"An Evening Melody" - Lullaby for Summoning Children at Dusk

In the heart of Japan, a familiar melody rings out each day, serving as a gentle reminder for children to head home. The song, titled "Yuūyake koyake," is a beloved part of Japanese culture and can be heard on public speakers in cities, towns, and villages across the country.

The song's composition is credited to Kusakawa Shin, but it was Shinpei Nakayama who originally composed the famous tune. The title, "Yuūyake koyake," translates to "a rich, colorful sunset," painting a vivid image of the setting sun in the evening glow.

The lyrics of "Yuūyake koyake" do not refer to any specific religious or cultural event, nor do they mention children or homes. Instead, they evoke the beauty of the sunset and the approaching twilight. The opening words, "Yuūyake, koyake de hi ga kurete," mean "As the sun sets, the day ends."

Koyake, a word not commonly found in Japanese dictionaries, has been suggested to have been used by Nakamura Ukō to repeat the idea of a sunset. The song's lyrics also include a less-heard second verse that mentions the round moon and twinkling stars in the night sky.

Interestingly, the playing of "Yuūyake koyake" on public speakers each day is not just a tradition. It is also a test to ensure the functionality of the speakers for emergency messages. The song is typically played between about four and six o'clock, earlier in the winter and later in the summer.

The song "Yuūyake koyake" is well-known in Japan, and its popularity extends beyond the borders of the country. A popular misconception is that the song was composed by Kusakawa Shin, when in fact it was Shinpei Nakayama who originally composed the tune.

An instrumental version of the song is also played on public speakers in Japan in the late afternoon, serving as a soothing soundtrack to the end of the day. The banner photo for this article is credited to Pixta.

This article originally appeared in English, but we hope that by sharing it, we have brought a piece of Japan's rich cultural heritage to a wider audience.