(This is something I found this morning. My sister and I sang it duet for veteran missionaries at a going-away fellowship by fellow missionaries when they were retiring. We had just arrived on the field then.)
"We really hate to go; we'd like to stay some more
We'd leave shoes at the door and sleep upon the floor
We'd ride on crowded trains, drive down left-hand lanes
But sayonara now we say, and head for Stateside planes.
(Chorus)
Many years, Nippon years, full of ojigi
Thank You Lord, for happy years with the Japanese
Many years, Nippon years, now we say goodbye
Thank You Lord, for blessings more we have yet to see."
(Descant)
"Sayonara Senseis, as you go to America
Know that all our thoughts go with you
And that we do love you so
Sayonara Senseis, may God bless, and may He keep you
Know that warmest thoughts go with you
How we hate to say goodbye!
(Repeat)
"Sayonara Senseis, as you go to America
Know that all our thoughts go with you
And that we do love you so
Sayonara Senseis, may God bless, and may He keep you
Know that warmest thoughts go with you
(Together)
Please Gambatte Kudasai!"
