Yuuyake: A Gentle Japanese Goodbye to the Sun
Among the many beautiful children’s songs in Japanese culture, Yuuyake Koyake stands out with its soft melody and heartwarming lyrics. The song paints a peaceful picture of the countryside during sunset — temple bells ringing, children walking home hand in hand, birds dreaming under the stars. It’s a comforting song that gently marks the end of a day.
Japanese Lyrics
ゆうやけ こやけで ひがくれて
やまの おてらの かねが なる
おてて つないで みな かえろ
からすと いっしょに かえりましょう
こどもが かえった あとからは
まるい おおきな おつきさま
ことりが ゆめを みるころは
そらには きらきら きんのほし
Romaji (Latin Alphabet)
yuuyake koyake de hi ga kurete
yama no otera no kane ga naru
otete tsunaide mina kaero
karasu to issho ni kaerimashou
kodomo ga kaetta ato kara wa
marui ookina otsukisama
kotori ga yume o miru koro wa
sora ni wa kirakira kin no hoshi
English Interpretation (Simple & Poetic)
The sun is setting with orange glow,
Temple bells on the hill begin to toll.
Let’s all hold hands and walk back home,
Together with the crows, we’ll roam.
After the children have gone to bed,
A big round moon rises overhead.
When little birds start dreaming deep,
Golden stars twinkle in the sky’s quiet sweep.
Why This Song Is Loved in Japan
This lullaby-like song is often taught in preschools and kindergartens in Japan. It has a calming rhythm and peaceful imagery, making it a perfect transition song for the end of the day. For children, it connects nature, routine, and the beauty of evening in a poetic way.
With Dinolingo’s Japanese lessons for kids, children can enjoy traditional songs like Yuuyake Koyake through guided listening, fun animations, and follow-along lyrics. The program supports language learning by combining culture, visuals, and repetition — helping kids aged 2 to 14 not only understand the words but also feel the emotional tone behind the music. Available on web, iOS, and Android, Dinolingo makes cultural immersion both fun and accessible.
A Song That Feels Like Home
Yuuyake Koyake is more than a song it’s a memory, a rhythm of homecoming, and a lullaby that lives in the hearts of many Japanese children. Learning it is a beautiful way to understand how deeply nature and daily life are woven into the Japanese language and spirit.
