doyo(children's song)

[caster51]

After Japan was opened to the West in 1867, music teachers were invited from abroad, and some of them adapted Japanese words to simple foreign songs. In time, Japanese composers began writing children’s songs called Shoka, in this new Western style. These songs were mainly sung in compulsory music classes in primary schools around the country. In 1918, a new movement began in which Japan’s top songwriters assembled to consciously create higher quality children’s songs. It was called “The Red Bird Movement”, referring to a progressive magazine that published the songs. The songs were called “Doyo”, and they were later introduced in textbooks throughout Japan, becoming an essential part of the nation’s musical education. All Japanese are familiar with the songs today, and most people have a great affection for them. Despite their somewhat recent origin, they are considered to be an important element of Japanese culture.


The themes of the songs are very closely tied to nature. They reflect a more simple and gentle era. I was moved often when translating the songs at how much we are all connected by our similar human feelings and experiences. There are hundreds of these beautiful songs in Japan and they are almost completely unknown in the West. Hopefully the English translations will help to bridge some of the gaps between Japan and the rest of the world as well as give outsiders a glimpse into the heart and soul of Japan

http://www.gregirwin.com/English/EnglishTop.html


Blue-eyed singer brings heart of Japan to world
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20030913a1.html
Dragonflies
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=sVv7eCdDVHk
My Country Home
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=T_ot-ut7NFk
Moon Over the Desert
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=fwbm04cJSko
http://jp.youtube.com/user/kengraw