Point of interest: 蛍の光 (ほたるのひかり)

“The Glow of Fireflies” has a special place in the hearts of many Japanese. It is a beloved song that has become part of the cultural fabric of Japan, so much so that some Japanese people may be unaware of its origins. The song shares the same melody with the Scottish folk song “Auld Lang Syne” and theories suggest that it was introduced to Japan from the West during the Meiji era (1868-1912).

In Japan the song took on a life of its own; the title and lyrics distinct from the Scottish folk song. The title has profound symbolic significance for the Japanese people. The song lyrics, depict time, place and experience in a way that elicits emotional resonance and perhaps a shared sense of nostalgia.

While 蛍の光 and “Auld Lang Syne” share themes of friendship, memories and parting, the bittersweet emotions of parting are central to the Japanese lyrics and for many evoke a sense of sadness or ambivalence. If asked the feeling the song evokes, a Japanese person may likely respond . They may also express that they feel a sense of nostalgia; using the word .

According to MOFA (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan), use of the song is considered to have spread nationally after its recording in the first publication of the Japanese music textbook

しょうがく

小学

しょうか

唱歌

しゅう

集

in Meiji 15 (1882). It is thought that the history of 蛍の光 stems from this time.

From the 20th century onward it became standard for 蛍の光 to be sung at graduation ceremonies. The first two lines of the song depict a scene in which one is giving their everything to their studies, to the point of taking the opportunity to study in the moments of light emitted by the fireflies or from the reflection of the snow at the window. It depicts a period in which light during the dark hours was not readily available, but students of this time would do their best to immerse themselves in study, building their knowledge.

The song continues on, describing this period of learning coming to an end, and peers parting ways.

It is also performed as the final song of the NHK New Year’s Eve special broadcast “Kohaku Uta Gassen”. Following in a similar tradition, Tokyo Disney Resort includes 蛍の光 in its song lineup performed at their New Year’s Eve parties. The song is usually performed during the final few minutes leading up to the countdown to New Year’s Day.

蛍の光 is also played over the PA systems of some supermarkets and department stores when it is nearing closing time, as a gentle nudge to customers so they finish up their shopping!