The song “Senro wa tsuzuku yo dokomademo” is a beloved children’s song in Japan. Loved by people of all ages, from children to adults, this song has an intriguing history and cultural background.

The song was born in Japan in 1962, a time when the country was experiencing rapid economic recovery and development of its railway network after World War II. Japan was entering a period of high economic growth, marked by the introduction of bullet trains and intercity express trains. Railways became a symbol of economic progress, and people found hope in the idea that regions were becoming interconnected and new possibilities were emerging through rail travel.

The roots of this song trace back to the American labor song “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the construction of the transcontinental railroad was underway in the United States, connecting the East and West coasts. Many laborers worked in harsh conditions, singing songs to boost morale. “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” emerged from this background and spread among workers, its powerful melody reflecting their pride and determination.

Andrew J. Russell パブリック・ドメイン, リンクによる

The song “Senro wa tsuzuku yo dokomademo” became popular in Japan partly due to the influence of American culture. After the war, Japan saw rapid economic recovery, and the education system was reformed, placing a greater emphasis on music education. It was during this time that “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” was introduced to Japan. Japanese lyrics were created based on the original English lyrics, expressing a sense of adventure and anticipation for the future through the theme of railways. The strong spirit of the American railroad workers resonated with Japan’s aspirations for economic growth, and as a result, the song became widely loved.

In 2022, Japanese railways celebrated their 150th anniversary. The history of Japanese railways has greatly influenced the nation’s economic growth and modernization. The first railway in Japan opened in 1872, connecting Shimbashi and Yokohama, a distance of about 29 kilometers. This marked the beginning of Japan’s railway history and a revolution in domestic transportation. Since then, Japan’s railway network has continued to expand and evolve through the Meiji, Taisho, Showa, and Heisei eras to the present day. The opening of the Tokaido Shinkansen in 1964 was a landmark event in Japanese railway history, connecting Tokyo and Osaka as the world’s first high-speed railway. The Shinkansen significantly contributed to Japan’s economic development.

Baidō Kunimasa – http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3g10426http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3g10424http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3g10425, パブリック・ドメイン, リンクによる

In Japan, railways have played a crucial role not only as a means of transportation but also in regional development and tourism promotion. In local cities, railways are the lifeline of the regional economy, and tourist trains are popular attractions. The development of the railway network has expanded people’s living areas and created a virtuous cycle of economic activity.

Japan has a large number of railway enthusiasts, often referred to as “tetsudo mania” or “tetsudo otaku.” There are several reasons why there are so many railway fans in Japan. One is the diversity and appeal of various types of trains. From bullet trains and express trains to commuter trains, local lines, sightseeing trains, and steam locomotives, there are many different types of trains, each with its unique features and history. These characteristics make trains a fascinating subject for exploration. Additionally, as expressed in the lyrics “Over fields, over mountains, and over valleys,” the enjoyment of various landscapes from the train window is a significant reason for the large number of railway fans. This sense of excitement is encapsulated in the title “Senro wa tsuzuku yo dokomademo” (The Tracks Go On and On).

The railway culture in Japan is very detailed, with a wealth of information available. Railway companies actively share information on the introduction of new trains, timetable changes, and events, providing constant new discoveries for railway fans. Railway models, books, magazines, and TV programs are also abundant, further stimulating the interests of railway enthusiasts. Numerous railway fan communities exist in Japan, and railway-related events are frequently held. Railway museums, preserved railways, and exhibitions serve as places for railway fans to interact and share information, further deepening railway culture.

“Senro wa tsuzuku yo dokomademo” is not just a children’s song but is deeply connected to Japan’s railway culture and history. The song’s sense of adventure and anticipation for the future overlaps significantly with the development of Japanese railways. Through this song, children may develop an interest in railways, which they can carry into adulthood. Railways are not just a means of transportation but a vehicle carrying the dreams and hopes of many people. As the title “Senro wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo” suggests, Japanese railways, too, will continue to extend into the future.

I hope this article serves as a source of new discoveries and interests for railway enthusiasts and those intrigued by the song “Senro wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo.” By reflecting on the history of Japan that has progressed alongside railways and reaffirming its charm, I hope to contribute to the further development of railway culture.

By the way, when traveling in Japan using public transportation such as trains, the “Welcome Suica” in the link below is convenient.
This is a prepaid electronic money card that can be used for transportation and shopping such as trains, buses and taxis all over Japan. Rechargeable without deposit, valid for 28 days. It seems that you can change it as a souvenir after using it.

“Kisha” is a song about the joys of train travel.

Today, “kisha” generally refers to steam locomotives and is distinguished from “densha.”

By 影山 光洋(1907-1981,KAGEYAMA Kouyou) – 『日本国有鉄道百年写真史』P308, Public Domain, Link

The song is about the joy of changing scenery from the train window, but today’s children are so engrossed in games that they do not enjoy the scenery.

By the way, there are many railroad fans in Japan, called “Tetsu Ota,” who enjoy riding the trains, taking pictures, recording them, and so on.

Railroad fans are probably found all over the world, but in the case of Japan, I have the impression that the concentration is very strong. Perhaps it is because, as sung in this song, the scenery changes at a glance. Nearly 70% of the country is mountain forest, which means that only 30% of the land can be traveled by rail. The scenery of the train window changes quickly. Even if you are not a railroad fan, you will feel excited.

ディック – 投稿者自身による著作物, CC 表示-継承 4.0, リンクによる

In this sense, the town of Hirono in Fukushima Prefecture is introduced as the setting of the lyrics because of the “Hironohara” part of the lyrics, but the popular theory seems to be that it is just a large field to sing about.

The 100 Best Japanese Songs.

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.

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