Hibari Misora (美空ひばり Misora Hibari, May 29, 1937 - June 24, 1989) was a Ja… Read Full Bio ↴Hibari Misora (美空ひばり Misora Hibari, May 29, 1937 - June 24, 1989) was a Japanese singer and the predominant figure in postwar enka music. Born Kazue Kato (加藤和枝) in Yokohama, she was an accomplished singer by the age of seven, and appeared in film for the first time at age 12. Between 1949's Kanashiki kuchibue and 1971's Onna no Hanamichi, she appeared in over 60 movies.

In April of 1987, on the way to a performance in Fukuoka, she suddenly collapsed. Rushed to hospital, she was diagnosed with bilateral femoral necrosis brought on by chronic hepatitis. Until August she was confined to hospital and eventually showed signs of recovery. She commenced recording a new song Midaregami in October, and in 1988 performed at a concert called Fushichou konsaato (Phoenix Concert) at the Tokyo Dome. Against overwhelming pain in her legs, she performed a total of 39 songs while assuring her fans that she had completely recovered. However, on 24 May 1989, having been re-admitted to the Juntendou hospital in Tokyo, she died from interstitial pneumonitis at the age of 52.

In July 1989 after her death, she became the first female recipient of the National Prize of Honour (国民栄誉賞) for her longstanding contributions to the music industry.

In 1993, the Misora Hibari-kan opened in Arashiyama, Kyoto. Its popularity with fans and tourists has endured through to the present.

Her most famous song, "Kawa no nagare no yō ni," (1989) was voted #1 in a 1997 NHK poll of the best Japanese songs of all time.

私の誕生日
美空ひばり Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

今日は私の誕生日
空のひばりの歌声に
めぐりめぐってまた返る
時の流れの風車
夢も希望も新しく
春の光にゆれてます
『父さま母さまお句がとう』

今日は私の誕生日
花はうてなに抱かれて
雨に嵐にやすらかに
かおる笑顔の美しさ
胸にあふれるよろこびの
聞いて下さいこの音を
『仲よし友達ありがとう』

今日は私の誕生日
たてたローソクそのかずは
ひとつびとつがみなさまの
愛のやさしい灯よ
風に消えないよろこびが

いつも明るくもえてます
『みなさま本当にありがとう』

Overall Meaning

In the song "Watashi No Tanjohbi" by 美空ひばり, the lyrics express the joy and gratitude that the singer feels on her birthday. The lyrics convey a sense of celebration as she reflects on the passing of time and acknowledges the love and support she has received from her parents, friends, and loved ones.

The first verse starts by stating that it is her birthday today, and she compares her singing voice to the sound of a skylark, which symbolizes freedom and beauty. She expresses her belief that her dreams and hopes are renewed and swaying in the light of spring. The verse ends with a grateful acknowledgement to her parents.

In the second verse, she mentions being embraced by flowers and finding tranquility even in the midst of rain and storms. She describes the beauty of her smiling face and the overflowing joy in her heart. She asks the listeners to listen to the sound of her happiness and expresses her gratitude to her close friends.

The final verse emphasizes the presence of candles that have been lit on her birthday. Each candle represents the caring and compassionate light of love from everyone. She highlights the enduring joy that will never be extinguished, thanks to the love and support she has received. The verse concludes with a sincere expression of gratitude to everyone.

Overall, the lyrics of "Watashi No Tanjohbi" convey a sense of joy, gratitude, and appreciation for the love and support the singer has received on her birthday. It celebrates the passing of time and the renewal of dreams and hopes.

Line by Line Meaning

今日は私の誕生日
Today is my birthday

空のひばりの歌声に
In the voice of the heavenly lark

めぐりめぐってまた返る
It comes around and returns

時の流れの風車
Like the windmill of time's flow

夢も希望も新しく
Dreams and hopes anew

春の光にゆれてます
Swaying in the light of spring

『父さま母さまお句がとう』
Thank you, father and mother

花はうてなに抱かれて
Embraced by blooming flowers

雨に嵐にやすらかに
Peacefully amidst rain and storms

かおる笑顔の美しさ
The beauty of a fragrant smile

胸にあふれるよろこびの
The overflowing joy in my heart