[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 famous Japanese tunes deeply etched in the hearts of the Showa and wartime generations (31–40)
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.
Little Cedar of the MountainAnzai Aiko · hoka
I heard it a long time ago, and the sun is speaking humorously to a young cedar, so I never thought it was a military song.
I’ve heard it was a song meant to encourage children who had lost their fathers in the war.
It tells the story of a small child who was laughed at by other trees but grows into a splendid cedar, and the way it proves useful is so moving that I can’t listen without tears.
sinking with a bang; total destruction (esp. of a warship)kyū kaigun gungakutai yūshi
I learned that it means to be sunk in an instant by shelling and the like, which was completely different from the carefree way the song is sung.
There are humorous parts in the lyrics as well.
I felt that singing as if one could be sunk so easily was a way of giving themselves courage.
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.