[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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- Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
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- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
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- [Showa-Era Classics] A carefully selected collection of uplifting anthems that empower people across generations
- Famous songs celebrating heroes. Recommended popular tracks.
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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)
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.
Comrades-in-arms cherry blossomsTsuruta Koji
With Mr.
Tsuruta’s lines included, it really sinks into the heart.
Because there’s an underlying premise of “cherry blossoms = falling,” it feels all the more sorrowful.
I had only the impression of military songs, so I thought he might be someone who glorifies war, but I came to feel that by speaking about the fallen, there is a sense of remembrance and mourning woven into it.
[Japanese Military Songs and Marches] A collection of famous Japanese tunes deeply etched in the hearts of the Showa and wartime generations (31–40)
Camping SongMisora Hibari
The Rising Sun flag, the advance, the victory…
Even if it was an era dyed in a single color, being encouraged in a dream to die and come home is such a sorrowful song.
The young men in the song would still be high school students today.
Though it is a time of peace, they were slack—completely the opposite of now.
I sense the sad courage of those days, when one had to accept this as right.
Song of the Showa Restoration (Song of Young Japan)Roiyaru Naitsu
It was released in the early Showa era and is said to have been passed down in song among the young officers involved in the May 15 Incident and the February 26 Incident.
The lyrics are quite difficult, so I don’t really understand them.
Is it saying that Japanese youth should be like this? I feel it’s a song with real backbone.
Song of the Wild EagleTōkyō Konsei Gasshōdan
It’s a valiant song, yet it’s sung lightly and humorously.
Perhaps because it exhorts manliness, it also sounds somewhat sad.
They say “Red Dragonfly” comes from the training aircraft’s color, and along with the “young eagles,” it’s portrayed in a heroic manner.
Restoration March ~Miya-san, Miya-san~Kingu dansei gasshoudan
It’s bright and humorous, but it’s said to be Japan’s first military song, and indeed, if you look closely at the lyrics, it’s undeniably bellicose.
I’ve heard that “Miya-san” refers to Prince Arisugawa, and I’m a bit surprised that even in those days they felt free to make light of him so casually.
Militarist Lullabyshiomazaru
A mother is singing to her little boy a lullaby about his father, a soldier stationed in Manchuria.
She sings of an unwaveringly valiant father, as if teaching the child about his father’s strength and Japan’s strength.
It feels a bit heartbreaking to imagine that this child, too, will one day be sent to the front.