![[Japanese Military Songs and Marches] A collection of famous Japanese pieces deeply etched in the hearts of the Showa and wartime generations](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mTwUiUCO7l0/hqdefault.jpg)
[Japanese Military Songs and Marches] A collection of famous Japanese pieces deeply etched in the hearts of the Showa and wartime generations
The rousing “Warship March” by Fujiyoshi Setoguchi, Koji Tsuruta’s “Sakura of the Same Class” echoing in the spring as cherry blossoms fall, and Aya Shimazu’s “Comrade” that pierces the heart with thoughts of fallen friends.
In Japan’s military songs and marches reside pride in the homeland, the resolve of soldiers heading to the front, and deep prayers in remembrance of comrades who never returned.
These melodies, at times powerful and at times sorrowful, pass down the memory of war and ask us to reflect on the preciousness of peace.
Here, we introduce gem-like masterpieces that remain etched in many hearts even today, alongside Japan’s history.
[Japanese Military Songs and Marches] A collection of famous Japanese pieces deeply etched in the hearts of the Showa and wartime generations (1–10)
Warship MarchSetoguchi Fujikichi
When it comes to songs that represent Japanese military music, the Gunkan March composed by Tokichi Setoguchi stands out.
Also known as the Warship March or the March “Warship,” it served as an official march of the Imperial Japanese Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Even after the war, it became widely recognized as typical background music in pachinko parlors, which further boosted its popularity postwar.
The trio section incorporates “Umi Yukaba,” with lyrics by Otomo no Yakamochi and music by Togi Takatomi, and the song carries lyrics from the opening to the coda.
Its structure is excellent as a march, and beyond its classification as a military song, it is widely recognized worldwide as a masterpiece for wind ensemble performance.
Its powerful lyrics and sharply contoured melody leave a strong impression.
March of the Battleship ShikishimaSetoguchi Fujikichi
This majestic and valiant wind band masterpiece evokes the image of a ship cutting through the great ocean.
Created by Tokichi Setoguchi, the piece skillfully weaves a grand and powerful musical style into lyrics by poet Masaomi Saka, who was deeply impressed by the imposing presence of a battleship.
Structured in three parts using a trio form, it shifts from a bright, vigorous resonance to a somewhat lyrical atmosphere in the middle section, powerfully stirring the listener’s heart.
Since its debut in 1902, it has served an important role as a ceremonial piece of the Imperial Japanese Navy, and in 1907 it earned high acclaim through performances in sixteen European countries.
Still performed at Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ceremonies and fleet reviews, this gem of a work embodies Japan’s traditions and pride, expressing through music the will of a maritime nation.
Battotai (Army Marching Song)Charles Leroux
A masterpiece created by a wartime military band modeled after Western-style marches.
Woven by the French composer Charles Leroux beginning in 1877, the work features a bold structure that incorporates the latest style of the time—a 2/4 meter with modulations—and a powerful melody that boosts soldiers’ morale.
By 1886 it had earned such high acclaim that it was dedicated to Emperor Meiji, and in 1912 it took on its present form, becoming a beloved classic widely performed by military bands across the country.
The prayer for soldiers and the spirit of requiem sung over its valiant march remain deeply etched in the hearts of generations who experienced war.
It is a piece to listen to alongside those who remember that era, with prayers for peace in our hearts.
March of Advance and PursuitYoshimoto Kōzō
A dignified and powerful march is brought back to life by the Navy band’s performance.
From the very beginning, a tense introduction resounds with brass and percussion, and in the middle section the brilliant melody and finely calibrated tempo changes make you lean in with excitement.
The solemn development that builds toward the finale stirs the listener’s heart, conveying the spirit of the military bands of the time.
Composed by Kozo Yoshimoto, this monumental work was released in November 1927 as an SP record commemorating the Grand Fleet Review and Military Parade.
In 1998, it was included on the acclaimed album “The Resurrected German Polydor Military Band: A Golden Age March Collection,” once again moving many listeners.
The children’s song “Musunde Hiraite” (Join the Hands, Open Them) is incorporated into the trio, making it a valuable study in the art of arrangement.
Highly recommended for wind band enthusiasts.
Song to Send Off Departing SoldiersHayashi Isao
Published in 1939, “Song to Send Off Soldiers Departing for the Front” is a representative military song with both bright and valiant melody and lyrics.
Although there had been military songs that were widely sung before it, there were few specifically for departures, and many older ones either reused previous lyrics or were in minor keys that sounded like a losing battle, creating demand for a new song.
The Greater Japan Oratorical Society Kodansha (now Kodansha) held a public contest, receiving as many as 128,592 submissions, indicating extremely high interest.
The singer of this piece, Isao Hayashi, was reportedly also the winning composer from the contest, and his ringing voice is well suited to boosting wartime morale.
The song strongly projects the image of the ideal Japanese man and stirs the troops’ spirits.
The chorus further conveys the gallant resolve of those heading to the battlefield.
Meeting at ShuishiyingOkanoteiichi
The celebrated song that extols a sincere reconciliation between soldiers is a work by Teiichi Okano, included in 1910 (Meiji 43) in the fifth-year edition of the Elementary School Songbook.
While praising morale and valor, it portrays deep human compassion with the idea that “yesterday’s enemy is today’s friend,” and its message of respect and friendship toward a former foe still resonates today.
Recorded by the Barn Jacks on the album “Songs of Sorrow from the Battlefield” and featured as well in “Koichi Miura Collection: Masterpieces of Military Songs,” this piece vividly depicts raw scenes—bullet-scarred battle sites and collapsed homes—while powerfully singing of reconciliation and the wish for peace.
It is a song we especially recommend to those who wish to pass on the history of war and the preciousness of peace to the next generation, and to those who want to experience the spirit of Japan’s school songs and military songs.
National Marching SongEguchi Gengo
Set to a valiant march, this piece conveys a powerful and gallant spirit.
Within its grand military music—shaped by Yashi Eguchi’s own experiences—are infused both a longing for his hometown and a wish for peace.
The full mastery of this great composer, who was active across a wide spectrum from his days in the Navy Band to classical and popular music, is unmistakably on display here as well.
Composed in 1925, during his period of service with a military band, the work was highly regarded as a dignified piece among marches.
Its stately character makes it well-suited for solemn occasions such as ceremonies and commemorative events.