A JAPANESE FOLK SONG FROM AOMORI

When summer comes,
The paddy pools grow warm
The mud lark and the singing frog
Are happy, are happy
Thinking they’re in bath.

When winter comes,
The paddy pools are filmed with ice,
The mud lark and the singing frog
Must think their heaven has stretched
Has stretched and grown above.

When spring comes
There’s water in the paddy pools
The mud lark and the singing frog
Are happy, are happy
Thinking they’re in the sea.

When autumn comes,
The hills and dales turn red
The mud lark and the singing frog
Craning their necks above,
Must think of the hills are on fire.