I found this piece rather moving in the cool crisp winds of spring while the cherry blossoms were starting to bloom. You could just barely catch a glimpse at the snow white top of mount Fuji in the mornings from my apartment. In the song he mentions “young shoots”, these are most likely the first vegetable that you can pick which look like a flower called FUKI NO TOU. Usually this vegetable is fried with tempura and is very bitter.

The bush warbler, cherry blossoms, said vegetable and wisteria are very important parts of the Japanese spring.  I added photos to help you get a feel for what this music is about.

The song was written by Yoshizawa Kengyo (1808-1872)

Two koto are performing in this recording below. This is a short version.  Usually the piece is played with the vocal section first,  tegotomono (instrumental section) in the middle and a closing vocal variation of the same lyric.

Click play, then read below.  The singing starts after 8 minutes or so.

HARU NO KYOKU

If the bush warbler —>
Did not sing
From the valleys,
Who would know
The coming of spring?

Though deep in the mountains
Snow still covers the pines,
In the capital
People gather young shoots —>
From the fields!

shinjukugyoen

If the cherry blossom were not known
To our world,
Perhaps our hearts would be
Peaceful at spring time.

On horseback
We go to the old capital
At Nara;
See how the blossoms are scattered
Whiter and deeper than snow!

Will only passing strangers
Glance back and see
The wisteria in bloom, —>
Billowing in waves
On my cottage?

Sing, warbler, sing!
Never cease your song!
For spring
Comes only
Once a year.