Gazing at the Wareha Mizuko Stone, one can almost hear the echoes of a century-old song. This unassuming stone monument holds the heart of a beloved folk tune, the “Lake Biwa Boating Song”. The Wareha Mizuko Stone marks the birthplace of this iconic melody, a song deeply intertwined with the history of Lake Biwa and Kyoto.
The “Lake Biwa Boating Song” first emerged during a boating trip in 1917. Students from the Third High School, now Kyoto University, embarked on a journey around Lake Biwa. One of them, Taizo Koide, penned the lyrics inspired by the sights and sounds of their voyage. They sang his words to the melody of a popular song at the time, “Hitsuji-gusa”, composed by Senji Yoshida. The song quickly became a cherished school song, eventually spreading throughout Japan.
This very spot, commemorated by the Wareha Mizuko Stone, is in Imahama, Takashima City. It is where Koide and his fellow boaters spent the night of June 28, 1917. It was here, in this tranquil setting, that the first draft of the “Lake Biwa Boating Song” was shared. The Wareha Mizuko Stone bears the full lyrics of all six verses. Nearby stands a monument to the original Third High School’s boathouse, a poignant reminder of the song’s origins. The area around Imahama is brimming with history related to the song. A dedicated museum, the Lake Biwa Boating Song Museum, is within walking distance of Imahama port.
The song’s lyrics paint vivid pictures of Lake Biwa’s beauty. They evoke the spirit of Omi’s ancient capital and the natural splendor of the surrounding landscape. Each verse highlights a different location along the boating route, allowing listeners to journey through the heart of Shiga Prefecture.
Today, the “Lake Biwa Boating Song” is a cultural touchstone. Its popularity soared after a 1971 recording by Tokiko Kato. The song has been covered by countless artists. It has been used in various media, solidifying its place in Japan’s musical landscape. The Wareha Mizuko Stone serves as a testament to the enduring power of this song. It links us to a moment of youthful inspiration that continues to resonate generations later.