inuitka Says:

Jan 16, 2008 - this song goes beyond all beauty...

samuraiviking Says:

Jan 28, 2008 - homa ni umai! yosh!

echoette Says:

Mar 20, 2008 - I believe this is the version used in the film - at least that's what the director said in the film's commentary track - that it was a traditional song and that they'd used the Sakamoto version. It is gorgeous and haunting and was perfect for the film.

enilegnave21 Says:

Mar 26, 2008 - I became acquainted with this beautiful and moving piece of music in the closing scene of 'A Japanese Story.' I was so moved at the end of the movie that the tears were coming steady. This music did nothing to stem the tide.It has been very difficult for me to find this as I did not know the name, but tonight I am here listening again.Thanks so much for posting this.What are the words they are singing?Can anyone edify me? Thank you, Domo arigato gozaimasu

enilegnave21 Says:

Mar 26, 2008 - A mi me pasó lo mismo, ISCANDER...quedé tan conmovida al final de la película A Japanese Story, y esta música me dejó aún más conmovida.Esta no es la versión de la película, pero aún así, es delicada y bella... llena de un sentimiento que las palabras con consigüen expresar.Gracias por haber dejado aquí tus palabras.Estoy completamente de acuerdo.

enilegnave21 Says:

Mar 26, 2008 - I believe that at the end of the film it says the song is based on the traditional song by Ryuichi. Does anyone have any idea where the name Elizabeth Drake comes from associated to this music and the movie.This one seems a bit thinner and less orchestrated than the movie version, perhaps it was re-recorded for the film.Nevertheless, this song is very moving.I saw someone said the lyric translation is posted here, I wish to find them.I have a desire to know what they're singing.Thanks

enilegnave21 Says:

Mar 26, 2008 - While trying to find the translation of the Japanese provided by Aleancelo I came upon another spelling for this music. It is traditional from Okinawa. The spelling is Tinsagu nu Hana. I found a lovely version by Rimi Natsukawa that is not quite so long, but lovely. It is on YT.From there a search for the new spelling led me to Wikipedia where there was quite a entry which I will share with you here.

enilegnave21 Says:

Mar 26, 2008 - Tinsagu nu Hana (Okinawan てんさぐぬはな "the Balsam Flowers") sometimes also Tensagu nu Hana. Okinawan kids squeeze sap from balsam flowers to stain their fingernails. The lyrics are Confucian teachings. Of the 6 verses, the 1stt 3 relate to filial piety, while the last 3 to respecting one's body & goals.Each verse has the same exact number of notes using solely Ryukyuan language & metric devices. (contd.)

enilegnave21 Says:

Mar 26, 2008 - (contd. pt2) The English translation tells of the content of the verses but fails to convey the precison & beauty of the song:

enilegnave21 Says:

Mar 26, 2008 - There's no point in possessing magnificent jewelry if you don't maintain it; those who maintain their bodies will live life wonderfully. The desires of the person who lives sincerely will always run true & as a result she will prosper. You can do anything if you try, but you can't if you don't.

enilegnave21 Says:

Mar 26, 2008 - Lyrics: Just as my fingernails are stained w/ the pigment from balsalm flowers, my heart is painted w/ parents' teachings. Although the stars in the sky are countable, the teachings of my parents are not. Just as ships that run in the night are guided to safety by the northstar, I am guided by my parents who gave birth to me & watch over me.

kabukiqueen85 Says:

Apr 8, 2008 - It's Elizabeth Drake's version of this song that is used in the film "a Japanese Story". At least that's what it says on the international movie database. I think both versions are very beautiful.

tommyk77 Says:

Jul 27, 2008 - I finally got through the whole album the other day. It's odd. I liked alot of the tracks. The one with the indian singer is pretty cool. This one is very repetitive. "You do me" is awesome though. next up, BTTB *opens up itunes store*

casanovapaolo Says:

Aug 7, 2008 - Thanks! I love this song!!

Aleancelo Says:

Aug 14, 2008 - I actually liked the way it was sung from 5:27 then onwards.

JxOxNxNxY Says:

Aug 18, 2008 - this song RULES!

JesusdeCanarias Says:

Aug 24, 2008 - I knew this song by the film "A Japanese Story"...real good... Strongly recommended

Yuuka007 Says:

Sep 15, 2008 - this song is great I like it ^.^<3 thx for posting!

OrkelTree Says:

Sep 30, 2008 - Pretty song. Got here accidentally. Is this an old Japanese folk song?Pardon my ignorance, but Mr. Ryuichi is making me crazy about his sort of music.

francoamerica Says:

Oct 5, 2008 - this is sanshin, why do they show shamisen?

SeBoiss Says:

Oct 5, 2008 - Because is the principal instrument in this song !!!!

Peorth15 Says:

Oct 14, 2008 - this song was in the german movie "Kirschblüte - Hanami" ..i LOVE it!! (movie + songs :D)does anybody has is as MP3 and would like to send me??? ._.~

ArekkusuOS Says:

Oct 19, 2008 - What is the difference between Shamisen and Sanshin?

BlackMandarin Says:

Nov 1, 2008 - wonderfull...thank you mr.sakamoto!

myfathersmolly Says:

Nov 1, 2008 - How can music be so strikingly beautiful? This actually hurts to listen to. It makes me think of things impossible to change. It's music you close your eyes to, you can't control yourself when you hear it. Amazing and beautiful. I sincerely love it.