Recently, the Chinese version of this song keep coming to my mind. I remember that the original tune was Japanese. So I went to look for the background of the song. The original singer of the song is a lady known as Rimi Natsukawa. She was from Okinawa and she is best known for her 2001 single. 涙そうそう. The song title is taken from an Okinawan phase meaning "large tears are falling"
The tune sound like a folk song and part of the song is played using Shamisen. The song was originally written by a Band called Begin for a singer known as Ryoko Moriyama. But it was Rimi Natsukawa’s version that is more popular.
The song reminded Moriyama of her older brother who died. The lyrics is talking about a person who was flipping through an old photo album looking at the picture of someone who died. She was thankful to them for they have encouraged her often. It expresses a hope that they will meet again some day. The thought of it reminds me of the many funerals I have attended.
Interestingly, as a Christian we often comfort the bereaved family during the memorial service telling them that one day we would meet the departed again when we are gathered before the Lord. In fact Christian funerals are meant to remind the bereave that their departed had ended their work on earth and now there is a crown of life waiting for them. While we remember the sad for we are unable to see our departed for some time. But we know that this separation is temporary. For we know we will meet them once again during resurrection.
Paul reminds us so that we would not be overcome by grieve
“But I do not want you
to be ignorant, brethren,
concerning those who have
fallen asleep, lest you sorrow
as others who have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus
died and rose again, even so
God will bring with Him those
who sleep in Jesus
For the Lord Himself will descend
from heaven with a shout, with
the voice of an archangel, and
with the trumpet of God. And
the dead in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are alive and remain
shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds to meet the
Lord in the air. And thus we shall
always be with the Lord.
Therefore comfort one another
with these words.” – Paul (1 Thess 4:13-15,16-18)
Therefore even though it is sad to see a loved one departing from us. But Christians will always have the hope of meeting them again at the feet of Jesus.
As I do not have expertise in Japanese language I just edited some part of the English translation slightly. .Kanji lyrics & Roumaji lyrics and English translation from
http://www.jpopasia.com/lyrics/9249/rimi-natsukawa/nada-sou-sou.html
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Title: 涙そうそう Nada sou sou |
Title : Tearful Artist: Rimi Natsukawa |
| Stanza 1 | |
|
古いアルバムめくり |
As I Flip through an old photo album I whispered "Thank you" softly in my heart |
|
いつもいつも胸の中 |
To the one who is in my heart Who is always there for me |
|
晴れ渡る日も雨の日も |
On clear days , on rainy days I think of your smile |
|
想い出遠くあせても |
Though my memories fade into the distance I’ll look for the traces you left behind And remember you with my endless stream of tears |
| Stanza 2 | |
|
一番星に祈る それが私のくせになり |
I pray to the first star in the night. It’s become a habit of mine |
|
夕暮れに見上げる空 |
Looking up at the evening sky And searching for you with all my heart |
|
悲しみにも喜びにも |
It sadness , in happiness I think of your smile |
|
あなたの場所から私が |
If you can see me from where you are Then I’ll live on Believing that we’ll meet again someday |
| Stanza 3 | |
|
晴れ渡る日も雨の日も |
On clear days , on rainy days I think of your smile |
|
想い出遠くあせても |
Though my memories fade into the distance |
|
さみしくて恋しくて |
Its lonely without you As I think of of you with my endless stream of tears |
|
会いたくて会いたくて |
I miss you, if only we could meet – As I think of of you with my endless stream of tears |
I found the M
I found an original clip featuring Ryoko Moriyama
The Hesitant Prize Fighter 
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