* Despite his normal appearance and personality, he has an extraordinary singing power. He is known as the "prince of enka" in Japan.
* He is popular with both young and old. In particular, he is popular with people in their twenties who don't usually listen to Enka.
* Unlike most enka singers, he does not often wear kimono, but usually sings in Western clothes.
* He also records pop music under the name "KIYOSHI".
箱根八里の半次郎
氷川きよし Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
意地の縞目も ほつれがち
夕陽背にして 薄を噛めば
湯の香しみじみ 里ごころ
やだねったら やだね
やだねったら やだね
箱根八里の 半次郎
つぼを外せば くいちがう
宿場むすめと 一本刀
情けからめば 錆がつく
やだねったら やだね
やだねったら やだね
まして半端な 三度笠
杉の木立を 三尺よけて
生まれ在所を しのび笠
おっ母すまねぇ
顔さえ出せぬ
積る不幸は 倍返し
やだねったら やだね
やだねったら やだね
箱根八里の 半次郎
The lyrics of 氷川きよし's song 箱根八里の半次郎 depict the story of a character named 半次郎 who is closely associated with the region of Hakone, which is located about 8 ri (a traditional Japanese unit of measurement) away from his birthplace. The first verse talks about 半次郎's kimono, which has been worn for three years and is starting to show signs of wear and tear. As he gazes into the sunset with his kimono draped over his back, he deeply feels the scent of the hot springs, which brings a sense of nostalgia and fondness for his hometown. The repetition of the line "やだねったら やだね" emphasizes 半次郎's affection for his birthplace and highlights a longing to return.
The second verse introduces the concept of intricate wooden puzzle work (寄木細工) as a metaphor for romantic relationships. If one piece of the puzzle is removed, the whole structure will change. Similarly, if one's heart becomes entangled in love affairs, it can result in complications and tarnish one's reputation. The line "情けからめば 錆がつく" suggests that involving oneself in romantic entanglement can lead to negative consequences. The repetition of "やだねったら やだね" emphasizes 半次郎's aversion to getting involved in such affairs and the importance he places on maintaining a pristine reputation.
The third verse takes us into the picturesque scenery of Hakone, where 半次郎 is navigating through a forest of cedar trees. He walks cautiously, making sure to avoid stepping within three shaku (another traditional Japanese measurement) of the trees. This cautious approach reflects 半次郎's respect for nature and his humble upbringing. He wears a bamboo hat (しのび笠) to conceal his face, expressing a sense of shame or reluctance to reveal himself fully. The line "積る不幸は 倍返し" implies that the hardships he has faced in life only strengthen his determination and resilience. Again, the repetition of "やだねったら やだね" emphasizes 半次郎's determination to overcome adversity and stay true to his principles.
In the final verse, 半次郎 addresses his elderly mother, expressing his apologies for not being able to visit her, possibly due to the difficulties he encounters in life. He feels unable to face her and show his face, as the burdens of misfortune keep piling up. The line "箱根八里の 半次郎" serves as a refrain, reminding us once again of his strong connection to Hakone and his identity as 半次郎. The repetition of "やだねったら やだね" in this verse signifies 半次郎's regrets and yearning for a better situation, but also his unwavering love for his birthplace. Overall, the lyrics paint a poignant picture of a protagonist who holds a deep attachment to his hometown, despite facing hardships and challenges in his life's journey.
Line by Line Meaning
廻し合羽も 三年がらす
Even the best quality traditional Japanese clothing, which typically lasts for three years, is prone to fraying and deterioration over time.
意地の縞目も ほつれがち
Even the stubbornly determined striped patterns are prone to unraveling and becoming disheveled.
夕陽背にして 薄を噛めば
When one bites into a thin crust of bread while facing the setting sun, they can truly experience the deep aroma of the hot springs and the warmth of the rural atmosphere.
湯の香しみじみ 里ごころ
The profound scent of the hot springs invokes a strong sense of nostalgia for the simplicity and warmth of the countryside.
やだねったら やだね
If you say you don't want it, then you don't want it. It's as simple as that.
箱根八里の 半次郎
Half Jiro from Hakone and Hachiri. (Note: This line does not have a direct rewording as it is referencing a specific character from a place)
寄木細工よ 色恋沙汰は
Oh intricate inlaid woodwork, romantic affairs are like finding the wrong piece to fit into the puzzle.
つぼを外せば くいちがう
When one removes the lid, the contents will inevitably differ from what was expected.
宿場むすめと 一本刀
Engaging in a duel with a young woman from a post town, a single stroke of a sword can determine the outcome.
情けからめば 錆がつく
If one gets too emotionally involved, they may end up with a tarnished heart.
まして半端な 三度笠
Especially a half-hearted attempt at wearing a traveler's hat, which is meant to protect and guide, is insufficient and ineffective.
杉の木立を 三尺よけて
Moving three feet away from the cedar grove, one reflects upon their place of birth while disguising themselves with a bamboo hat.
生まれ在所を しのび笠
Hiding their true identity, they evade any connection to their place of birth.
おっ母すまねぇ
I'm sorry, dear mother. (Note: This line does not have a direct rewording as it is a phrase expressing apology and respect for one's mother.)
顔さえ出せぬ
Unable to even show their face, they are burdened by their unfortunate circumstances.
積る不幸は 倍返し
But remember, accumulated misfortune will be repaid twofold.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Hideo Mizumori, Yurio Matsui
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind