 Most viewed - Lake Biwa Rowing Song 琵琶湖周航の歌 英語版 |
Unlike the song monument at Chomeiji Port, this monument includes the first line of Verse 6 with the mistaken "Saigoku Pilgrimage 10th temple."80 views
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Rear of Verse 6 monument. Next to the main stone is a plaque for the entire lyrics.79 views
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Verse 1 photos (Otsu)79 views
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We passed by various scenic spots such as Shirahige Shrine, noted for the torii gate in the lake.79 views
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「周航の物語展」今津東コミセン79 views
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In the evening during 5 pm-6:30pm, a slide show lecture about Oguchi Taro and Yoshida Chiaki was given by Iida Tadayoshi, a song researcher. Held at a hotel in Imazu. 歌と映像でつづる「小口太郎と吉田千秋の物語」講演会79 views
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Inside former bank building.79 views
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Jamie Thompson コンクールで初めて英語で歌われた。歌が終わると大きな拍手。78 views
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Verse 3 Song Monument at Nagahama's Hokoen Park. It is shaped like a boat and the top has a wavy surface like the water. It is called the "nami-makura" (rolling waves) design.78 viewsThe glass bench is positioned for sunset views over the lake.
Update: Unfortunately, this glass bench monument cracked and was replaced with another bench monument in Sept. 2021.
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Chikubushima boat dock. The Verse 4 Song Monument on can be seen on the left.77 views
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Biwa Library びわ図書館77 views
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Open deck at the rear. The boat departed at about 11:30 am.77 views
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Water lilies. The melody of the song originally came from a song called "Hitsuji-gusa" which means water lilies.77 views
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Verse 6 Song Monument, Chomeiji Temple. Built in Nov. 2011.77 viewsDirections: From Omi-Hachiman Station on the JR Biwako Line, take a bus to Chomeiji. Takes about 20 min. Omi-Hachiman Station has a tourist information office where you can obtain directions and a map. You can also rent a bicycle at the station and follow the map to Chomeiji Port. The monument is in a small park in front of the port near the Chomeiji bus stop. The other Verse 6 monument is within the Chomeiji temple grounds. Climb the 800 steps (quite strenuous) to the temple or call a taxi to drive up near the top.
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Water lily (Hitsuji-gusa). ひつじぐさ76 views
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Lake Biwa Rowing Song CD flyer. The CD is 800 yen.76 views
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Verse 6 photos (Chomeiji)75 views
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Lute Plaza, which includes Biwa Library in Nagahama, Shiga. 20-min. bus ride from Nagahama Station.75 views
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Verse 3 photos (Imazu)74 views
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On the adjacent wall, I showed a map of the rowing route, artist's message in English and Japanese, and an English biography of Taro Oguchi, the songwriter.74 views
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Kyoto Shimbun article mentioning the song's roots in the UK, May 27, 201574 views
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Crowd gathers73 views
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First panel explaining Verses 1 and 2, Yokaichi Public Library 2nd floor gallery73 views
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Maibara Exhibition, July 19 - Aug. 3, 2007 at Lucci Plaza, Maibara, Shiga. Near Omi-Nagaoka Station. Photo exhibition poster.73 views
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Awards ceremony (受賞式). Sadly, this choir contest has been discontinued after the last time it was held in 2019. Held annually in mid-June from 1997 to 2019. In recent years, there have been fewer choir entrants and fewer from within Shiga.73 views
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Children's choir in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, Japan in Feb. 2008 rehearse singing Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta) in English. They sing the first verse.73 views
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2nd Imazu Exhibition, May 30 - July 1, 2007 at Biwako Shuko no Uta Shiryokan, Takashima, Shiga. This was the second time to have an exhibition here. Photo exhibition poster.71 views
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Video of Jamie and Megan Thompson singing "Lake Biwa Rowing Song" at Spo-Rec Shiga on Oct. 18, 2008 at Kibogaoka Park in Yasu, Shiga Prefecture.71 viewsThe performance was part of the side entertainment on the opening day of the sports festival. The MC is Chiho Ono, radio personality at e-radio (FM Shiga) which organized this stage entertainment.
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Asahi Shimbun article (April 17, 2017) about our Lake Biwa Rowing Song mini concert held in Imazu on April 16, 2017. 71 views
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Across the road from the Verse 2 song monument is this small music box. Press the button and you can hear the song play (sung by Kato Tokiko).71 views
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Title: Lake Biwa Rowing Song in English 「琵琶湖周航の歌」英語版70 views
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Yokaichi Public Library, near Yokaichi Station. 東近江市 八日市図書館70 views
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7th panel showing Verse 6 (Chomeiji)69 views
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Exhibition title even on the rear side of the exhibition panels.69 views
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2011 FISA World Rowing Tour at Lake Biwa, Japan. "Lake Biwa Rowing Song" was played as they rowed.69 viewsAbout 40 rowers from overseas rowed around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, Japan on June 5-11, 2011 for the annual FISA World Rowing Tour held for the first time in Asia. This video was taken on June 9 when they rowed from Nagahama to Hikone in northeastern Lake Biwa. The tour was hosted by the Seta Rowing Club in Otsu. FISA is the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Aviron, the International Rowing Federation which is the governing body for international Rowing.
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It was sweet to return to Imazu to sing. It had been 11 years (2006) since we did this.69 views
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Megan and Jamie pose in front of the song monument. Five major newspapers covered the event. (See the news article section.)69 views
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YouTube video of us singing Lake Biwa Rowing Song at Imazu Port. 5 min.69 views
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Verse 5 photos (Hikone)68 views
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Title: Lake Biwa Rowing Song in English 「琵琶湖周航の歌」英語版68 views
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YouTube video of our mini concert inside Biwako Shuko no Uta Shiryokan. 23 min.68 views
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The first verse is wriiten, but the first line about Chomeiji being the 10th temple in the Saigoku Pilgrimage is omitted.67 viewsChomeiji is the 31st temple in the Saigoku Pilgrimage, not the 10th temple as sung in the song.
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Title: Lake Biwa Rowing Song - Sing in English! 「琵琶湖周航の歌」英語で歌おう！ Entrance to Biwa Library.67 views
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Third panel explaining Verses 5 and 6.67 views
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2nd panel showing Verse 1 (Otsu)67 views
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5th panel showing Verse 5 (Hikone)67 views
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Kyoto University Rowing Club's official 2017 calendar includes "Lake Biwa Rowing Song" English lyrics for the 1st time. Back cover of the calendar made by Tetsuo Oshiro.67 views
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Most of the audience had to leave to go on the 3:30 pm cherry blossom cruise to Kaizu-Osaki from Imazu Port. So we were the only ones left at the end when we sang the song in Japanese the traditional way.67 views
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Sankei Shimbun article (April 17, 2017) about our Lake Biwa Rowing Song mini concert held in Imazu on April 16, 2017. 67 views
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Verse 3 Song Monument, Nagahama. Built and unveiled on June 25, 2017 by a non-profit citizens group in Nagahama formed to build this new song monument for the song's 100th anniversary. 三番の歌碑。長浜城のそば67 viewsThe new Verse 3 Song Monument is near Nagahama Castle near the lake shore. It was unveiled with great fanfare by singer Kato Tokiko and others.
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Verse 6 Song Monument facing Chomeiji pier66 views
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Verse 4 photos (Chikubushima)66 views
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Second panel explaining Verses 3 and 4.66 views
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Kyoto University Rowing Club's official 2017 calendar includes "Lake Biwa Rowing Song" English lyrics for the 1st time. Front cover of the calendar made by Tetsuo Oshiro.66 views
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The monument is in a very good location within the Chomeiji temple grounds. All temple visitors have to pass by the monument. It also overlooks the lake.66 views
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A special guest was Kitagawa Akihiro who is the vocalist of the Nagahama-based duo ~Lefa~. He sang in English with the girls.66 views
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Biwako Shuko no Uta Shiryokan song museum, in Imazu, Shiga 琵琶湖周航の歌資料館65 views
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Okaya One-Day Exhibition, Mar. 4, 2007 at Canora Hall, Okaya, Nagano.65 views
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Below the photos were explanation of the song and English lyrics.65 views
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3rd panel showing Verse 3 (Imazu)65 views
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Donated by Omi-Hachiman resident Fukao Katsuyoshi and unveiled on Nov. 5, 2011.65 views
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This time, we sang with Lake Biwa reed flutists Lake Reed (Kikui Satoru and Kondo Yumiko). It turned out so pretty.65 views
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We were very lucky to get Lake Reed to perform with us. Mr. Kikui (far right) basically invented the Lake Biwa reed flute in 2000.65 views
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We were honored by former Shiga Governor Kada Yukiko attending our mini concert. She also promoted the 1st Biwako Music Festival to be held at Biwako Hall on June 30, 2017.65 views
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Yomiuri Shimbun article (April 17, 2017) about our Lake Biwa Rowing Song mini concert held in Imazu on April 16, 2017. 65 views
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Mainichi Shimbun article (April 12, 2017) announcing our upcoming Lake Biwa Rowing Song mini concert to be held in Imazu on April 16, 2017. 65 views
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Omi-Hachiman One-Day Exhibition, Oct. 29, 2006 at Shima Kominkan Public Hall, Omi-Hachiman, Shiga. 島公民館文化祭64 views
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Center exhibition panel with song location images64 views
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Photos of Kyoto University Rowing Club's Lake Biwa rowing trip, including a picture of them posing with the Chomeiji song monument.64 views
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5th panel showing Verse 4 (Chikubushima)64 views
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6th panel showing Verse 5 (Hikone)64 views
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5th panel showing Verse 4 (Chikubushima)64 views
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6th panel showing Verse 6 (Chomeiji)64 views
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Over 50 people attended our mini concert. Sorry about the kids not being able to see well.64 views
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Photo exhibition panels at Biwa Library63 views
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Entrance to my photo exhibition in Shima Kominkan Public Hall during their day-long Bunka-sai Culture Festival.63 views
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Two panels on left wall63 views
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Fifth and final panel showing photos of our song-related activities.63 views
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Fourth panel showing all the song monuments in Shiga and Okaya, Nagano.63 views
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3rd panel showing Verse 2 (Omatsu or Omi-Maiko)63 views
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1st panel for Verse 1 and explanation about the exhibition and English song.63 views
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After performing at Imazu Port, we also performed inside the Biwako Shuko no Uta Shiryokan song museum's 2nd floor.63 views
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Photo exhibition panels62 views
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Some English explanations also provided.62 views
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4th panel showing Verse 3 (Imazu)62 views
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11th panel showing photos of our song-related activities. Our first public performance, appearance on NHK Nodo Jiman, CD recording, etc.62 views
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Last panel showing news articles and Web pages and people singing the song.62 views
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13th panel showing photos of Kyoto University Rowing Club rowing around Lake Biwa in Aug. 2006.62 views
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9th panel showing song monuments for Verses 4-662 views
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Verse 3 photos (Imazu)61 views
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Photo exhibition in Biwa Library61 views
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Explanation of English lyrics for the six verses.61 views
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Right panel.61 views
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Photos of the song monument and Taro Oguchi statue in Okaya, Nagano, his hometown.61 views
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1st panel explaining about the exhibition and English song. This exhibition coincides with the June 16, 2007 release of our Lake Biwa Rowing Song CD.61 views
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10th panel showing Oguchi Taro song monument and his grave and house in Okaya, Nagano.61 views
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Operated by the city, Lucci Plaza is a multi-purpose facility with a concert hall, public library, restaurant, and health and welfare center.61 views
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2nd panel showing Verse 2 (Omatsu or Omi-Maiko)61 views
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Verse 5 photos (Hikone)60 views
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Verse 5 song monument photos (Hikone)60 views
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Verse 6 photos (Chomeiji)60 views
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Verse 2 photos (Omi-Maiko)60 views
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Photo exhibition in Biwa Library, Nagahama, Shiga Pref.60 views
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Photo exhibition panels at Biwa Library60 views
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Opening ceremony for the Culture Festival (Bunka-sai) at this public hall near Chomeiji temple in Omi-Hachiman.60 views
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My photo exhibition with two panels showing photos of places mentioned in the song and song monuments.60 views
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On June 26, 2017, alumni of the Kyoto University Rowing Club rowed around Lake Biwa and took a break at Nagahama where they sang in front of the new song monument.60 views
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Verse 3 Song Monument in Nagahama's Hokoen Park near Nagahama Castle is engraved with Verse 3.60 views浪のまにまに 漂えば
赤い泊火 懐かしみ
行方定めぬ 浪枕
今日は今津か 長浜か
Nami no mani mani, tadayoeba
Akai tomaribi, natsukashimi
Yukue sadamenu, nami makura
Kyo wa Imazu ka, Nagahama ka
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The glass bench actually consists of several glass pieces. A few are largely transparent.60 views
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It's a beautiful design, but quite expensive. The non-profit group was unable to garner enough donations for the monument. They fell far short of the ¥10 million goal.60 views
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Verse 4 photos (Chikubushima)59 views
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8th panel showing song monuments for Verses 1-359 views
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12th panel showing photos of our song-related activities.59 views
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The first people to sit on the song monument. L-R: Nagahama-native Kitagawa Akihiro of the duo ~Lefa~, singer and special guest Kato Tokiko, Kada Yukiko former Shiga governor, and the mayor of Nagahama.59 views
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The photos displayed were almost the same as the Imazu exhibition.58 views
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Verse 2 photos (Omi-Maiko)57 views
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Exhibition room on the 2nd floor of the Biwako Shuko no Uta Shiryokan song museum.57 views
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Left panel.57 views
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Biwako Bunkakan is the lakeside building that looks like a castle. Used to be an aquarium before it was converted into an art museum. Now closed.57 views
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Two panels on right wall56 views
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Photos of song monuments.56 views
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Introduction to the song and newspaper articles56 views
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Verse 6 song monument photos (Chomeiji)56 views
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The song monument is made of glass and functions as a park bench for four people. Glassware is one of Nagahama's signature products. Verse 3 is engraved in the middle. It reportedly cost several million yen.56 viewsAfter the unveiling, local singers sang the song with Kato Tokiko before everyone released balloons.
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Verse 4 song monument photos (Chikubushima)55 views
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Verse 3 song monument photos (Imazu)55 views
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Verse 2 song monument photos (Omi-Maiko)55 views
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Verse 1 photos (Otsu)54 views
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Verse 1 song monument photos (Otsu)54 views
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Exhibition introduction53 views
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Verse 2 monument is on the lake shore, in front of Hotel Biwa Lake Otsuka, near what appears to be a boat pier. Short walk from Omi-Maiko Station.41 viewsDirections: Near Omi-Maiko Station on the JR Kosei Line. After exiting the station, walk left toward Kitahama. Then get to the lake shore and walk along the lakeshore road until you see the monument under a large tree right on the shore. It is in front of Hotel Biwa Lake Otsuka.
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Biwako Shuko no Uta Birthplace Monument, Imazu. This is Imazu's second monument for the song. 全歌詞碑の「琵琶湖周航の歌」誕生の地 今津。今津港。背景には竹生島行きの船。21 viewsImazu has two monuments for the song. The first one is a lamp at the end of the pier (visible in this picture on the right of the boat). That was for Verse 3 which is written on the lamp post.
Later in 1994, Imazu town built this red clay monument to commemorate the song's birth in Imazu. The entire lyrics is also engraved. It is next to the Imazu boat pier where boats depart for Chikubushima. Looks like a red flame, but it's shaped after the geographical shape of Imazu town.
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"Full of old-time stories, Chikubushima." Karamon Gate, National Treasure16 views
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Biwako Shuko no Uta Shiryokan (Lake Biwa Rowing Song Museum) moved to this building's 1st floor and opened on April 1, 2020. This is the Imazu-Higashi Community Center (今津東コミュニティセンター).15 viewsRight across from the Imazu Shimin Kaikan concert hall.
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Model of fixed-seat boat used during Oguchi Taro's time in 1917.15 views
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Benzaiten Goddess with her biwa lute.15 views
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The museum sign includes English! Official English name is "Lake Biwa Rowing Song Museum." 琵琶湖周航の歌資料館14 views
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Karamon Gate, National Treasure. Renovated in March 2020.14 views
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Tsukubusuma Shrine (National Treasure), Chikubushima 都久夫須麻神社14 views
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Benzaiten-do Hall, Hogonji Temple's Hondo main hall.14 views
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Mt. Ibuki and rowers in Imazu.14 views
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Verse 3 Song Monument at Nagahama's Hokoen Park. It is shaped like a boat and the top has a wavy surface like the water. It is called the "nami-makura" (rolling waves) design.14 views Since the original glass bench song monument broke, it was replaced by this one made of stone having a similar shape and design concept.
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This side of the monument faces the lake. It's a popular bench to sit on during weekends and holidays.14 views
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The monument is engraved with the entire song and a picture of rowers.13 views
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Imazu Port. The song monument is on the right. Looks like a "red fire" as mentioned in the song.13 viewsFrom Imazu Port, you can easily go to Chikubushima island by boat, from where you can take another boat to Hikone or Nagahama. Going vice versa is possible too. It's a great way to traverse the lake.
See more photos of Imazu here.
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Entrance to the new Biwako Shuko no Uta Shiryokan (Lake Biwa Rowing Song Museum) in Imazu. 琵琶湖周航の歌資料館13 views
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The museum has various panel exhibits, videos, etc. Currently, no explanations in English. Tokiko Kato scored a national hit with the song in 1971.13 views
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Exhibit for Oguchi Taro who composed the song.13 views
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Verse 4 Song Monument, Chikubushima. Built in 1987 by Biwako Kisen, tour boat operator. 四番の歌碑。竹生島の桟橋のすぐそば。琵琶湖汽船が寄贈。13 viewsThe monument is right near the island's boat pier.
See more photos of Chikubushima here.
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Verse 4 Song Monument, Chikubushima13 viewsAzure blue flower garden, revered coral shrine.
Full of old-time stories, Chikubushima.
In the hands of Buddha, one young maiden lies.
She's sleeping in compassion, resting peacefully.
Ruri no hanazono, sango no miya
Furui tsutae no, Chikubujima
Hotoke no mite ni, idakarete
Nemure otomego, yasurakeku
瑠璃の花園 珊瑚の宮
古い伝えの 竹生島
仏の御手に いだかれて
ねむれ乙女子 やすらけく
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Omatsukan ryokan at Omi-Maiko. This is where Oguchi Taro and rowing mates stayed when they rowed around Lake Biwa. 雄松館13 views
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Kannon-do Hall, Hogonji Temple.13 views
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CD listening station for many cover versions by famous Japanese singers and groups. There are many, and you can listen to each of them.12 viewsThe song was included in a record for the first time in 1958 when Kyoto University made an album of its university songs on the 90th anniversary of the school's founding. In 1961, a chorus group named Boney Jacks recorded the song in an album of Japanese songs. And so did singer Peggy Hayama in 1962.
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Rear of Verse 4 Song Monument, Chikubushima.12 viewsIt explains about the origin of the song. The monument was donated by the Biwako Kisen tour boat company which operates the boats going to the island as well as other tour boats in Lake Biwa, including the Michigan paddlewheel boat based in Otsu.
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Verse 3 Song Monument in Nagahama's Hokoen Park near Nagahama Castle is engraved with Verse 3.12 viewsNami no mani mani, tadayoeba
Akai tomaribi, natsukashimi
Yukue sadamenu, nami makura
Kyo wa Imazu ka, Nagahama ka
浪のまにまに 漂えば
赤い泊火 懐かしみ
行方定めぬ 浪枕
今日は今津か 長浜か
We drift from wave to wave, straying aimlessly.
On shore we see red fire, brings back memories.
With our sights set nowhere, rolling with the waves.
Today is Imazu or, Nagahama huh.
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Wavy bench surface.11 views
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