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