Song Introduction (Stranger -Ihojin-)

Song Title: Stranger~Theme of the Silk Road~
Artist: Saki Kubota (currently Sayuri Kume)
Lyrics & Composition: Saki Kubota
Label: CBS/Sony
Overview:
Released on October 1, 1979, as her debut single, “Stranger” sold over 1 million copies by December 25 of the same year, according to CBS/Sony’s reports. It became a massive hit, ranking 96th on the Oricon all-time singles chart.

Source of Article:
“Sayuri Kume” – Wikipedia
“Stranger – Theme of the Silk Road” – Wikipedia

About Song

“Stranger” is Saki Kubota’s signature work and a timeless masterpiece that has left its mark on the history of Japanese music. With her transparent, ethereal voice and unique worldview, the song captivated many hearts and became an instant hit upon its release.

Kubota originally titled the song “White Morning”, but it was changed to “Stranger” at the suggestion of producer Masaru Sakai. The lyrics are themed around the Silk Road, portraying encounters and farewells in foreign lands. Notably, the opening line, “The children face the sky, spreading their arms wide…”, was inspired by a scene Kubota witnessed during her school commute as a student.

Musically, the song features an exotic melody and rhythm, highlighted by the use of the hammered dulcimer, a traditional instrument, which lends the piece a Middle Eastern atmosphere. Kubota’s soft and gentle voice is particularly striking, transporting listeners to an imagined foreign landscape.

Released in 1979, the lyrics of “Stranger” explore themes of heartbreak and loneliness while vividly evoking a mysterious, foreign ambiance reminiscent of the Silk Road.

子供たちが空に向かい　両手をひろげ
Kodomo tachi ga Sora ni mukai Ryoute o hiroge
鳥や雲や夢までも　つかもうとしている
Tori ya Kumo ya Yume mademo Tsukamou to shiteru
その姿はきのうまでの　何も知らない私
Sono Sugata wa Kinou made no Nanimo shiranai Watashi
あなたにこの指が　届くと信じていた
Anata ni kono Yubi ga Todoku to shinjite ita

空と大地が　ふれ合う彼方
Sora to Daichi ga Fureau Kanata
過去からの旅人を　呼んでる道
Kako karano Tabibito wo Yonderu Michi
あなたにとって私　ただの通りすがり
Anatani totte Watashi tadano toorisugari
ちょっと振り向いてみただけの
chotto furimuite mitadake no
異邦人
Ihojin

*Translation(Unformal)
Children reach out to the sky, spreading their arms wide,
Trying to grasp birds, clouds, even dreams.
That image was like the me of yesterday, who knew nothing,
Believing these fingers of mine could reach you.

Where the sky and earth meet on the horizon,
A path calls out to travelers from the past.
To you, I was nothing but a passerby,
Just someone you glanced back at briefly—
A stranger.

from “Ihojin” / Saki Kubota

The melody is characterized by an exotic tune reminiscent of the Middle East, creating a mysterious atmosphere that transports listeners to another world. “Stranger” combines its beautiful melody, poetic lyrics, and Saki Kubota’s gentle voice, making it a timeless song cherished across generations.

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Artist Introduction (Sayuri Kume)

Artist: Sayuri Kume (née Kubota)
Former Artist Name: Saki Kubota (1979–1984)
Date of Birth]: May 11, 1958
Place of Birth: Kunitachi Town, North Tama District, Tokyo (now Kunitachi City)

Artist Trails

Sayuri Kume (formerly known as Saki Kubota) was born in Kunitachi City, Tokyo, and grew up surrounded by music. She began learning piano at the age of four. After graduating from Kyoritsu Women’s Junior College, she debuted as a singer-songwriter in 1979. Her debut single, “Stranger,” became an instant hit, selling over 1.4 million copies and catapulting her to fame.

She continued her musical career under the name “Saki Kubota” until 1984. After marrying composer Daisaku Kume, she temporarily retired from music. However, she later embarked on a new path as a Christian music missionary. Following her baptism, she resumed her music career under her real name, Sayuri Kume, performing concerts in churches and chapels.

Alongside her music, she actively contributes to disaster relief through concerts and promotes church music. Her works often revolve around themes of faith and hope, deeply resonating with audiences. While “Stranger” remains her most famous piece, she has also created numerous other songs beloved by her fans, admired for her unique voice.

Additionally, Sayuri Kume has dedicated herself to social contributions through music, participating in charity events and disaster recovery concerts. Her activities extend beyond music to deliver powerful social messages, continuing to inspire many. In 2020, she performed a comeback concert under the name Saki Kubota, introducing her music to a new generation.

Sayuri Kume remains a source of inspiration through her music, which continues to touch and influence countless people worldwide.