Do you remember Warabe uta?

Warabe uta are traditional Japanese songs, similar to nursery rhymes. They are often sung as part of traditional children’s games. The picture above is a very particular place for a popular Warabe uta song in my hometown. Do you know the song called Toryanse? The song is one of the most popular warabe uta. Toryanse was born in Kawagoe. The song was born from this narrow and long alley.

The stone says “Warabe uta was born here.” I just want to explain Toryanse song but better explanation is on wiki! If you want to know more, please go check it out. When I was a child, I’ve sung Toryanse a lot with playing games here. Next to this shrine, there is a park and poor. These areas are perfect for kids to play around but even now, probably because of old and high trees, always dark and quiet. This makes me think it affects the lyrics of the song. I put a translation of the song below. can you get the picture when you feel the lyrics?  This is a place where Toryanse was born.

Let me pass, let me pass
What is this narrow pathway here?

It’s the narrow pathway of the Tenjin shrine

Please allow me to pass through

Those without good reason shall not pass

To celebrate this child’s 7th birthday

I’ve come to dedicate my offering

Going in may be fine, fine, but returning would be scary

It’s scary but

Let me pass, let me pass