Saburō Kitajima (北島三郎, Kitajima Saburō, born October 4, 1936) is a well kn… Read Full Bio ↴Saburō Kitajima (北島三郎, Kitajima Saburō, born October 4, 1936) is a well known Japanese enka singer, lyricist and composer.

He was born Minoru Ōno (大野穣), in a little town in Hokkaidō, to a fisherman. He was very poor because of the effects of World War II, and he was forced to work while he studied.

When he was about to graduate from high school, he decided to become a singer. His debut single was called "Bungacha-Bushi," which was released in 1962.

He has many famous songs, including "Namida Bune" (1962), "Kyōdai Jingi" (1965), "Yosaku" (1978) and "Kita no Ryōba" (1986). His 1965 song "Kaerokana" was written by lyricist Rokusuke Ei and composer Hachidai Nakamura. He is very popular in Japan partly due to his looks of a physical laborer, and he mostly sings the spirit of Japan's working class and rural laborer. He often appears on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a TV program at the end of the year where many major Japanese singers gather to perform.

Kitajima released single "Fūfu Isshō" (夫婦一生, lit. "Couple in a Lifetime"?) on January 1, 2010 at the age of 73. It debuted at #10 on the Japanese Oricon weekly single charts. It became the first single to reach Top 10 by a solo artist in his 70s in Oricon charts history.

Although Enka is becoming less popular with the younger generation, he is still Japan's most famous singer. He does a lot of concerts overseas as well, and he is contributing a lot of work to the culture of Japanese music.

In addition to his singing career, Kitajima acted in the role of Tatsugorō on the television series Abarenbō Shōgun. During the quarter-century life of the series, he also sang its theme songs.

北の大地
北島三郎 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

はるかなる
北の空
木霊も叫ぶエゾ松林
母の大地に根を下ろし
雪を吸いみぞれを背負い
この人生をアアア
噛みしめる

鈴蘭よ
ハマナスよ
出逢いの時を信じて耐えた
愛がそのまゝ花となる
その姿その凛々しさが
凍れた春のアアア
扉を開ける

ギラギラと
燃えながら
夕陽はうたう大地の歌を
汗と涙を分けあった
幾歳の希望の道に

おまえとおれのアアア
星が降る

Overall Meaning

These lyrics describe the vastness and beauty of the northern land. The first verse talks about how the trees in the Ezo pine forest echo and cry out in the far northern sky. The singer feels deeply connected to this land, where they have put down roots, absorbed the snow and carried the slush on their back, experiencing the ups and downs of life. The chorus addresses the bellflower and Hamanasu flower, both symbolic of meeting and enduring. The singer believes that love will turn into flowers. Their appearance and resilience will open the door to the frozen spring. The final verse talks about the burning sunset, singing the song of the earth. Sweat and tears have been shared on the road of hope, regardless of age. Together, the singer and the listener, their stars will fall.

Overall, the lyrics emphasize a deep connection to nature, the strength to endure, and the transformative power of love. The singer expresses their profound understanding and appreciation for the northern land, its beauty, and its challenges, while also expressing the belief in the power of love to transform and bring hope.

Line by Line Meaning

はるかなる北の空木霊も叫ぶエゾ松林
In the far northern sky, the echo resounds through the Ezo pine forest

母の大地に根を下ろし
Taking root in the motherland

雪を吸いみぞれを背負い
Absorbing the snow, carrying the sleet

この人生をアアア噛みしめる
Savoring this life

鈴蘭よハマナスよ出逢いの時を信じて耐えた
Oh, lilies of the valley and roses, endured in anticipation of the moment of encounter

愛がそのまゝ花となる
Love blossoms just as it is

その姿その凛々しさが凍れた春のアアア扉を開ける
That figure, that splendor, opens the door to the frozen spring

ギラギラと燃えながら夕陽はうたう大地の歌を
Blazing and singing, the setting sun sings the song of the earth

汗と涙を分けあった
Shared sweat and tears

幾歳の希望の道におまえとおれのアアア星が降る
On the path of endless hope, you and I, the stars fall down

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Tetsuro Hoshino, Toru Funamura

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind