"Toire no Kamisama" (Eng Sub) トイレの神様（英字幕）ー植村花菜

If you would like to understand the meaning of the lyrics fully, please read the added note in the description below. I feel a lot of the meaning is lost in translation, mostly due to cultural differences.

*original note when posted 9/20/09

トイレの神様（Toire no kamisama), meaning "Goddess of the Toilet", by Kana Uemura（植村花菜）

I thought the lyrics were beautiful so I wanted to share the experience with English speaking people. Sorry for the bad translation. I would also like to dedicate this song to someone very special to me. Happy Birthday. 9/20.

現在アメリカ、シカゴに留学している日本人で偶然この曲と出会いました。歌詞に思わず感動して英語圏の人々にも是非この感動を味わって欲しいと、一生懸命通訳しました。下­手な通訳ですみません。

*added note 12/18/11

In Japan, cleaning the bathroom is a chore to teach kids discipline, but most of all humbleness. In schools and homes it was normal for students and kids to clean bathrooms. Obviously it was one of the most hated chores. As Japan modernized quickly, and slowly westernized, this chore is becoming less and less common.

What the singer is trying to portray, is the relationship where any parent and child ( grand parent in this case) misunderstand each other. This theme is universal, and does not only limit itself to Japanese people, or toilets.

Originally when I posted this video it was immediately taken down by King Records. I asked them if they would allow the video to be posted because I would greatly appreciate the beautiful message (or narrative) to be heard across the world where there are English speakers. King Records kindly accepted my request.

So here it is. Toire no Kamisama (Goddess of the Toilet)!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• トイレの神様
• 植村花菜
• トイレ
• おばあさん
• 祖母
• Kana Uemura
• Grandmother
• toire no kamisama
• toilet

[Glasrane]

I think this is a rather nice and poignant piece of music. I don't find it funny at all. What I think is lost in translation (to some extent) is how the word toilet is viewed. I think (if I understand correctly - since this is how we speak in my native language) the word toilet is used to describe the entire room and not just the device itself. In any event, what her grandmother said is quite true, leave your bathroom untended and you will contract all kinds of diseases etc.

[samuraijapon1989]

@Glasrane Thank you for your comment. I do agree that a lot is lost in translation. In Japan, cleaning the bathroom is a method of discipline, to learn humbleness. Apparently not till long ago, parents made their children clean the bathrooms, just like this video, and obviously it was one chore most kids hated. In some schools, students are still required to clean the bathrooms. The song is about what any child and parent go through. I'm glad you appreciate the song.

[ScarletWingz]

XD LOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL OMFG Srry I can't help laughing at the lyrics......Not that its wrong or anything its just weird lyrics for a song......like isn't the lyrics to the song something that should be personal to the lady singing this song?

[samuraijapon1989]

@ScarletWingz I'm sorry your comprehension is not capable to get past the word toilet, and the lyrics. I would like to help you by explaining what she actually is saying, one by one, but on second thought I don't have confidence in making already very simple lyrics any simpler, so please ask one of your older relatives to explain the meaning on the song to you.

[RoyHided]

???,, I prefer don't know what say the lyric, hahaha XD because I don't like what is saying, so I know the message but now I think that isn't a good translate... hahaha XD A GODDESS IN THE TOILET??? HAHAHAH XD crap

[samuraijapon1989]

@RoyHided I'm sure you didn't understand the lyrics fully because your english is pretty bad :(

[cutahamster]

im crying ... T^T

[jessispinks]

this is the song that is pure and slowly disolve in the deepest of your heart that may effect your whole life.. go back home and see your mother or your grandmother, they are the goddess that you never want to lose..

[hantejudy]

It's a really sad song. It is sometimes hard to appreciate the very special things you have until you lose them.

[ChiefMeat]

Old Japanese say to children, that the god(Spirit might be a better translation) of toilet is the most noble, responsible and modest one around.Since among all gods he/she was the only one who volunteered to be in charge of its maintenance even though it's an important symbol of household health.Also, one's hospitality can be measured by how clean and comfortable it, where you expose your privacy, is kept. The girl had to be taught if she had a dream to be a good housewife so her grandma did it.

[usagigamiteruyo]

tears. why are you coming out so quickly?

[usagigamiteruyo]

thumbs up if you're crying right now. like me

[xxEeryrisxx]

This is beautiful. T^T

[chong9489]

at first i was thinking the song is stupid,but while listening and knowing the lyrics , i cried.

[Soddism]

made me sad :<

[hulikahbalboone]

:((

[bigheaddreamteam]

Very nice song w/ touching lyrics and melody.

It's also a metaphor of what we see in real life too, great depiction and moral behind this :)

[stauken]

I'd also add "and depressing" but most country music is depressing so I suppose it fits in perfectly there.