Kojo no Tsuki

• Composed: 1901, Taki Rentarô
• Japanese: 荒城の月 (koujou no tsuki)

Kôjô no tsuki, or "The Moon Over the Castle Ruins," is a song composed by Taki Rentarô in 1901. Often played on koto, the song is said to have been inspired by the ruins of Oka castle in Ôita prefecture in Kyushu.

The lyrics, by Doi Bansui, were inspired by Doi's visits to Sendai castle and Aizu Wakamatsu castle. They speak of images of spring and autumn, and nostalgic memory for happier times at a castle now in ruins.

References

• O'Grady, Daniel. "Moon Over the Deserted Castle." Japanese Castle Explorer. August 2011. Accessed 8 September 2011.
• "Pau Hana: Music and Dance from Asia and the Pacific." Concert Program. University of Hawaii at Manoa. Spring 2011.