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[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.

Japanese Military Songs and Marches: A Collection of Beloved Classics Deeply Engraved in the Hearts of the Showa and Wartime Generations (41–50)

Praying to the vast skyMatsubara Misao, hoka

It was said to be a mother’s prayer song, so I thought it expressed the shared feelings of many mothers.

But the sad part is that the prayer is not for her son’s safety, but for him to achieve glory.

Saying she’s hiding her true feelings is something only those of us who don’t know war in our time can say, but it is a song from a sorrowful era.

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Japan going to the seaNagata Genjirō・Nagato Miho

Japan Going to the Sea — Genjiro Nagata, Miho Nagato — Men's Choir
Japan going to the seaNagata Genjirō・Nagato Miho

Depicting a Japanese man of the sea, his rugged spirit—like using the waves as a pillow—inevitably brings to mind the glamorous Navy.

The idea that Japan’s domination of the world would begin by venturing out onto the seas feels unsettling.

They were brimming with spirit, and must have had absolute confidence in raising the song of victory.

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Pacific MarchWatanabe Hamako

I wonder if many people in the armed forces also admired the navy.

I sense a feeling of claiming the Pacific as our sea and forging ahead across it.

Perhaps because this song was loved as a national popular tune, it doesn’t feel out of place to hear it sung by a woman like Ms.

Watanabe, even though it’s a military song.

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Song of the Great Air FleetNoriaki Fujii · Shizuko Chiba

The melody has a somewhat similar feel to radio calisthenics.

However, the lyrics are divine in nature.

As expected, the sky is an “eagle,” with repeated mentions of wings, wings, and a sense of pressing forward—small Japan moving out into the world—expressing hope.

It is a stern lesson for the youth.

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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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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.