“Kōjō no Tsuki” (荒城の月) – The moon over the ruined castle

“Kōjō no Tsuki” (荒城の月)
The moon over the
ruined castle

“Kōjō no Tsuki” (荒城の月)
The moon over the ruined castle

Eleven variations on the Japanese folk song "The moon over the ruined castle" for solo flute.

“Kōjō no Tsuki” (荒城の月) is a deeply moving song about the passage of time and the transience of human power. The four stanzas unfolds as a mirror of human history and experience:

Written at the beginning of the 20th century, a period of great social upheaval, the song reflects the decline of old orders and the fading splendor of court life. Amidst all this change, the moon remains a constant source of light—a symbol of the imperishable nature of memory and nature.

The melody was composed by Rentarō Taki (滝廉太郎, 1879–1903), one of the first Japanese composers to blend Western musical traditions with Japanese spirit. Despite his short life, Taki left significant works, among which Kōjō no Tsuki is the most famous.

The music is in the style of Western Romanticism, solemn and melancholic, with simple, clear lines that perfectly support the mood of the text. The song was originally written for voice and piano but has undergone many arrangements—for choir, orchestra, and traditional Japanese instruments.

The lyrics come from Bansui Doi (土井晩翠, 1871–1952), a poet and professor of English literature. He was strongly influenced by Western poetry and combined Japanese themes with a modern, often nostalgic style in his works. Kōjō no Tsuki is one of his most famous poems and reflects his poetic view of history, transience, and nature.

Lyrics:

1. Springtime’s night, beneath the moonlight, Cherry blossoms bloom and fall. Inside the castle, once so grand, Echoes of the feast now gone. Where are the lords, where are the knights, Who once drank under these trees? Only the moon remains unchanged, Shining on the ruins in peace.	2. Autumn’s night, the moon is shining, Coldly on the stormy sea. From the old keep’s broken tower Cries a crane so mournfully. Warriors’ dreams have long since passed, Swords and spears have turned to rust. Only the moon remains above, Glowing through the clouds and dust.
3. Now I recall those youthful days, Banquets held in grand delight. Dancing shadows, flutes and songs, Laughter echoing through the night. We drank together, friend and friend, Swearing vows so bold and true. Only the moon remains to watch Over dreams we once all knew.	4. Gone are days of joy and glory, Time has swept them all away. Life is fleeting like a dream, Castles crumble into clay. Still the moonlight softly shines Over hill and field and stream. Guiding hearts through loss and time, Keeper of our fading dream.