Learning Japanese through song lyrics

As a child I was highly influenced by Japanese songs from 1970's and 1980's that my dad used to play on his guitar. The music genre from this period is typically called 'Folk' in Japan, which can be described as a beginning of "Japanese Pop" rather than traditional music.

The post-war generation in Japan sought to participate and take action in social problems. This is reflected in the 'Folk song' lyrics. I wish young people in Japan today would show passion and take action as students did in the 70's...

I love J-pop, but I will probably always listen to J-Folk. I remember that these song lyrics were my first texts in order to learn Japanese.

A cosmos by the rail crossing

waving as the train passes

and the train disappears

disappears into the sunset

（海援隊 Kaientai (1978) :「思えば遠くにきたもんだ」(I came a long way) ）

A famous song about a guy who is looking back on the path of life. The dream he chased seems far away. He believed the rails would lead him the way... He is wondering what he has found and where he is going.

思えば遠くに来たもんだ…と思った風景 

On the way to Montilla Morriles, Spain

モンティリア・モリレスに向う電車から

In the mountains of Onta, Japan

小鹿田に向かう山間

フォーク

踏切の側に咲く

コスモスの花ゆらして

貨物列車が走り過ぎる

そして夕陽に消えてゆく…

（海援隊(1978年) :「思えば遠くへ来たもんだ」）

日本の７０年代、８０年代ポップスの歌詞がとても好きで今でも良く聞いている。
私は小さい頃フォークソングを聞いて育った。
今思うと当時はインターネットなどは無く、日本人の少ないコペンでは日本語を聞く機会も少なかった。そんな中私にとってフォークソングは嬉しい事に自然と教材になっていたのだと思う。


最近のJ-popも大好きだけれど、もう一度流行ってほしいなぁ、フォークソング^^