"The Legacy of ‘Yoitomake no Uta’: Miwa Akihiro’s Japanese Soul Anthem of Love and Sacrifice"
Ryoji ShimadaCONTENTS
In recent years, Japanese pop music has seen a surge in popularity overseas, with many hits resonating in countries like the United States. However, music trends can be fleeting—what's popular today might fade away in just a year, or even a few months. Amid this ever-changing landscape, one soulful Japanese song, released in 1964, has stood the test of time and remains deeply loved nearly 60 years later.
That song is "Yoitomake no Uta", written and composed by Miwa Akihiro. A powerful, narrative-driven anthem, it has been covered by many iconic artists, including Kyu Sakamoto and Keisuke Kuwata. The song made headlines again in 2012 when Miwa performed it on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen (New Year’s Eve Song Festival), marking its return to the stage after 50 years. The performance sparked widespread discussion among younger audiences on social media, bringing renewed attention to this timeless masterpiece.
"Yoitomake no Uta" is a heartfelt tribute to a mother’s love and the struggles she endures to provide for her child. It tells the story of a mother working tirelessly in physical labor and a child who gradually understands and appreciates her sacrifices. It’s a song that celebrates love, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child—universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries and remain true across all humanity.
Despite its enduring popularity in Japan, it is unfortunate that this national treasure has not been widely translated into other languages. To share its beauty with the world, I’ve attempted a translation of the lyrics. Yet, mere words cannot capture the song’s emotional depth and power. I encourage you to experience it firsthand through Miwa’s unforgettable performance, available on YouTube.
Let this song inspire and move you, as it has done for generations in Japan.
The Song of Yoitomake
"For my father’s sake, En-ya-kora"
"For my mother’s sake, En-ya-kora"
"And one more time, En-ya-kora"
Even now, I can still hear it—the Song of Yoitomake.
Even now, I can still hear that lullaby.
During the lunch break at the construction site,
as I puffed on a cigarette and closed my eyes,
I could hear it echoing—
that song of the laborers,
that song of the poor workers.
When I was a child, in elementary school,
they called me “the Yoitomake kid,” “the dirty kid.”
Bullied and ridiculed,
I lived in tears of frustration.
Crying on my way home,
I saw my mother working.
I saw my mother working.
Wearing a scarf tied tightly, covered in mud,
her skin scorched by the sun, sweat pouring down,
pulling the rope alongside the men,
shouting to the heavens with all her might.
With every ounce of strength, she was singing.
I saw my mother working.
I saw my mother working.
I ran home, breathless,
hoping for comfort, for an embrace.
But when I saw my mother’s figure,
I forgot my tears altogether.
I turned back toward school,
saying, “I’ll study hard.”
Saying, “I’ll study hard.”
How many years have passed since then?
I graduated high school and even went to college.
Now, in this age of machines,
I’ve even become an engineer.
My mother, who endured so much and passed away—
Mother! Look at me now.
Mother, look at me now.
There were times I nearly strayed,
but I avoided the path of crime.
No song more beautiful,
no voice more wonderful,
ever encouraged or comforted me like hers.
My mother’s song is the best in the world.
My mother’s song is the best in the world.
Even now, I can still hear it—the Song of Yoitomake.
Even now, I can still hear that lullaby.
"For my father’s sake, En-ya-kora"
"For my children’s sake, En-ya-kora"
Even now, the rhythmic chant of “Yoitomake no Uta” echoes across generations. A mother’s love and her sacrifices transcend borders, resonating in the hearts of all who hear this soulful anthem.
Experience it yourself: Click here to watch Miwa Akihiro’s unforgettable performance on YouTube.
"Yoitomake" originated in post-war Japan's construction sites, during a time of poverty when modern construction equipment was scarce. The term refers to both the rhythmic chant and the manual ground-compacting method where workers would collectively pull ropes to raise a heavy stone hammer through a pulley system, then release it to compact the earth below. This labor-intensive process required precise coordination among workers, and the chant "yoitomake" helped synchronize their movements while lifting and dropping the hammer.
"En-ya-kora" is a Japanese work chant used when exerting great physical effort to move heavy objects alone. Similar to "heave-ho" in English, it's a rhythmic cry that helps synchronize one's breathing and muscular effort during strenuous physical labor.
Miwa Akihiro: The Multifaceted Artist Behind 'Yoitomake no Uta'
Miwa Akihiro is not only the creator of "Yoitomake no Uta" but also a celebrated cultural icon in Japan. Known for his remarkable versatility, he has excelled as a singer, actor, composer, and even voice actor in iconic films such as Princess Mononoke (as Moro, the wolf god) and Howl’s Moving Castle (as the Witch of the Waste). Beyond his artistic achievements, Miwa is recognized for his distinctive androgynous style, philosophical insights, and unwavering advocacy for love and humanity. His enduring presence in Japanese culture has made him a figure of inspiration across generations, blending traditional values with a modern, bold individuality that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Major Voice Acting Roles by Miwa Akihiro
1. Princess Mononoke (1997)
- Role: Moro
- Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli.
- Miwa voiced Moro, the god of the wolves, delivering a commanding and emotional performance that perfectly matched the character’s majestic and mystical nature. Moro’s interactions with the protagonists, Ashitaka and San, were especially impactful thanks to Miwa’s distinctive voice.
2. Detective Conan: The Last Wizard of the Century (1999)
- Role: Hiroshi Hakuba
- A police detective chasing after Kaito Kid in this third installment of the Detective Conan movie series.
- Miwa brought an intellectual and calm presence to the character, enhancing the story’s suspense and intrigue.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
- Role: The Witch of the Waste
- Another collaboration with Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.
- Miwa portrayed the Witch of the Waste, a complex character with duality in both age and personality. This role allowed Miwa to showcase their range and depth, bringing the character to life with captivating vocal expression.
4. Pokémon: Celebi – Voice of the Forest (2001)
- Role: Celebi (Narration)
- Miwa added a sense of mystery and wonder to the legendary Pokémon Celebi, enhancing the magical atmosphere of the movie with their narration and unique tone.
Characteristics and Legacy
Miwa Akihiro’s voice acting is defined by their unparalleled vocal presence and ability to convey depth and emotion. Their roles often include mystical, authoritative, or enigmatic characters, perfectly suited to Miwa’s unique voice and theatrical background.
While Miwa’s voice acting roles are not numerous, every appearance leaves a lasting impression, adding richness and gravitas to the films they participate in. Their performances not only breathe life into characters but also elevate the overall storytelling experience.
