Japanese Songs Series Three: Fuyugeshiki and Fujisan

The “Japanese Song Issue” is a series of postage stamps that Japan created between 1979 and 1981. The stamps feature children’s songs (or folk songs) and each have a few notes from the start of the song. The design of each stamp is colorful and fun, to appeal to children. Make sure to visit my main page about the series to learn more. Also check out this excellent post by Richard Scott Morel, Curator, Philatelic Collections of the British Library about this series.

This post is about the Japanese Songs Series Three (the third set of two stamps). The release of the series was on January 28, 1980.

Fuyugeshiki (Wintry Scene)

In addition to featuring the first few measures of the folksong Fuyugeshiki (written in 1913), the stamp depicts boats moored on calm water with a mountainous landscape behind. The blue colors give an icy feel and snow can be seen on buildings and distant fields. A pink sky suggests an early chilly wintry morning. The design is by the twentieth century visual artist Shigehiko Ishikawa.

***Update. In my first post I did not have the lyrics for this song. However, Thanks to Peter’s comment I was able to add them. Thanks Peter!

Here is a charming recording of the piece for violin and organ:

Fujisan (Mt. Fuji)

The second stamp in the set features the song Fujisan about Mount Fuji. The stamp is quite pretty with the top of the famous mountain appearing above the clouds. The entire scene has a pink or purple glow from a rising or setting sun. The stamp design is by S. Watanabe. I also have the stamp on a first day cover. Notice especially the wonderful cancellation. The song itself was first published for use in Japanese elementary schools in 1910.

Here is an English translation of the song:

Poking its head out over the clouds
Looking down on all the neighboring mountains
And listening to the thunder booming far below,
Fuji is the greatest mountain in Japan.

It towers high up in the blue sky
Wearing a kimono of snow on its body
At its feet unfurls a hem of fog
Fuji is the greatest mountain in Japan.

Take a listen to this traditional Japanese song: