Autumn songs in Japan examples:
I would like to introduce 3 typical japanese autumn songs which are know by most of Japanese.(1 Kayokyoku, 1 Enka, 1 Douyou).
Momoe Yamaguchi – Cosmos（秋桜）1977 Kayokyoku
Cosmos (秋桜) by Momoe Yamaguchi
Year Released: 1977
“Cosmos(秋桜）” is the most famouse japanese autumn song. This song “Cosmos” by Momoe Yamaguchi is a kind of japanese autumn standard song which are covered by approx. 30 over singers in Japan.
An idol singer from the late 70’s who had a shocking early retirement in 1980.
Hiroshi Itsuki – Noren（暖簾） 1989 Enka
五木ひろし Official YouTubeチャンネル
TOKUMA JAPAN COMMUNICATIONS
暖簾 · 五木ひろし
ベストセレクションⅡ（1971-1994）～暖簾～
（P）TOKUMA JAPAN COMMUNICATIONS
Released on: 2013-08-07
Composer: 永井龍雲
Lyricist: 永井龍雲
1989年9月13日発売「暖簾」五木ひろし（59thシングル、作詞・作曲：永井龍雲）Released on September 13, 1989 “Noren” Hiroshi Itsuki (59th single, lyrics and composition: Ryun Nagai)
五木ひろし Official YouTubeチャンネル
In this video, Hiroshi Itsuki sings “Hikigatari”.
notes: “Hikigatari” means playing and singing mostly on acoustic guitar, piano, etc.
(notes)「暖簾」とは居酒屋の入り口にかかっている短いカーテンのような布地のこと。”Noren” is a short curtain-like piece of fabric that hangs at the entrance of an izakaya. 🎁(Reference video) “Noren (with lyrics)” in Japanese
Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa（ちいさい秋みつけた）BONNYJACKS 1962
King Records
A collection of 70 Japanese lyrical songs by Bonnie Jacks
King Record Co.,Ltd
Released on: 2021-12-08
Autumn song standard song “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa (english meaning: Little autumn found)” is an famous Japanese “Douyo“(children’s song, nursery rhyme).
“Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” Kumiko Ban, Bonnie Jacks (Lyrics: Hachiro Sato, Composition: Yoshinao Nakata) :
The song begins with the simple, repeated words, “Darekasan ga(Someone has), Darekasan ga, Darekasan ga, Mitsuketa(found). “Chiisai Aki(a small autumn), Chiisai Aki, Chiisai Aki,’Mitsuketa(has been found)’ (only some of the lyrics are quoted, with unofficial translate by me).
A lyrical song that represents the autumn nursery rhymes of postwar Japan, beginning with a simple and easy-to-mouth refrain.
“Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” is a children’s song that was originally introduced with children songs singer Kumiko Ban（伴久美子（ばんくみこ））on NHK’s “Autumn Festival” in 1955. But, songs with Kumiko was not released on record at that time. So, version of Bonnyjacks which was released on 10th April 1962 in album『サトウハチロー童謡集(“Sato Hachiro’s Douyo shu“)』is the first recodings.
Hachiro Sato wrote the lyrics after seeing the autumn leaves on the “Hazenoki“(wax tree,Toxicodendron succedaneum) in his garden.
Yoshinao Nakata lived in Mitaka in the 1940s and composed the melody while strolling around Inokashira Pond.
On the shore of Inokashira Pond in Inokashira Park in Mitaka City, Tokyo, there is a monument with the poem “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa“.
Okay, these are the some example of typical Autumn Japanese songs, just for now.
I hope that this small blog will give you an opportunity to experience some of Japan’s autumn songs. Enjoy 🙂
P.S. As you know, there are other autumn songs in J-Pop as well. Also, if I have a chance, I would like to introduce it to you.
(If you don’t mind in Japanese language, please check other my blogs about Autumn japanese songs. linked below:)
