[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.
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[Japanese Military Songs and Marches] A collection of renowned Japanese pieces deeply etched in the hearts of the Showa and wartime generations (21–30)
Until the day of victoryŌmi Toshiro and others
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.
comrade-in-armsShimazu Aya
Even though Aya is young, she masterfully performs this weighty song.
It isn’t a number for show; she sings with a soul-stirring depth, as if embodying the sorrow of watching comrades survive and pass away, and it moved me as though I could see the scene before my eyes.
I felt it was one expression of the sadness of war.
Song of the Navy of the Greater East Asia WarKingu dansei gasshoudan
Is it a song that starts with the attack on Pearl Harbor? After that, we can see the Navy’s successive feats.
My feelings are complicated when I think this isn’t just a world of song but an actual battle, yet the tone is triumphant, and I imagine it greatly boosted morale afterward.
Women’s War Service SongPegī Hayama
This is a song by a Japanese Red Cross military nurse.
Sung from the perspective of a nurse, its concrete lyrics make the wounded soldiers feel all the more pitiful.
Peggy’s calm singing seems to soothe the wounded, and it carries a quietly enveloping, heartfelt persuasiveness.
Kato Hayabusa Fighter SquadronHaida Katsuhiko
It is said to be the air squadron led by Lieutenant Colonel Kato of the Army.
They fought bravely and performed admirably until the very end.
Since an individual’s name has been remembered and even a song was made, we can imagine that their exploits were that remarkable—and perhaps that he had a charismatic presence as well.
Warriors of the SeaMichi Yatsu・Shōji Tarō
It feels like steadily pressing forward across the sea.
I think the lyrics are filled with feelings for the brave heroes.
Even so, perhaps it was the times, but the songs from that era never complain in their lyrics.
With a song like this—so upbeat at times—you could almost forget it’s a military song that accepts the possibility of death.
Pray at dawnAikawa Yumi
When I hear it sung by Ms.
Aikawa with her resonant voice, and especially in a female voice, instead of simply sounding like the brave march of military boots, a certain sadness seeps through and resonates in my heart.
Looking at the background, I think a female voice suits the content well.
The motif is a lynching of prisoners of war, which was even adapted into a film.
That too is heartrending.