gentle melody that embraces the heart, creating a masterpiece that continues to be loved by many people nearly 80 years later.

The reason this song is loved across generations is because it awakens the gratitude everyone holds for their mother and the longing for pure childhood love. In today’s busy life, when people hear this song, they remember their own memories with mother and the preciousness of ordinary days spent together. This isn’t sadness, but warm gratitude for loving memories.

Sunrise from Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture　By Shift, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Maternal Love That Will Be Sung Forever

“Mikan no Hana Saku Oka” received the honor of being selected as one of Japan’s “100 Best Japanese Songs,” but its true value doesn’t lie in awards. The real meaning of this song is that it continues to sing about how maternal love supports the human heart and enriches life.

Even as times change and lifestyles evolve, maternal love and the pure heart of childhood remain unchanged. This song has been carefully passed down to this day, entrusting such universal forms of love to its beautiful melody. The hill where orange blossoms bloom will continue to gently illuminate many people’s hearts as a spiritual hometown where memories with mother bloom eternally.

Hotaru koi — The Enchanting World of Firefly Hunting

Picture this: as the sun begins to set on a warm early summer evening in Japan, children gather near streams and rice paddies, their voices rising in a gentle, melodic chant: “Ho, Ho, Hotaru koi…” This beloved children’s song isn’t just a tune—it’s an invitation to one of Japan’s most enchanting seasonal traditions called “hotaru-gari” or firefly hunting. Unlike what the name might suggest, this isn’t about capturing these delicate creatures, but rather about witnessing nature’s own light show as fireflies dance through the twilight air like tiny floating lanterns.

The song “Hotaru Koi” captures the wonder and anticipation that both children and adults feel during this magical time of year. It’s a moment when the boundary between the human world and nature becomes beautifully blurred, and families come together to experience something that has captivated Japanese hearts for centuries. The simple melody and repetitive lyrics make it easy for even the youngest children to join in, creating a chorus that seems to beckon the fireflies from their hiding places.

A World of Glowing Wonders

Did you know that scientists have discovered approximately 2,000 species of fireflies around the globe? These fascinating insects come in two main varieties: terrestrial fireflies that spend their larval stage on land, and aquatic fireflies that develop in water. What makes this truly remarkable is that of these 2,000 species worldwide, only about 10 are aquatic fireflies—and Japan is home to 3 of these rare species: Genji fireflies (Luciola cruciata), Heike fireflies, and Kumejima fireflies. This extraordinary concentration of aquatic firefly species in Japan—representing 30% of the world’s total—demonstrates the exceptional quality of Japan’s freshwater environments.

What makes this particularly interesting for our song is that adult aquatic fireflies consume only water—no solid food at all! This might explain why the traditional lyrics reference the sweet taste of water, connecting the fireflies’ simple diet to the pure, clean streams where they’re most commonly found.

In Japan, fireflies have become living indicators of environmental health. These delicate creatures can only survive in areas with pristine water quality, making their presence a sign that the local ecosystem is thriving. When you see fireflies dancing above a stream, you’re not just witnessing a beautiful natural phenomenon—you’re looking at nature’s own quality control system in action. This connection between fireflies and clean water has made them symbols of environmental consciousness in Japanese culture.

The Perfect Firefly Habitat: Where Wasabi Grows

Some of the most spectacular firefly displays in Japan occur near mountain streams where wasabi is cultivated. These wasabi fields require the same crystal-clear, cool flowing water that fireflies need to survive, creating the perfect partnership between agriculture and nature. The terraced wasabi beds, with their constant flow of pure mountain water, provide ideal breeding grounds for fireflies while producing one of Japan’s most treasured culinary ingredients.

Wasabi, often called “Japanese horseradish,” is far more than just a condiment—it’s a cultural treasure that perfectly embodies the Japanese appreciation for subtle, natural flavors. True wasabi (hon-wasabi) is quite different from the green paste many people know from sushi restaurants abroad, which is often a mixture of horseradish, mustard, and food coloring. Authentic wasabi has a clean, sharp heat that doesn’t linger, and its flavor is best experienced when freshly grated on a traditional sharkskin grater called an “oroshi.” The grating process creates a smooth, creamy texture that releases the plant’s natural oils and delivers that distinctive, fleeting burn followed by a surprising sweetness. Nowadays, adventurous food lovers can even find wasabi-flavored ice cream—a uniquely Japanese treat that somehow works beautifully!

Modern Firefly Magic: Keeping Tradition Alive

In today’s rapidly modernizing Japan, the tradition of firefly watching has evolved to meet contemporary lifestyles while preserving its essential magic. Many hotels and resorts now organize special “Firefly Evenings” complete with traditional kaiseki dinners, guided nature walks, and storytelling sessions about firefly folklore. These events often include performances of “Hotaru Koi” and other traditional songs, allowing visitors to experience the full cultural context of firefly season.

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Some locations have created dedicated firefly parks and conservation areas where families can safely observe these creatures while learning about their life cycles and environmental importance. These modern interpretations of an ancient tradition show how Japan continues to honor its natural heritage while adapting to changing times. Photography workshops have also become popular, teaching visitors how to capture the ethereal beauty of fireflies without disturbing their natural behavior.

The enduring popularity of “Hotaru Koi” and firefly hunting demonstrates something beautiful about Japanese culture: the ability to find profound meaning in simple, seasonal moments. Whether you’re a child singing the song for the first time or an adult revisiting childhood memories, the sight of fireflies dancing in the summer twilight remains one of those experiences that connects us to something larger than ourselves—to the rhythms of nature, to generations past and future, and to the simple joy of being present in a moment of natural wonder.

The song conveys the exuberance of children riding the train. It is very popular because of its very cheerful and joyful tune.

Originally, however, it was the soldiers who rode the train. The original version of this song, “Soldier’s Train,” was written in 1937 to see off soldiers heading off to war.

By Unknown author – http://www.pref.okayama.jp/hoken/hohuku/engo/photo/seikatu6-20.htm (adjusted by uploader), Public Domain, Link

In 1945, the year the war ended, the song was chosen to be sung in NHK radio’s New Year’s Eve special program “Kouhaku Ongaku Shiai (Kouhaku Music Contest),” and some of the lyrics were changed and reworked as a song for traveling children appropriate for the era of peace.

The lyricist, FUHARA Kaoru, was born in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture, at the foot of Mt. Gotemba was the site of an army training ground at the time, and it is said that he and his students often saw off soldiers who were going off to war.

The melody is said to have been inspired by Schubert’s “Military March.

100 Best Japanese Songs