Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

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

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.

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 Beloved Classics Deeply Engraved in the Hearts of the Showa and Wartime Generations (41–50)

That’s the spirit!Kirishima Noboru

That's the spirit!

That's the spirit!Kirishima Noboru

It seems there’s a subtitle, “The Song of the Nation’s Shared Will.” The spirit of it is that feelings we share—like being grateful to one another and feeling apologetic—are what protect the country.

If you set aside the idea that it’s a military song or “for the nation,” I feel there’s something about it that still resonates today.

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Ah, Divine Wind Special Attack UnitItō Hisao

Ah, Kamikaze Special Attack Unit – Hisao Itō

Ah, Divine Wind Special Attack UnitItō Hisao

They are valiant lyrics.

Yet I think of the young men who steeled themselves, cast aside their fear of death, and rammed their planes into enemy ships.

Their resolve, their thoughts, the very moment of impact—when I reflect on these, sadness wells up at the pure hearts of those youths, along with the terror of the era that drove them to such acts.

I felt this is something we must know as history.

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Rabaul Little SongTabata Yoshio

Rabaul Little Song

Rabaul Little SongTabata Yoshio

My father used to sing it often.

I didn’t even know where it was about, and since the melody sounded cheerful, I never imagined it was a serious song.

I’ve heard it was beloved because it was a fierce battleground, was bombed, and people had to leave when relocation orders came through.

I suppose it must have been a wonderful place if not for the war.

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In conclusion

Japanese military songs carry deep sentiments that resonate across generations. The feelings of people during wartime, prayers for peace, and a strong resolve never to repeat war are engraved in the powerful voices and melodies. Through these songs, perhaps you have once again felt the preciousness of peace and the moving power of music. Let us carry this important message forward into the future by continuing to sing it.