東亜樹 아즈마 아키 「帰り船」貝沼建設東亜樹コンサート第三部 田端義夫Cover by AKI AZUMA

"Kaeri Fune" (Returning Ship) is a Showa-era popular song that became a huge hit in 1946 (Showa 21), shortly after the end of the war, sung by Yoshio Tabata. 1. Basic Information on the Song Release Year: 1946 (Showa 21) Lyrics: Minoru Shimizu Composition: Haruo Kurawaka Vocals: Yoshio Tabata (Batayan) 2. Background of its Creation It reflects the feelings of people who were brought back from overseas territories such as the South Pacific, Taiwan, and Manchuria, as well as soldiers who returned from the war, immediately after the defeat. It contains the overwhelming emotions of the moment when they saw the shadow of their homeland on a ship returning to Japan after overcoming unspeakable hardships. 3. Story and Meaning of the Lyrics The lyrics feature memories of places that evoke overseas lands, such as "the night in Hawaii" and "the streets of Shanghai." Longing for Home: The song expresses the feeling of yearning for the mountains and rivers of one's homeland (Japan) while being tossed about by rough seas in a foreign land. The role of the ship: The "returning ship" is not simply a means of transportation, but is depicted as a symbol of salvation that continues all the way back to one's hometown. 4. Social impact: At the time, this song was played at places like Osaka Station, and there are stories of returning soldiers listening to it with tears in their eyes. It played a role like a "requiem" that healed the hearts of wounded people, and became one of Yoshio Tabata's signature songs.