It was a pleasant surprise during a visit in Tanzania. I was gathering news in the far-away distant land and saw a band playing the famous Japanese song, Ue o Muite Aruko (Look at the Sky) at a local restaurant. It touched my heart deep inside.
Receiving the sad news of the passing away of Japanese lyricist Rokusuke Ei on July 7, 2016, I’m recalling profound lyrics and messages he left with us. His iconic works include the Sukiyaki song, Toku e Ikitai (I want to go somewhere so far away alone) and Kuroi Hanabira (Black flower petals).
Ei was not just a famous lyricist but one of the pioneering popular personalities on the television and radio. His radio programs had been popular among the farmers on the fields. One of his long-run radio programs that he had served as a main personality ended in June end. “I hope to see you here again,” the parkinsonian patient said as usual at the end of the program, but his wish did not come true.
He was an accomplished linguist, too. He hated discrimination and loved peace. He always talked about the importance of the agriculture. He lived by the words of Tsuneichi Miyamoto, an ethnologist he honored, and saw his listeners, listen to them, and deliver their messages through his programs.
I wonder what he thought of the upper house election that took place on July 10. He once wrote in his book named “Messages (Iwanami Shoten)” that the politicians should keep focusing on the heritage of manufacturing technology and agriculture of Japan.”
“Look at the sky when you walk through lifeSee how the stars blow away your tears flowAs you remember the summer day so brightOn this lonely, lonely night”
Join me in praying for Ei.