October 11th is 'Ringo no Uta' (Apple Song) Day | Everything you need to know: Origins, a thorough guide to the film 'Soyokaze', plus production rankings and variety guide
Hello, this is the former King!
Today is October 11th—'Ringo no Uta' Day. This day commemorates the release of the first post-war film, 'Soyokaze' (Breeze), and the massive hit of its theme song, 'Ringo no Uta'. With lyrics by Hachiro Sato, music by Tadashi Manjome, and vocals by Michiko Namiki (originally co-sung with Noboru Kirishima), it is truly a masterpiece known as the 'first post-war hit'.
What is 'Ringo no Uta'?
It is the theme/insert song for the film 'Soyokaze' (Shochiku, Ofuna Studio, directed by Yasushi Sasaki). It was released on October 11, 1945. With its bright melody and opening line, 'Pressing my lips to a red apple...', it was cherished as a song that brought hope to the era of the burnt-out ruins.
There is no record of any specific organization registering this date as an anniversary; it is widely circulated as an 'event-based' anniversary and is introduced as 'Ringo no Uta Day' in 'What Day Is Today' style features.
Mini Encyclopedia of Japanese Apples (Kingdom Edition)
Origins and History (Briefly)
Japan has long had Wa-ringo (Japanese apples) (small and tart), and Western apples were introduced in earnest after the Meiji era, leading to the expansion of commercial cultivation. In the 1870s, the government led the distribution of saplings, which spread across the country.
Major Production Areas
The top apple-producing region is Aomori Prefecture, followed by Nagano Prefecture, and Iwate Prefecture. These three prefectures account for about 80% of the national total (2024 production, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries survey).
Popular Varieties (Remembering these makes shopping easier)
Fuji: Japan's mainstay. The king of balance in sweetness, aroma, and texture.
Tsugaru: An early-ripening, juicy variety.
Ourin: A yellow-green, aromatic variety with solid sweetness.
Jonagold: A sweet and tart 'classic apple' flavor.
(Nagano varieties) Shinano Sweet / Shinano Gold / Shinano Dolce are also worth noting.
Are 'honey-cored' apples sweet?
The 'honey' that appears as transparency in the flesh is actually sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) plus moisture. It is a phenomenon where it accumulates in the flesh instead of converting to sugar during the ripening stage, and the honey itself is actually not that sweet (sweetness is determined by the ratio of fructose and sucrose). Since it is also a sign of full ripeness, shelf life is shorter.
Kingdom Recommendations: Seasonal picks for 'what to buy now'
Aomori Komitsu, approx. 2kg (7-13 pieces)
Famous for being packed with honey even in small sizes. The sparkling cut surface looks great, making it perfect for
Yamagata Kotoku, approx. 2kg
A rich, dessert-style apple with honey. It has a wonderful aroma, so serve it well-chilled.
Nagano tree-ripened, 3kg (Shinano varieties, Sun Fuji, etc.)
A type finished on the tree. For those who prioritize aroma and juiciness.
Nagano 'imperfect' apples, 5kg (average sugar content listed)
Even if they have surface blemishes, they are perfect for **'eating in bulk' at home**. Also great for cooking.
A tip from the former King
Apples with honey have a 'short peak of deliciousness.' In the Kingdom, we order them separately for immediate eating and for gifts, and store them in the vegetable drawer of the fridge wrapped in newspaper (place in a separate bag to prevent aroma transfer).
Tips to enjoy apples even more
Raw: Since there are many polyphenols near the skin, the Kingdom way is to **'peel thinly or eat with the skin on'**.
Baked apples: Butter + cinnamon makes for the 'star dessert of autumn.' A toaster works fine too.
Salad: Shredded apple with yogurt and lemon for a morning vitamin boost.
Storage: Avoid dryness, wrap each one individually, and store in the vegetable drawer. Eat those with honey as soon as possible.
Origin of the Anniversary & Summary (Key Points)
An 'event-based' anniversary commemorating the song 'Ringo no Uta,' the theme song of the film 'Soyokaze' released on October 11, 1945.
Lyrics: Hachiro Sato / Composition: Tadashi Manjome / Vocals: Michiko Namiki (Original version co-sung with Noboru Kirishima).
Western apples were introduced to Japan in the Meiji era -> Aomori, Nagano, and Iwate are the top three.
'Honey' (core transparency) is a sign of full ripeness caused by sorbitol. The main components of sweetness are fructose and sucrose.
🔑 Keyword Summary
Apple Song Day, October 11th, Soyokaze, Michiko Namiki, Hachiro Sato, Tadashi Manjome, First post-war hit, 100 Best Japanese Songs, History of apples, Meiji era Western apple introduction, Aomori apples, Nagano apples, Iwate apples, Fuji, Tsugaru, Ourin, Jonagold, Shinano Sweet, Honey-filled, Sorbitol, Tree-ripened, Gift apples, Imperfect apples, Storage methods, Baked apples, Autumn fruit