[Japanese Military Songs and Marches] A collection of famous Japanese pieces deeply etched in the hearts of the Showa and wartime generations

Patriotic MarchFujiyama Ichirō

Patriotic March

Composed by Tokichi Setoguchi, who also wrote the Naval March (Gunkan March), this Aikoku Koshinkyoku (Patriotic March) became a nationally beloved song and was effectively called Japan’s second national anthem.

Accompanied by a valiant fanfare, its powerful lyrics and beautiful vocals resound.

The lyrics of Aikoku Koshinkyoku were solicited by public contest as a “national song that the people should love and sing forever” under the first Konoe cabinet.

They were written by Yukio Morikawa, who worked at a printing shop in Tottori.

The composition was also chosen by contest, with Tokichi Setoguchi—composer of the Naval March—selected.

There is a similar piece titled March ‘Aikoku’ (Patriotism), but that is a different work intended for performance by military bands.

The trio section of March ‘Aikoku’ incorporates the melody of this piece, and both were widely cherished.

It’s such a bright and vigorous song that hearing it really lifts your spirits!

Hinomaru MarchOrii Shigeko

[Military Song] Hinomaru March

As a classic national song, Hinomaru March, with lyrics by Kenji Arimoto and music by Takeo Hosokawa, is indispensable.

While it is also a military song, it was widely sung as a national song of the time that roused people to prosper and not be beaten by any country, and if you walked through town you would hear it playing from records in department stores.

Although it is called a march, rather than having the brash spirit of a military band, it was intended to be familiar and singable by children and adults alike, fitting the image of a piece used in popular songs and even Bon Odori.

As a prize song solicited by the Osaka Mainichi Shimbun and the Tokyo Nichinichi Shimbun, it drew 23,805 submissions, reflecting strong public interest, and reportedly sold 150,000 records.

the spirit of the peopleSaitō Ushimatsu

Navy Band 'Spirit of the Nation'

A masterpiece by Ushimatsu Saito that brilliantly captures the spirit of early Showa-era Japan through music.

Completed in May 1935, this work is recorded as Saito’s second march.

The magnificent sonorities woven by brass and percussion—so characteristic of a naval band—stir the listener’s soul, while the vivid contrast with the gentle melody in the middle section highlights the hallmarks of Saito’s style, later praised as the “Shikakura-bushi.” The sophisticated structure, which adds a third march to the traditional march form, is also not to be missed.

Shortly after its composition, it was widely performed at naval ceremonies and the like, surely inspiring people of the time.

Its heroic performance is included in the album “Reissue! Master Marches of Prewar Japan: Naval Band Edition,” and it continues to be loved by many across generations.

This is a piece I highly recommend to anyone who wants to experience a valiant strain etched in the history of Japanese wind music, or who is seeking music that conveys the spirit of the era.

Its powerful melody will surely leave a deep impression on your heart.

The Essence of the InfantryNagai Tateko

The True Essence of the Infantry [All 10 Verses Sung] Military Song

A gem of a piece by Kenkichi Nagai that conveys the romance and spirit of the Meiji era.

Premiered in 1911 at an event of the Army Central Cadet School, this song marries the youthful lyrics of Akikatsu Kato with Nagai’s rousing, valiant touch.

Its melody—powerful yet tinged with melancholy—strikes the listener’s heart, vividly evoking the resolve of soldiers of the time and their feelings for their homeland.

It has been included on releases such as the album “Military Songs: ‘Ah, the Army’” and the CD “Military Songs and Wartime Ballads (Limited Edition Special Price).” Some may also recall a scene in the film “Oba: The Last Samurai” where this melody was used to great effect.

Recommended for those who wish to experience a chapter of Japanese history through music or who seek a stirring, powerful tune that moves the soul.

March in the SnowNagai Tateko

Military Song: Snowy March

Born of the harsh experiences he endured on campaign during the First Sino-Japanese War, this song was composed with heartfelt sincerity by Takeko Nagai, a Japanese Army officer and composer.

Unlike the bold and heroic military songs of the time, it offers something different: it sets the soldiers’ unvarnished feelings—hunger and cold as they trudge through snow, and a crushing sense of despair—to a somewhat plaintive yet sprightly melody built on the yo (pentatonic) scale.

Believed to have been composed around February 1895, its melody can be heard on albums such as Immortal Masterpieces of Japanese Marches, Vol.

2.

It is memorably featured in the film Mount Hakkoda and the anime Girls und Panzer, where it serves as a theme that reflects both harsh circumstances and the hearts of those who endure them—lingering in the memories of many.

When you wish to reflect deeply on the power of music born of history and the stories behind it, you might quietly lend it your ear.

Imperial Japanese ArmyFukasawa Toyokichi

Imperial Japanese Army

This is a piece that evokes the spirit of the Meiji era, portraying the Japanese Army in a heroic light.

Composed by Toyokichi Fukazawa with lyrics by Kenshū Ōwada, it expresses soldiers’ sense of mission and pride through a solemn melody.

Consisting of ten verses, the lyrics dramatically depict the roles of various branches, unfolding a story from deployment to triumphal return that is sure to move listeners.

Said to have first appeared in July 1904, its dignified performance by the Army Toyama School Band was preserved on SP records.

The song continued to be cherished and passed down, appearing on compilations such as the 1988 album “Authentic Military Songs: Army Edition” and the 1998 album “Military Song Memorial: 130 Years Since the Meiji Restoration,” giving new audiences a chance to experience its melody.

Historically, it was widely performed at military ceremonies and during departures and homecomings, inspiring many people.

For those who wish to connect with Japan’s historical path and the feelings of those who lived in that era, this work may well leave a lasting impression.

Until the day of victoryŌmi Toshiro and others

Until the day of victory

With lyrics by Hachiro Sato and music by Masao Koga, this work was created by a star-studded team who remained active until the not-so-distant postwar era.

It’s a song encouraging everyone to devote themselves to their daily work, join forces for the sake of the nation, and persevere until the day of victory.

I believe it is a piece addressed to those protecting the home front, expressing gratitude toward those on the battlefield.