[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.
- [March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals!
- “Song of War”: A classic that sings of the tragedy and folly of war
- Anti-war songs that pierce the heart: Japan’s masterpieces conveying prayers for peace
- [March] A curated selection of classic marches and dazzling crowd-pleasers for concerts!
- Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- Fight songs from the good old days! Showa-era classics you should listen to when starting school
- Showa-era masterpieces roundup: A must-listen collection of nostalgic oldies and hit songs
- The Spirit of Japan: A Collection of Famous and Popular Shamisen Pieces
- [Showa-Era Classics] A carefully selected collection of uplifting anthems that empower people across generations
- Famous songs celebrating heroes. Recommended popular tracks.
- Introducing famous songs about Shizuoka: Local anthems and popular tracks [2026]
[Japanese Military Songs and Marches] A collection of renowned Japanese pieces deeply etched in the hearts of the Showa and wartime generations (21–30)
Song of the Young EaglesSaigō Teruhiko
It is said to have been a recruitment song for Navy Aviation Preparatory Trainees.
The Navy must have been the star attraction at the time.
I wonder how the lyrics, which encouraged a zeal that did not spare even one’s life, stirred the youth of that era.
It is a robust song, one that you would sing with a clenched fist.
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.
March of My Beloved SteedNoboru Kirishima · Misao Matsubara
On the battlefield where they went prepared even for death and spent time advancing together, I found their affection for the horses heartwarming.
In the lyrics that show care for the horses, offer encouragement, and share joy with them, I felt that—though comrades are of course present on the battlefield—one is still lonely.
It’s a military song of a different kind from the others.
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.
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.
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.