"Aka Tombo" or "Red Dragonfly" is a traditional Japanese Children's song
The lyrics are from a poem written by Rofu Miki  (1889-1964)
The poem first appeared in the nursery song book Shinjujima ("Pearl Island") in 1921
 The musical version of the poem was later composed by Kosaka Yamada (1886-1965) in 1927  
This song is beloved by all  generations and is typically sung in the autumn when the red dragonfly first appears
The lyrics and melody combine to create a feeling of nostalgia for a childhood passed and with it the former comforts of home

Red Dragonfly 
Lyrics by Rofu Miki, Music by Kosaka Yamada

 Dragonflies,  as red as sunset,
Back when I was young
In twilight skies, there on
her back I’d ride
When the day was done

Mountain fields, in late November
Long ago it seems
Mulberry trees and treasures we would gather
Was it only just a  dream?

Just  fifteen, she went away one day
Married then so young
Like a sister, lost, I loved and missed her
Letters never seemed to  come

Dragonflies,  as red as sunset,
Back when I was young
Now in my eyes, when I see dragonflies
Tears are always sure to come