About this work
Cherry blossoms and evening lanterns frame a woman’s memory of a lover and the uncertainty of his return. This English version is an editorial translation for access; the Japanese text remains available alongside it for comparison.
Parallel reading
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Read the Japanese original and its English translation together. On smaller screens, each language follows in sequence.
日本語原文 Japanese original
桜吹雪の目黒川
今年も紬に半幅帯で
川面に映す襟足視れば
うす桃色の花びら一つ
残照照らす女肌
春の嵐に揺れて舞う
東山橋ぼんぼり灯り
いついつまでも悲しみひいて
わが身遊ぶや喜ぶや
こぼす涙も嘆き橋
鬢のほつれに細指そえて
華の乱れに吐息をもらす
ふと耳許で囁くは
ああなつかしやまぼろしか
忘れもしない声の主
嘘ならいらない、もういらないわ
気まぐれ貴方と つきあうなんて
嘘よ、うそうそ、あたしを棄てて
青き粽に走ったあなた
愛してる？ 愛してるから帰って来たの？
English translation 英訳
AI-assisted English translation. The Japanese original remains authoritative.
Sakura Snow on the Meguro River
Again this year, in a silk kimono with a half-sash,
Reflecting the collar of my sleeves on the river's surface,
I see a faint pink petal,
Lighted by the lingering sun on a woman's skin.
Dancing in the spring storm,
The lanterns of Higashiyama Bridge.
Always, always, sorrow draws me in,
My body plays, my heart rejoices.
My tears spill, my sighs echo on the Bridge of Lament.
With fine fingers, I smooth the tangle of my hair,
And breathe in the chaos of the flowers.
Suddenly, a whisper at my ear:
"Ah, how nostalgic, how fleeting, this mirage."
The voice I cannot forget.
A lie is not needed, no more, no more.
"You, with your fickle heart, to be with you—
A lie, a lie, you have cast me aside.
You ran, wild and blue, after the green rice dumpling.
Do you love me? Did you come back because you loved me?
Original wording, author credits, notes and source materials are preserved there.