Hotaru no Hikari
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "other uses".
Script error: No such module "Nihongo". is a Japanese song incorporating the tune of Scottish folk song Auld Lang Syne with completely different lyrics by Chikai Inagaki, first introduced in a collection of singing songs for elementary school students in 1881 (Meiji 14). The swapping of lyrics without substantial change to the music is known as contrafactum. The words describe a series of images of hardships that the industrious student endures in his relentless quest for knowledge, starting with the firefly's light, which the student uses to keep studying when he has no other light sources (originating from the story of Che Yin from Volume 83 of the Book of Jin). It is commonly heard during graduation ceremonies and at the end of the school day. Many stores and restaurants play it to usher customers out at the end of a business day. On the very popular Japanese New Year's Eve TV show, NHK's Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it has become a tradition for all the performers to sing Hotaru no Hikari as the last song. From 1993 until 2020, this was also played at Tokyo Disney Resort during fireworks shows on New Year's Eve. Another song from the same period and used at graduation ceremonies thought to be based on a Scottish folk song is "Aogeba Tōtoshi".
Lyrics
| Verse | Japanese text | Romaji | English translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Script error: No such module "Lang". | Script error: No such module "Lang". | Light of fireflies, (moonlight reflected off) snow by the window. Many days and months spent reading. Before one knows it, years have passed. The door we resolutely open; this morning, we part ways. |
| 2 | Script error: No such module "Lang". | Script error: No such module "Lang". | Stay or leave, either an end Mutually, countless thoughts from the bottom of the heart, expressed in one word a wish for peace, we sing. |
| 3 | Script error: No such module "Lang". | Script error: No such module "Lang". | Far reaches of Kyushu and Tōhoku Though separated by seas and mountains Our sincere hearts are separated not Serving single-mindedly for country. |
| 4 | Script error: No such module "Lang". | Script error: No such module "Lang". | From the ends of Chishima to Okinawa, We protect all part of Japan. Contributing to our great country, I'll faithfully devote my life. |