Akimoto’s original lyrics are so meaningful, so filled with eternal truths … that they may transcend language barriers and even create new meanings. One is a “literal” translation of the words from Japanese, and then he created another “non-literal” descriptive version. actually provides two English translations of the song in the article. sings his beautiful translation of the lyrics in English.

Now the singing is not as “enka” as some others, I will admit, but created a very respectable, heartwarming rendition. Kenny also has created this version that sings in English. If I was not tearing-up so much, I could probably practice the song with this karaoke: You can probably find many others through various YuteTube links. How about this version by Mexican singer Mariachi Vargas? Here is a version with American “soul” singer Diana Ross and opera singers Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. This recording is by Cantonese singer Teresa Teng. I am including a little YouTube playlist here. Several famous singers have recorded the song. Kenny has provided a great English translation, and has written a wonderful article about the song linked here. It is often the song of choice for artists performing live tributes to Misora.” According to linguistics blogger Larry Kenny “it is learned routinely by high school students in Japan.” and “The song embodies the very essence of enka, if not the very essence of the Japanese people.” I would be able to agree with that, as it is a very moving song. The song was to be her last single, and she died shortly after it was released in 1989.įrom Wikipedia: “… was voted the greatest song of all time during a national poll in 1997 by NHK, with more than 10 million votes. They composed this ballad for the famous Japanese enka singer Hibari Misora.

The music was composed by Akrika Mitake with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto. However, please allow me to make a case for “ Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni”, which translates from Japanese as “Like the Waters of a River”. Is it “She Loves You (Yeah,Yeah,Yeah)” by the Beatles? Could it be “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin? Is your choice “YMCA” by the Village People? Well, all of those are valid choices to be sure … What is the greatest popular music song of all time?

Kawa kawa song meaning