Aogeba totoshi

[Jun-Dai Bates-Kobashigawa]

Hello,

There's a certain song, Aogeba totoshi (the graduation song), that occurs in
Japanese films, either in the background (24 Eyes, and I think Ohayo) or
with the characters singing it (Tampopo, Madadayo).  I'm pretty sure I've
seen it sung by characters in Japanese films other than Tampopo and
Madadayo, but I can't think of any.  Do they ever sing it in 24 Eyes?  I
remember it plays in the background a lot, and there's an awful lot of
singing in that film.  I remember it in an Ozu film as ambiguously
non-diegetic or off-screen, and I think it was Ohayo.  I know there are a
couple films entitled Aogeba totoshi, but I haven't seen them…

I've come to think of that song as a common occurrence in Japanese
soundtracks, along with the sound of cicadas and fumikiri, but I'm curious
whether it actually occurs that often or if it's just my imagination (after
watching those particular films so many times).  Certainly Tampopo is about
the most striking use of it that I can think of.  Here it is, just for fun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQXKELjmB2Q


Yours,
  Jun-Dai Bates-Kobashigawa.
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