Midsummer Happenings -Manatsu no Dekigoto- / Miki Hirayama

Song Introduction (Midsummer Happenings –Manatsu no Dekigoto-)

• Song Title: Manatsu no Dekigoto (Title meaning：Midsummer Happenings or A Midsummer’s Incident)
• Artist: Miki Hirayama
• Lyrics: Jun Hashimoto
• Composition: Kyohei Tsutsumi
• Label: Nippon Columbia
• Overview: “Manatsu no Dekigoto” is Miki Hirayama’s second single, released in May 1971. It became a major hit, reaching 5th place on the Oricon charts and has been covered by numerous artists.

Article Sources:
Miki Hirayama – Wikipedia
Nidsummer Hapenings(song) – Wikipedia

About Song & Lyrics

Miki Hirayama’s “Midsummer Happenings” is one of the iconic masterpieces of Japanese pop music, released in 1971. This song, with its up-tempo melody centered on a summer romance, captivated many hearts with its lyrics that depict a poignant scene of lovers sensing an impending farewell.

彼の車にのって
Kare no kuruma ni notte
真夏の夜を　走りつづけた
Manatsu no yoru wo hashiri tsuzuketa
彼の車にのって
Kare no kuruma ni notte
さいはての町　私はついた
Saihate no machi watashi wa tsuita

悲しい出来事が　起こらないように
Kanashii dekigoto ga okoranai youni
祈りの気持ちをこめて　見つめ合う二人を
Inori no kimochi wo komete mitsume au hutari wo
朝の冷たい海は　鏡のようにうつしていた
Asa no tsumetai umi wa kagami no youni utsushite ita
朝の冷たい海は　恋の終わりを知っていた
Asa no tsumetai umi wa koi no owari wo shitte ita
（Citation: Miki Hirayama, “Manatsu no Dekigoto”）

Translation (Informal):
Riding in his car,
we kept driving through the midsummer night.
Riding in his car,
I arrived at the edge of town.

So that no sad incident would occur,
we gazed at each other, filled with prayers.
The cold morning sea reflected us like a mirror,
the cold morning sea knew the end of our love.

Phrases like “Riding in his car” evoke the nostalgic imagery of the entire song. The chorus, accompanied by a melancholic melody, emphasizes the fleeting nature of an unforgettable summer romance, drawing listeners into a deeply emotional experience.
The song resonates with audiences through Miki Hirayama’s husky, sultry voice and its nostalgic yet pop-infused sound, continuing to be cherished across generations. “Midsummer Happenings” is not just a summer song but a timeless masterpiece that universally portrays the bittersweetness of love, something everyone experiences at least once.

Song Videos

Artist Introduction (Miki Hirayama)

• Artist: Miki Hirayama
• Date of Birth: August 22, 1949
• Hometown: Ota Ward, Tokyo
• Official Website: Miki Hirayama Official Site

Artist Trails

Miki Hirayama decided to pursue a career in music after graduating from Japan Music High School. Her career began in 1967 when she performed as a “Mates Girl” at the music café “Mates” in Ginza. In 1970, she debuted with the single Beautiful Yokohama, quickly gaining popularity with her distinctive husky voice and captivating performances. Her musical style mainly revolved around kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), and her collaborations with lyricist Jun Hashimoto and composer Kyohei Tsutsumi produced numerous hits.

Her notable songs include Midsummer Happenings and Noah’s Ark. A Midsummer’s Incident was a major hit, reaching 5th place on the Oricon charts and selling over 500,000 copies. Additionally, her 1972 release Friends was covered by numerous idols, showcasing her significant influence in the music industry.

In her personal life, she married fellow singer Hirofumi Banba in 1977, though the couple divorced in 2005. In recent years, she has been living in Kyoto, where she has published books and CDs related to the city. She continues to perform, appearing in live shows and events, and her unique voice remains beloved by fans. (As of December 2024)

Throughout her career, Miki Hirayama has remained an influential figure in the music scene. Her work continues to be loved by many, and fans eagerly anticipate new releases and performances in the future.