Book review, Tokyo – 30 June, 2024 was the book birthday of 『みちくさ』(michikusa), a crowd-funded picture book based on the melodious, calming tune by well-loved Japanese singer-songwriter Toshihiko Shinzawa. Published by ask music, a company Shinzawa founded, the book is illustrated by Keiko Sugawara, whose characteristic art adorns many of ask music’s publications.

While most of Shinzawa’s songs might seem to have been created with children in mind, many parents in Japan are likely to know some of them. With『にじ』(A Rainbow, performed in English by Satoko Yamano) and『はじめの一歩』(hajimenoippou, lit. that first step) among the perennial favourites for pre-school and elementary school ceremonies and events, you’ll probably be able to find a parent who remembers hearing them teary-eyed.

As a translator volunteer, I met Shinzawa in person many years ago at the Asian Festival of Children’s Content in Singapore when the National Library Board invited Japanese creators over for the annual event’s country-focused sessions. Having followed ask music and their work since then, I came across the song michikusa and have been captivated by its melody and lyrics ever since.

If michikusa were written in Kanji, it would likely be 道草, “road” and “grass”. There is, in fact, a Japanese proverb michikusa wo kuu, which would literally read “to eat the grass along the road”. I wouldn’t be surprised to see michikusa translated as “dawdling” or “wasting time” because it does sound like someone taking more time than usual. The lyrics of the song, however, sing about another way of seeing things.

Here’s the gist of it…

If we are overly concerned
with how people dress and look
one day, we might realize
we don’t see ourselves at all.
Sometimes we are not strong
or brave enough to face our problems.
Sometimes we can’t live up to people’s expectations.
But that’s okay.
The path may be strewn with rocks and pebbles.
Isn’t it a pretty sight too?
A puddle might be in the way.
Isn’t the sky in it beautiful?
People might think you’re taking your time.
Well I know there was a flower
waiting for you along the way.

The song, I thought, reminded me to not be bothered with comparisons, to celebrate the little things in life, and to take time to enjoy the journey. Precious little gems in a very short song, and little wonder it snuggled close to my heart. When I heard about the crowdfunding campaign, I asked whether the lyrics had been translated, and was happy and grateful that the editor gave me the chance to translate them into English (and suggested to put it into the picture book too!). Besides finding the words and syllables to fit the tune, I wanted to avoid the negative connotations in the title, so I went for “Along the Way”, a phrase I used in the English lyrics.

In return for my participation in the crowdfunding campaign, I asked for two signed copies for children. Shinzawa signed them with words from the lyrics, あせらない あせらない (aseranai aseranai), which is translated as “It’s okay, take your time”, a timeless message to remember to find the joy and beauty in our journeys and perhaps smell a flower or two along the way.

『みちくさ』 (Michikusa, lit. Along the way)
text by Toshihiko Shinzawa, illustrations by Keiko Sugawara
Publisher: ask music Co., Ltd. (2024)

You can hear the Japanese ukulele version with illustrations from the picture book here.