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)

Song of the Wild EagleTōkyō Konsei Gasshōdan

Song of the Wild Eagles <Tokyo Mixed Chorus> [Wartime Song]

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.

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Wheat and SoldiersTōkairin Tarō

Wheat and Soldiers — Taro Shoji (with: Live Report from the Battle of Xuzhou)

Wheat and SoldiersTōkairin Tarō

It is said to be a song based on a novel by Hino Ashihei.

The content is apparently something that makes you want to look away, which likely expresses the cruelty of war.

In Taro Shoji’s calm voice, I sense a quiet love for the homeland rather than a triumphant military march.

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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.