“Rain” by Yukiko

Inspired by the children’s song Ame (Rain)

Printed on canvas, 27 × 46 cm

This work is based on the Japanese children’s song Ame (Rain). “Rain is falling, rain keeps falling…” The poem describes a child stuck indoors on a long rainy day—unable to play outside, chasing colored paper, playing with dolls, trying one thing after another, yet the rain continues without end. Boredom settles in, and the child wonders what to do next.

In Japan, the rainy season called tsuyu arrives from June to July and lasts for about a month. During this time, the sky remains gray and people often feel melancholic. Yet beneath these dim skies, hydrangeas bloom in full color.

Hanging by the window is a small white figure made from cloth or a handkerchief. This is a teru‑teru bōzu, a simple doll children make and hang by its neck as a charm to “bring sunshine” and pray for clear skies. It is a playful yet earnest ritual of children wishing for the rain to stop.

Will the girl’s prayer be answered?

This work is painted by Yukiko Ko-kyo's mother (83 years old)

【Open Edition】

https://subalart.base.shop/items/154934278

「雨」 by Yukiko

Inspire by 'Ame (Rain)' a children's song

アクリル　キャンバス　27×46cm

日本の童謡「雨」を題材に描いた作品です。

「雨が降ります　雨が降る…」

ずっと雨が降っていて外で遊べない。家の中で千代紙を追ったり、お人形で遊んだり、いろいろ遊んでみたけれどまだまだ雨は降り続く…あぁ退屈だなあ、何して遊ぼうかなあ、といった内容の詩。

日本では６月から７月にかけて「梅雨(つゆ)」と呼ばれる雨期があります。梅雨は１か月ほど続きますが、この時期は人々の心も沈みがち。そんな薄暗い雨空の下アジサイの花が満開を迎えます。

窓にぶらさがっている白い物体は子供たちが白いハンカチや布でつくった坊主頭の簡易な人形です。これは「てるてる坊主」とよばれ、早く空が晴れて太陽が「照る」ことを祈る子供たちの日乞いの儀式として首を吊るされます。

さて女の子の祈りは届くでしょうか。