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- on the theme of the Sumida River, in order to broadcast on the NHK Culture Channel. At that time the river was still not polluted. The producer decided that I should board a boat at the Yanagibashi Bridge and sing while the boat was rowed along the river. Appropriate songs had been chosen to harmonize with the scenery as the boat would move along. It was veiy attractive. It is impossible to do this now, for the Sumida is polluted and stench rises from it.
It is karma, however, that I do not feel like moving from this place. As long as the river exists I would like to stay here. Office buildings have been built around my house. Images of bygone days are disappearing, and the river sight no longer looks beautiful. If the passage of time requires this change, I have but to accept it.
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the company, Victor awarded me with an honour in recognition of my services for the company. I feel that it is I who should say �thank you� to them for having kept me for such a long time. As I grow older each day and change takes place in me, so does the river. It is only natural. However, a great change is about to happen in the environment around my house.
Construction of high breakwaters has begun in preparation for typhoon attacks. When they drive huge steel posts into the riverbeds I feel a nail is driven in my heart. When these breakwaters are built, I will lose my present river view from my living room. Well, then, I will just have to move my living room upstairs so that I may continue to enjoy the water view every day. I only hope that the Sumida will never diy up.
Taken from the text of
Ichimaru Hauta Meisaku-shu - okeiko-yo uta hon tsuki (Masterpieces of Ichimaru's Hauta-Songs - with texts for practice)
Victor Music Book MB-8502 Translation by Michiko Warkentyne
Ichimaru�s albums Album de souvenirs dTchimaru
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