I translated the main idea of the lyrics of "Hotaru no Hikari", Japanese version of Auld Lang Syne, into English: I spent many days reading books, letting in the pale light of fireflies and moonlight snowflakes through the window. Before I knew it, the years had passed, and this morning I opened the cedar door to leave my classmates. Those who remain in their hometowns and those who are leaving will only be able to see each other today, so they sing only one word, "God bless you" to express their countless thoughts and feelings for each other. From the edge of Kyushu to the far reaches of Tohoku, separated by oceans and mountains, our hearts are never far from each other. Do our utmost for our country. From the depths of the Kuril Islands to Okinawa, are the cornerstone of Japan's national defense. Stand up bravely against the countries which don’t rule our lands and do your best, my brothers and sisters, and be safe. (Songs #3 and #4 are almost never sung now, partly because of their war-related content.)
歌詞だね、言うまでもない
ほたるのひかり、まどのゆき、
ふみよむつきひ、かさねつゝ、
いつしかとしも、すぎのとを、
あけてぞけさは、わかれゆく。
とまるもゆくも、かぎりとて、
かたみにおもふ、ちよろづの、
こゝろのはしを、ひとことに、
さきくとばかり、うたふなり。
つくしのきはみ、みちのおく、
うみやまとほく、へだつとも、
そのまごゝろは、へだてなく、
ひとつにつくせ、くにのため。
ちしまのおくも、おきなはも、
やしまのうちの、まもりなり。
いたらんくにに、いさをしく、
つとめよわがせ、つつがなく。
(3番4番は今はほとんど歌われてないなぁ、そ決)
I translated the main idea of the lyrics of "Hotaru no Hikari", Japanese version of Auld Lang Syne, into English:
I spent many days reading books, letting in the pale light of fireflies and moonlight snowflakes through the window.
Before I knew it, the years had passed, and this morning I opened the cedar door to leave my classmates.
Those who remain in their hometowns and those who are leaving will only be able to see each other today, so they sing only one word, "God bless you" to express their countless thoughts and feelings for each other.
From the edge of Kyushu to the far reaches of Tohoku, separated by oceans and mountains, our hearts are never far from each other. Do our utmost for our country.
From the depths of the Kuril Islands to Okinawa, are the cornerstone of Japan's national defense.
Stand up bravely against the countries which don’t rule our lands and do your best, my brothers and sisters, and be safe.
(Songs #3 and #4 are almost never sung now, partly because of their war-related content.)
ホタルの輝きを秘めるもの〜窓の雪〜