Great-Uncle Episode 6: The Story Woven Into the Lyrics — The Narrative and Scenery of Kanpyo Ondo
Born over 90 years ago, "Kanpyo Ondo" continues to be cherished across Mibu Town. Its lyrics vividly depict the rhythm of kanpyo cultivation centered in the Fujii district, the dedication of local artisans, and the poetic atmosphere of summer. Below, we uncover the deep story embedded within both the original Japanese verses and their English translations.
Lyrics and Translations
Verse 1:
苗を植えては 丹精こめて
(Planting the seedlings with heartfelt care)
実る夕顔（ゆうがお） 白い花
(White bottle gourd blossoms open in the air)
白い花咲きゃ 夜明けを待って
(When white flowers bloom, we await the dawn's light)
剥いて干します 庭先に
(To peel and dry them in the yard so bright)
(Chant) サイサイ ヨイヨイ ヨイ (Sai-sai, Yoi-yoi, Yoi!)
Verse 2:
白いかんぴょう 天下の名産
(Pure white Kanpyo, a legacy renowned)
味の良さなら 日本一
(The finest taste in all the land is found)
日本一だよ 江戸前寿司に
(Number one in Japan for Edomae sushi rolls)
欠かせぬ旨さの 巻き寿司に
(An indispensable flavor that satisfies our souls)
(Chant) サイサイ ヨイヨイ ヨイ (Sai-sai, Yoi-yoi, Yoi!)
Verse 3:
唄に合わせる 花笠踊り
(Dancing with floral hats in rhythm with the song)
盆のやぐらに 太鼓打つ
(Drums beat on the tower as night moves along)
太鼓打つ音 響くよ夜空
(Echoing through the sky, the vibrant summer beat)
踊ろ皆様 輪になって
(Let's join in a circle and dance in the street!)
(Chant) サイサイ ヨイヨイ ヨイ (Sai-sai, Yoi-yoi, Yoi!)
Detailed Commentary and Scenery
Verse 1 Commentary: Farmers' Passion and Summer Scenery
The night-blooming gourd (yugao) features delicate white flowers that open in the evening and wither by the following morning. Farmers enter the fields before dawn while it is still dark to harvest the fruit, slicing and hand-peeling it with artisan skill. The fresh, succulent ribbons of gourd are then laid out in the yard to dry under the morning summer sun.
Verse 1 beautifully captures the early morning
craftsmanship of these artisans alongside the picturesque summer scene of bright white kanpyo ribbons stretching across green fields and gardens.
Verse 2 Commentary: Local Pride and Food Culture
The Fujii district of Mibu Town served as the historical center for the introduction and cultivation of kanpyo. High-quality dried white kanpyo produced here was transported to high-end sushi establishments in Tokyo,
establishing its nationwide reputation as an indispensable staple of Edomae sushi rolls (kanpyo-maki). The phrase "the finest taste in all the land" reflects the deep pride and love the local community held for their craft and produce.
Verse 3 Commentary: Festive Energy and Generations United
Verse 3 celebrates the joy of gathering at the summer Bon dance to commemorate a hard-earned harvest. As Masaru's live, nightingale-like voice rings out into the night air alongside the deep resonance of the taiko drums,
townspeople holding colorful flower hats form concentric circles to dance. This exact scene described in the song continues to come alive around the festival tower at the annual Mibu Furusato Festival.
Every single word carries the warmth of local history and daily life, allowing "Kanpyo Ondo" to resonate across generations and continue touching hearts today.
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