This month, I wish to send to you the first piece of Japanese song of which lyrics I made the English translation (atmospheric, as I call). My encounter with this song, “Aino Mamade” (“Love As Is” in the original meaning), dates back to around year 2008 when I came across this song and was struck in the heart as I listened to it. I may compare the singer of this song, Junko Akimoto, to, say, Julie London, in that Ms. Akimoto’s voice is mostly alto like that of Ms. London, and that both singers offer dreamy and yet appealing voice quality. The song became a huge hit and Ms. Akimoto made it to that famous nation-wide TV song show aired live on NHK on the new year’s eve. Actually, even before the song made it to that nation-wide show, I had been strongly attracted by the song, and tried to invite Ms. Akimoto to sing in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Pref., and she actually did make it there. I offered a post-stage dinner party at Sasebo Heavy Industries’ guest house. (I had been involved in the management of the company there.)
The song depicts a fatalistic and romantic encounter of a man and a woman, and it received a wide support mostly from many of middle to old age generations.

愛のままで “One Love”

• Original lyrics and music written and composed by Yuhei Hanaoka and the lyrics adapted into English by Hidekazu Morishima

Why are the hummingbirds humming ever with the wings?
Nectar so sweet, or a passion , searching in wild red roses?
I don't want any happiness that people covet with a jealousy, I really don't!
All I want is your eyes looking at me so close!
Oh - so, it's like a miracle, and this one love was for me and you are all there is to me so suddenly an’so dearly！
Oh - so we share the moments, we share the warm flutters of our hearts, I wish this one love will be mine for ever more..!

Why are the mockingbirds mocking the callings of gulls?
Crying over long-gone days, prying over other nests?
I will give you my heart and lips for your serenade, I really do!
You giv'me a warm caress an’whisper that you love me true!
Oh - as we walk on the white beach,
I feel the waves on my feet, and you are holding my shoulders,
an' we're all alone in the world,
Oh - the sun is setting for the day,
but there’s a whole evening, young and still,
We′ll be dancing the night through 'til the last candle goes...

Oh - so, it’s like a miracle, and this one love was for me,
and you are all there is to me so suddenly an’ so dearly！
Oh - so we share the moments, we share the warm flutters of our hearts,
Wishing this one love will be ours for ever more..！