[Japanese > English] Second opinion on two short poems, please

Japanese

Hi, I have tried to translate a couple traditional songs, but I'd appreciate if somebody with a better command of the language than me looked it over and maybe pointed out some mistakes.

The translations are not particularly literary, but I tool some minor liberties. As these are intended for subtitles, I have also tried not to mess up line synching too much. (?!) means I'm particularly unconfident about that line.

いにしえのIn the ancient

庭に偲ぶおもかげはGarden, a treasured memory

松の位の名に高きOf her, whose name rose higher than the pines (?!)

しき嶋原の太夫職A tayuu of Shimabara,

あでな姿の打ち掛けはHer figure wrapped in bridal robes

他所にないぞえ里の花Not to be seen elsewhere. A flower of the red light district.

夕暮れにIn twilight

眺めみあかぬ隅田川I never tire of the sight of the Sumida river

月に風情を待乳山Of the Moon granted elegance by Matsuchiyama (?!)

帆あげた船が見ゆるぞえIs that a sailboat in the distance?

あれ鳥が鳴くA bird cries out

鳥の名の都にThere is a famous spot in the capital (?!)

名所があるわいなWith a bird in its name (?! assuming the author is referring to Mukoujima)

Thanks for your help!

Posted Jun 9, 2026, 4:12 AM UTC

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