About this work
The scent and colors of plum blossoms recall a walk once shared on a mountain path. The returning flowers bring tenderness, jealousy, and the question of whom the absent beloved now walks beside.
Parallel reading
日本語と英語で読む
Read the Japanese original and its English translation together. On smaller screens, each language follows in sequence.
日本語原文 Japanese original
ほのかなうめの香りは春の訪れ
冬山に彩りを添えて
柔らかな暖かい日差しの中
貴方と散歩したこの山道
小さな小梅は青空の下に映えて
貴方を求めて咲き乱れている私みたい
白、赤、桃色の小梅・・・どの色もいいね
貴方は選べないみたい気の多い人みたいだった
私は、貴方にとって何色の花だったの
あの頃のように仲良く歩きたい
今年のうめの花は誰と見ているの
きっと私とは違うタイプの色の小梅ね
醜いやきもちを焼かせる貴方を許せない
うめ香る季節には悲しい涙の雨が降る
English translation 英訳
AI-assisted English translation. The Japanese original remains authoritative.
The faint fragrance of plum blossoms heralds spring,
adding color to the winter mountain.
On this mountain path, in the soft warmth of sunlight,
I once walked with you.
Small plum blossoms stand out beneath the blue sky,
blooming wildly as though they were me, longing for you.
White, red, pink—every shade is lovely.
You could never choose, as if your heart strayed easily.
What color blossom was I to you?
I want to walk close beside you as we did then.
With whom are you viewing this year’s plum blossoms?
Surely a little blossom of a different color, unlike me.
I cannot forgive you for kindling this ugly jealousy.
When the plum trees are fragrant, a rain of sorrowful tears falls.
Original wording, author credits, notes and source materials are preserved there.