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\n<\/a>\nOne of the most famous Japanese folk songs \u201cSakura\u201d, also known as \u201cSakura Sakura\u201d, is well known by everyone in Japan. Not only is the writer of the song unknown, but some lines such as “Yayoi no Sora” and “Izaya” in the lyrics of the song are actually not common expressions in Japanese. All children learn to sing “Sakura” in elementary school and belt out “Izaya, Izaya” in loud voices. “Izaya” particularly doesn\u2019t have a meaning in Japanese and it sounds similar to the word \u201cIza\u201d, which is a phrase warriors and fighters say when running out into battle. <\/p>\n\n
It turns out that the nonsensical word in Japanese is in fact the name of the famous prophet Isaiah from the Old Testament and the Hebrew pronunciation is exactly the same as it is in Japanese. What\u2019s even more interesting about this shared word is that \u201cIsaiah\u201d carries an even deeper meaning in Hebrew, which means \u201cGod\u2019s salvation\u201d. It\u2019s interesting to think that people have been singing \u201cSakura Sakura\u201d for years without ever stopping to think about the meaning in a religious context.<\/p>\n\n
Since Izaya holds an important meaning in Hebrew, the possibility emerges that not only does the title “Sakura Sakura” come from Hebrew, but the entire song can also be sung completely in Hebrew. By just examining each word from the lyrics, it turns out that the nonsensical word in Japanese is in fact the famous prophet Isaiah from the Old Testament, and the adoration for God jumps off the page.<\/p>\n\n
\n\nTraditional Japanese song “Sakura”<\/p>\n
sakura sakura
\n yayoi no sora wa
\n miwatasu kagiri
\n kasumi ka kumo ka
\n nioi zo izuru
\n izaya izaya
\n mini yukan<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\nDeciphering “Sakura Sakura”<\/h2>\n\n
In order to be able to read and understand \u201cSakura Sakura\u201d in Hebrew, one must find Hebrew words that sound similar to the Japanese words with consistent meaning. Let\u2019s first note that Hebrew pronunciation combines consonants with open vowel sounds “a e i o u”, which is very similar to Japanese pronunciation. Written Biblical Hebrew explicitly leaves out the vowels; Back when Hebrew script was written in ancient times, the consonants alone were read with the presence of the vowels implicitly understood.<\/p>\n\n
Likewise, in order to know which Hebrew consonant vowel matches with each consonant to create a word from theHebrew alphabet, one must first be sure that the word exists and is understandable in Hebrew. Sometimes multiple selections of consonants have similar pronunciations with different meanings. In such cases, one must find the word that best matches the meaning in context.<\/p>\n\n
Using this method to decipher the meaning in context from beginning to end, the meaning of the lyrics becomes crystal clear in Hebrew. Let\u2019s take a deeper look at the lyrics of “Sakura Sakura.” <\/p>\n\n
Etymology of the word \u201dsakura”<\/h2>\n\n
The word “sakura” in Japanese is not only the name of the cherry tree with the flowing pink petals that bloom every spring, but this word is also used as a term to refer to someone who pretends to be a customer while hiding the fact that they are friends with the person running a street stall or another local business. As early as in the 8th century, the character for “cherry blossom””\u685c” was referenced in the NIHON SHOKI as already being used in the text to describe the Emperor\u2019s banquet.<\/p>\n\n
The general etymology of the word sakura is noted as, “a splendid flower that looks like it’s blooming”, which then changed to \u201cto bloom,\u201d \u201csaku,\u201d and the ending “ra” was added later. There is also a theory that names like \u30b5\u30af\u30e4\u59eb (Princess Sakuya) found in various books among other names with similar pronunciations were gradually changed to \u201cSakura.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
Looking further into Hebrew, the etymology of “sakura” most likely comes from Biblical Hebrew, which is the original language of the Old Testament. The word \u05e9\u05e7\u05e8 (sheker) in Hebrew means \u201cto “fake,” “to lie,\u201d or \u201cto hide,” and it sounds almost exactly the same as the pronunciation of sakura in Japanese. This is probably why this meaning of sakura in Japanese is written as \u507d\u5ba2 (nisekyaku), which means a \u201cfake customer.\u201d Therefore, the secondary meaning of “sakura” is originally borrowed from Hebrew meaning \u201chiding the truth\u201d and \u201cdeceiving.\u201d Later, the homophone became the name of the cherry blossom tree. \n<\/p>\n\n
Another possibility of the Hebrew meaning of “sakura” is\u05e1\u05e7\u05e8<\/span>(seker, sekera), or “to look over” and “to survey.” A derivative of this Hebrew word is \u05e1\u05e7\u05e8\u05d4<\/span>(shikra, shikula), which is defined as “stained in vermillion” or \u201cto be painted in vermillion\u201d. Therefore, one can surmise that the sakura cherry blossom petals that cover the scenery and stain the color of the view in vermillion can be called “shikra” in Hebrew.<\/p>\n\n
After looking deeping into the etymology of and the original meaning of the word sakura, it\u2019s important to note that the first verse of “Sakura” is linked with “Yayoi” that begins right after the Sakura chorus, and the meaning of these two words and the following verses show a consistent theme over the entire lyrics. “Sakura” in Hebrew means \u201cto lie\u201d or “to hide,” and \u201cYayoi\u201d means “god” which will be discussed further in detail later. Therefore, “Sakura Yayoi” means “hidden god,” which can then be understood as “spirited away.” Another meaning of \u201csakura\u201d is “to survey,” or \u201cCheck it out!\u201d Since \u201dYayoi\u201d is the word \u201cGod,\u201d the lyrics that follow can also be referring to knowing more about “God” and looking around to see what \u201cGod\u201d is doing in one\u2019s surroundings. Furthermore, the derivative of that word could also mean, \u201cto be painted in vermillion!\u201d<\/p>\n\n
In both cases, the word \u201csakura\u201d has the nuance of representing a divine being. It is easier to understand the meaning of \u201csakura\u201d as \u201cto hide\u201d or \u201cto lie\u201d because there is a common word \u201cyaezakura,\u201d or \u201cyaesakura\u201d in Japanese. Using the Hebrew meaning\u201cto be hidden,\u201d both \u201csakura yayoi\u201d and \u201cyaezakura\u201d can then be understood as \u201cGod is hidden.\u201d \u201cYae\u201d or \u201cyah,\u201d in \u201cyaezakura\u201d is another word for \u201cGod\u201d in Hebrew; therefore, its meaning is the same as \u201cyayoi.\u201d Assuming the root word of \u201cyaezakura\u201d is in Hebrew, and the motif of \u201csakura\u201d hints to something that is hiding, the entire lyrics of \u201csakura sakura\u201d are perhaps expressing something about a hidden spirit, or God\u2019s hidden treasures.<\/p>\n\n
“Yayoi” in Hebrew means “God”<\/h2>\n\n
According to the NIHONGO DAIJITEN (Japanese dictionary), the word \u201cyayoi\u201d\u5f4c\u751f) originates from \u201ciyaoi\u201d \u3044\u3084\u304a\u3044 which has changed its pronunciation over time. Its etymology is \u201ckusakiyaohitsuki\u201d \u30af\u30b5\u30ad\u30e4\u30aa\u30d2\u30c4\u30ad\uff08\u8349\u6728\u5f4c\u751f\u6708) and \u201cyayoi\u201d( \u5f4c\u751f) is actually an abbreviation of this phrase. Yaohi was also read as iyaohi \u3044\u3084\u304a\u3072. “Iyaohi” is found in many ancient documents such as Ougisho, Wajiga, and Nihon Shakumyo.The word was used to describe the various plants that produce flowers and leaves. There is no established theory on how and why the etymology of the word “iyaohi\u201d came to be used. However, when the word “iyaohi” is spelled out in Hebrew, it includes the four holy letters of Yahweh in Hebrew; therefore, its etymology most likely originates not from Japanese, but from Hebrew.<\/p>\n\n
In Hebrew script, “iyaohi” is spelled as\u05d9\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4\u05d9<\/span>. The beginning and ending are bounded by the Hebrew letter \u201c\u05d9,\u201d which is called a yod. When used alone, this seemingly simple consonant \u201c\u05d9\u201d can be synonymous with God and read as “ya.” In between the two letters of yod in the spelling of \u201ciyaohi,’ there are four letters,\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4 <\/span> , which means God of Yahweh. Thus,\u201ciyaohi’ is a word that itself symbolizes God in Hebrew.<\/p>\n \n
Also, since Hebrew is read from right to left, the yod is written twice before the four letters of Yahweh. In Japanese, the repeated \u201cyod\u201d or \u201cya\u201d is described as \u516b\u91cd, and it is pronounced as \u201cyae.\u201d This is the same as the sacred word that is known as the name of God in Hebrew. The repeated yod together with Yahweh emphasizes the existence of God. <\/p>\n\n
In short, the character string in \u201ciyaohi\u201d is enclosed in the Hebrew letters of yod, and the yod is repeated in order to symbolize God from the word yae. Not only that, the letters in between the yod are \u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4 also means ya or \u201cGod.\u201d Therefore, the Japanese word \u201cyaesakura\u201d which combines \u201cya\u201d with \u201csakura\u201d means \u201cGod is hidden\u201d in Hebrew, which can be drawn out when looking at this word through Hebrew lenses.<\/p>\n\n
\u201cYayoi no sora\u201d (Yayoi Sky) symbolizes the struggle of God<\/h2>\n\n
The line after “yayoi,”\u300c\u306e\u30fb\u305d\u3089\u306f\u300d \u201cno sora ha,\u201d can also be interpreted in Hebrew. \u300c\u306e\u300d “no” can be read in Hebrew script as\u05e0\u05d4<\/span>(na,\u30ca), meaning “grief” or “wish.” The next word, \u201c\u305d\u3089,\u201d(sora) can be understood as \u201cto struggle\u201d or \u201cto overcome\u201d in Hebrew. “Sora” is assumed to be derived from the word \u05e9\u05e8\u05d4<\/span> \u30b5\u30e9(sara) followed by the conjunction “\u05d5<\/span>.” Since “yayoi” means \u201cGod,\u201d “Yayoi no Sora” can be understood as “God struggles” in Hebrew.<\/p> \n\n
Then, the puzzling question is who or what does “God” fight? Why is the truth of the struggle invisible within the mysterious motif \u795e\u96a0\u3057 (kamikakushi) \u201cspirited away”? Perhaps the question lies in the following word \u6b7b or “death”.<\/p>\n\n
\u201cAs far as one can see\u201d, one lives through death!<\/h2>\n\n
\u300c\u307f\u308f\u305f\u3059\u304b\u304e\u308a\u300d(Miwatasu kagiri) or “as far as I can see,” consists of several Hebrew words. The first word is built upon three consonants and can be translated from the Hebrew script as \u05de\u05d5\u05ea<\/span>(mut), or \u201cdeath.\u201d \u05de\u05d9\u05d5\u05ea\u05e9<\/span>\uff08miwatash, \u307f\u308f\u305f\u3059) is likely derived from the word “mut,” and it means “to be exhausted.” It is a word that exactly expresses “facing death.”<\/p>\n\n
The subsequent \u304b\u304e\u308a(kagiri) or “as long as,” talks about living as opposed to death and dying. “Kagiri\u201d is composed of two words.\u05db\u05da<\/span>(kakh) means \u201cso\u201d and \u201cthus,\u201d and \u05d9\u05d7\u05d9<\/span>(ikhi, iki) means \u201clong life\u201d or \u4e07\u6b73(banzai) in Japanese. When added together, the word becomes \u05db\u05da \u05d9\u05d7\u05d9<\/span>(kakhikhi), which sounds like \u304b\u304e\u308a(kagiri) in Japaneseor “limit.”<\/p>\n\n
This gives the line “As far as I can see” a completely different meaning in Hebrew and expresses that even if someone dies of exhaustion, they will live on forever.\nIn other words, even if a person dies, that person will be resurrected and continue to live for eternity and that is the wonder of this song.<\/p>\n\n
“\u300c\u304b\u3059\u307f\u304b\u96f2\u304b] “Kasumika ka kumo ka” “Haze or clouds” talks about the fulfillment of prophecy<\/h2>\n\n
According to the lyrics thus far, the theme of God\u2019s existence, his struggle,overcoming death and living for eternity can be interpreted. Conquering death and living may mean that even if a person dies, they will be resurrected. Therefore, the song moves on to sing about the mysterious event by saying, \u201ckasumi ka kumoka.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
First, “kasumi” is thought to be \u05e7\u05e1\u05dd (kesem) in Hebrew. This word was used in biblical times to mean \u201cprophecy.\u201d “Kasumi” is a slightly accented version of “kesem” and both words have similar pronunciations. By interpreting \u201ckasumi\u201d as a prophecy, it naturally leads to the understanding of the next word “kumoka.”<\/p>\n\n
In Hebrew, \u201ckumo\u201d is interpreted as \u05e7\u05d5\u05dd (kum, kum), which means \u201dto stand up.\u201d This word can be interpreted as, \u201cthe fulfillment of prophecy.\u201d \u201cKasumi-ka\u201d and \u201ckumo-ka\u201d both have “ka” at the end of the word, which means “so” or “because.” Now, the meaning of “Kasumi ka kumoka” becomes clear. These words point to a religious statement, “so the prophecy is fulfilled.”<\/p>\n\n
“\u306b\u304a\u3044\u305e\u3044\u305a\u308b” “Noizoizuru” is the completion of the plan<\/h2>\n\n
The lyrics up until “Kasumi Kakumoka” in Hebrew can be understood as, “God has died but he will live again, and the prophecy will be fulfilled.” The truth was buried in history and the song \u201cSakura\u201d is roughly translated as “Lies? Hide!” Then in the next line, “Nioizoizuru”, the message is completed.<\/p>\n\n
“Nioizoizuru” consists of three words in Hebrew. The first word \u05e0\u05d0\u05d4<\/span>(naeh, nae) originates from the word \u201cbeautiful.\u201d The derivative of that word is \u05e0\u05d9\u05d0\u05d5\u05d4\u05d9<\/span>(niohi), which means “accurate.” The pronunciation is the same as in the lyrics. The following \u05d6\u05d5<\/span>(zo) is a word that means “this” or “this one.”<\/p> \n\n
The next word \u201cIzuru” is the derivative of the Hebrew \u05d9\u05e6\u05e8<\/span>(yitzer) that means \u201cto be created” or \u201cto be produced,” and the word became \u05d9\u05e6\u05e8<\/span>(yitzur, Izuru). These three words combined together become \u201cnioizoizuru,\u201d which literally translates to “this wonderful creation,” and expresses that something wonderful has come true.<\/p>\n\n
Calling and Testimony of Isaiah the Priest<\/h2>\n\n
For some reason, the song “Sakura Sakura” ends with calling the famous prophet Isaiah with the name repeated in the one line.Does this word have a meaning in Japanese? Or, could it be that the word is simply the name of the prophet Isaiah? If “Izaya” is read in Hebrew, the word contains an important message that leads to faith.<\/p>\n\n
“Isaiah” in Hebrew is \u05d9\u05e9\u05e2\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5<\/span>(yeshayahu, ishayahu), which means “God’s salvation.\u201d Therefore, the name that is repeated in the lyrics holds the same weight as earnestly praying for “God’s salvation.” The word for prayer is followed by\u05de\u05d9\u05e0\u05d4<\/span>(mina,mina) “to appoint,” and \u05d9\u05db\u05d4\u05df<\/span>(ikihen, ikihen) “to serve as priests,” and these two words then morphed into “Minaikihen.” As time progressed the word became corrupted and became “Miniikan.”<\/p>\n\n
Now, the meaning of “miniikan” becomes more apparent. By repeatedly calling the name of “Isaiah” which if you remember from before means “God’s salvation,” people were speaking of “God’s salvation” without knowing the original meaning of the words. Isaiah was also a word of prayer. The call to saving grace from the words “Minikihen” were used to express the desire to serve as a priest in order to convey this message to the people. In other words, the song \u201cSakura Sakura\u201d is a testimony to God\u2019s death, resurrection, and God’s salvation through His faith being shared through the sung words in Hebrew.<\/p>\n\n
What is the mystery of \u201cSakura Sakura\u201d?<\/h2>\n\n
The lyrics of \u201cSakura Sakura\u201d contain a completely different meaning from that of the Japanese language when read in Hebrew. The overall interpretation in Hebrew is full of thoughts of faith. “Hide, hide, God has endured and died, but he lives. The prophecy is fulfilled. Great things have been created. God save us! God save us! Gather the people and serve as priests!\u201d<\/p>\n\n
“Sakura Sakura” seems to have secrets of evangelism that are influenced by ancient Shinto rituals and beliefs. The contents were not openly said and the writer felt the need to keep the true meaning a secret. Therefore, the song “Sakura Sakura” actually begins with the repeated phrase \u201cGo hide, go hide!\u201d . This song spread widely to the Japanese public as a Japanese song on the surface. However, the writer truly intended for everyone to hum and sing about “God’s salvation” without knowing it.<\/p>\n\n
\n\n \u05e9\u05e7\u05e8 \u05e9\u05e7\u05e8 \u05d9\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4\u05d9 \u05e0\u05d4 \u05e9\u05e8\u05d4 \u05d5 \u05de\u05d9\u05d5\u05ea\u05e9 \u05db\u05da \u05d9\u05d7\u05d9<\/span>\n Hide, lie, God endured, died, but lives!<\/span>\n \u05e7\u05e1\u05dd \u05db\u05da \u05e7\u05d5\u05dd \u05db\u05da \u05e0\u05d9\u05d0\u05d5\u05d4\u05d9 \u05d6\u05d5 \u05d9\u05e6\u05e8<\/span>\n Prophecies Fulfilled and Great Things Created<\/span>\n \u05d9\u05e9\u05e2\u05d9\u05d4 \u05d9\u05e9\u05e2\u05d9\u05d4 \u05de\u05d9\u05e0\u05d4 \u05d9\u05db\u05d4\u05df<\/span>\n God’s salvation, call forth God’s salvation, serve as a priest!<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n Sakura<\/td>\n (SKR)<\/td>\n \u05e9\u05e7\u05e8<\/td>\n lie, hide <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n <\/td>\n (SKR)<\/td>\n \u05e1\u05e7\u05e8<\/td>\n survey, examine<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n <\/td>\n (SKR)<\/td>\n \u05e1\u05e7\u05e8\u05d4<\/td>\n Vermilion dyed<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n Yayoi<\/td>\n (YYH)<\/td>\n \u05d9\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4\u05d9<\/td>\n God<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n Sorawa<\/td>\n (SRH)<\/td>\n \u05e9\u05e8\u05d4<\/td>\n struggles, overcomes<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n Miwatasu<\/td>\n (MWT)<\/td>\n \u05de\u05d5\u05ea<\/td>\n die<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n <\/td>\n (MWT)<\/td>\n \u05de\u05d9\u05d5\u05ea\u05e9<\/td>\n exhausted<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n Kagiri<\/td>\n (KKI)<\/td>\n \u05db\u05da \u05d9\u05d7\u05d9<\/td>\n long live, hurray<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n Kasumi<\/td>\n (KSM)<\/td>\n \u05e7\u05e1\u05dd<\/td>\n prophecy<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n Kumoka<\/td>\n (KMK)<\/td>\n \u05e7\u05d5\u05dd \u05db\u05da<\/td>\n accomplish, stand up<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n Nihohi<\/td>\n (NOH)<\/td>\n \u05e0\u05d0\u05d4<\/td>\n wonderful<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n <\/td>\n (NOH)<\/td>\n \u05e0\u05d9\u05d0\u05d5\u05d4\u05d9<\/td>\n precise<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n Izuru<\/td>\n (YZR)<\/td>\n \u05d9\u05e6\u05e8<\/td>\n create<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n Izaya<\/td>\n (YSY)<\/td>\n \u05d9\u05e9\u05e2\u05d9\u05d4<\/td>\n God’s Salvation<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n Mini<\/td>\n (MNH)<\/td>\n \u05de\u05d9\u05e0\u05d4<\/td>\n summon, appoint<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n \n Ikan<\/td>\n (YKN)<\/td>\n \u05d9\u05db\u05d4\u05df<\/td>\n serving as a priest<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n