Some parts of Japan, Cheery blossom has bloomed already. Today, I will introduce one of the children’s songs I used to enjoy very much at this time of the year.

「さくら、さくら」is a Japanese traditional song. It was made at Edo era for the purpose of koto [こと], a Japanese plucked half-tube zither instrument, practice for children in Edo (currently Tokyo). Its composer was not yet known.

Koto/琴・こと

The lyrics

There are two lyrics . The first one is on the youtube video. Apparently the second lyrics was modified at the year 16th in Showa era. As we all know languages keep on changing. Time to time its revision may be necessary.

Now let’s hear the song

さくら、さくら　（Haru yo koi)

I have translated it’s lyrics below.　In classic literature, the meaning of words are very much difficult to understand. I have checked some meaning of words. For example, [yayoi no sora], Sara (sky), in this case, looks like representing {the distance, the view, the scenery. In the second lyric the word {asahi} was used, usually [asashi] is sunrise but according to the source I have read, it implies [japan] and [niou] implies [shine/beautiful]. Some might translate differently.

Now let’s sing together!!!

1. Sakura, sakura, yayoi no sora wa, miwatasu kagiri, kasumi ka kumo ka, niyoizo izuru, iza ya iza ya, mini yukan (on youtube video)
2. Sakura, sakura, noyama mo sato mo,miwatasu kagiri, kasumi ka kumo ka, asahi ni niou, sakura, sakura, hana zakari.

Hope you will enjoy this song and be able to learn some Japanese words! Please let me know if you enjoyed it or not!

An extra bit for anime lovers.

SAKURA – BY SHOTA SHIMIZU.

When I listened to this song at first time,  ｍy eyes were unknowingly filled with tears.  He sings so beautifully and its lyric matches with the animation from 5 centimetres per second.

THANK YOU Arigato