In Japan, no dispute about No. 1 holiday song

We all have a favorite holiday song, and certainly no lack of choices. But in Japan, it seems, everyone has the same favorite holiday song. And this year, as Lucy Craft reports, it means more than ever.

In countries like Japan, where most people still identify with Buddhism and the native Shinto religion, the usual trappings of Christmas are a side note.

But there's nothing low-key about one Japanese holiday tradition. This time of year, Japan goes batty for Beethoven's masterpiece "Ode to Joy," the final movement of his famous Ninth Symphony.

December just wouldn't be the end of the year, without a stirring rendition of Beethoven's Ninth. The music is so beloved in Japan, it's known affectionately as "daiku" -- which literally means "number nine."

The Beethoven craze began, strangely enough, during World War I, when German soldiers being held as prisoners in Japan staged the very first performance of number nine here.

The Japanese liked what they heard, and by the mid-20th century, number nine had become a holiday hit.

Performed and sung all through the month, from concert halls to department stores, number nine is now a welcome, if predictable, gig for musicians, and conductors.

"I have done (this) more than 150 times," said conductor Yutaka Sado.

Some hard-core fans even try to sing it in German.

"I don't know all the words," said one 9-year-old. "I just fake it."

For sheer scale, nothing beats the 10,000-man "Number Nine Chorus," of Osaka. Talented and tone-deaf alike, all vie for the chance to stand on stage.

In the wake of the disaster last March, the lyrics have taken on deeper meaning for Osaka residents who lived through the tsunami.

"The disaster showed us we need to help one another," said one chorus member. "That's what this song evokes, for me." A healing note, for a shattered nation.

[KnowerseekerReturns]

The lyrics to the 9th are... interesting (in a negative kind of way --- at least in my opinion)... but they do praise Jehovah God. Ironic since the Japanese like to ridicule Christianity so much. (That said, at least they don't murder Christians like the Chinese do.)

[Danize]

Gee, what a kind and charitable thought. But rather that bathe in negations, why not look at the positive here, that the Japanese on some vital level, want to sing praises to God? as does all of humanity, on different levels and in different ways)And why not try reaching out to the Chinese instead of bashing them? The results might surprise you, but then again, maybe you prefer hatred... but I don't think you really do.

[train99]

Kind of a silly reporter. Osaka's so far away from where the tsunami is it's like saying the poor people of New York City lived through a hurricane that happened in South Carolina.
Ethnocentric, over-the-top dramatist. Anything for a story on CBS.

[Danize]

This is how an upbeat, positive story affects you?

[rwsmith29456]

I can't think of a better choice myself.

[lightnin01]

When Sony was in the process of developing the Compact Disc format, the question of size and capacity came up. It was unanimously agreed that it be able to contain the complete Beethoven's 9th, the most popular single piece of music in the world.

KING FM 98.1,the classical radio station in Seattle, each year asks listeners to vote for their favorite pieces and counts the results down as "The Great 98". Beethoven's 9th has only missed the #1 slot once in the history of the survey (that I'm aware of). Ludwig usually has at least three of four other compositions in the top 10. Not bad for a deaf guy.

[anik555]

osaka is nowhere near where the earthquake and tsunami occurred.

[Void-Master]

Well it's closer than New York City.

[Danize]

Yeah, but the Japanese feel for each other - get it?

[credibility2]

Beethoven composed this when he was deaf. It is a masterful symphony of hope, joy and optimism. I've performed this many times and it always fills me with hope, joy and optimism. What better way for the Japanese to comfort themselves with this inspirational work, especially after the devastating effects of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant disasters this past March 11th. Music transcends cultures, people and remarkably heals the broken soul. God bless them for such a touching display of hope, joy and optimism...all timely aspects of life.