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

March in the SnowKenko Nagai

Military Song: Snowy March

Born of the harsh experiences he endured on campaign during the First Sino-Japanese War, this song was composed with heartfelt sincerity by Takeko Nagai, a Japanese Army officer and composer.

Unlike the bold and heroic military songs of the time, it offers something different: it sets the soldiers’ unvarnished feelings—hunger and cold as they trudge through snow, and a crushing sense of despair—to a somewhat plaintive yet sprightly melody built on the yo (pentatonic) scale.

Believed to have been composed around February 1895, its melody can be heard on albums such as Immortal Masterpieces of Japanese Marches, Vol.

2.

It is memorably featured in the film Mount Hakkoda and the anime Girls und Panzer, where it serves as a theme that reflects both harsh circumstances and the hearts of those who endure them—lingering in the memories of many.

When you wish to reflect deeply on the power of music born of history and the stories behind it, you might quietly lend it your ear.

Song of the Greater East Asia Decisive Battlenaval band

Military Song: Song of the Greater East Asia Decisive Battle (Color Version)

This is a passionate brass band piece reminiscent of a wartime national anime.

The powerful performance by the Navy Band is arranged in a march style that combines dignity and grandeur.

The work was released simultaneously by Nippon Columbia and Victor Records in March 1942, and a promotional film was also produced.

The film features top-tier actors, including kabuki performers Ennosuke Ichikawa, Yaōzō Ichikawa, and Danshirō Ichikawa, and even includes choreographed dance scenes.

Numerous wind band arrangements exist, making it well-suited for performances by choirs and brass bands.

It’s a must-listen for those who want to experience a commanding wind ensemble sound that evokes a sense of national history.

Imperial Japanese ArmyToyokichi Fukazawa

Imperial Japanese Army

This is a piece that evokes the spirit of the Meiji era, portraying the Japanese Army in a heroic light.

Composed by Toyokichi Fukazawa with lyrics by Kenshū Ōwada, it expresses soldiers’ sense of mission and pride through a solemn melody.

Consisting of ten verses, the lyrics dramatically depict the roles of various branches, unfolding a story from deployment to triumphal return that is sure to move listeners.

Said to have first appeared in July 1904, its dignified performance by the Army Toyama School Band was preserved on SP records.

The song continued to be cherished and passed down, appearing on compilations such as the 1988 album “Authentic Military Songs: Army Edition” and the 1998 album “Military Song Memorial: 130 Years Since the Meiji Restoration,” giving new audiences a chance to experience its melody.

Historically, it was widely performed at military ceremonies and during departures and homecomings, inspiring many people.

For those who wish to connect with Japan’s historical path and the feelings of those who lived in that era, this work may well leave a lasting impression.

Month Month Fire Water Wood Gold GoldKasuga Hachirō

Month Month Fire Water Wood Gold Gold

When it comes to Japanese military songs, “Getsu-Getsu-Ka-Sui-Moku-Kin-Kin” (Monday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Friday) rivals “Warship March,” composed by Tokichi Setoguchi, in name recognition.

The title phrase “Getsu-Getsu-Ka-Sui-Moku-Kin-Kin” is said to have spread from a remark by Yuzo Tsuru, who, observing that the Imperial Japanese Navy trained without taking days off, complained to a colleague, “At this rate, it’s like Monday-Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday-Friday-Friday,” and it eventually became the basis for the song.

Thereafter, it came to be used among the public as a phrase praising tireless work, reflecting the diligence of the Japanese even back then.

The melody is, of course, martial and spirited, but it also has a bright character—perhaps intentionally, so that ordinary citizens could sing it—and it’s the kind of tune you might even hear on variety shows.

It is especially familiar to the generation of grandparents who lived through the Showa era and the war.

Patriotic MarchIchiro Fujiyama

Patriotic March

Composed by Tokichi Setoguchi, who also wrote the Naval March (Gunkan March), this Aikoku Koshinkyoku (Patriotic March) became a nationally beloved song and was effectively called Japan’s second national anthem.

Accompanied by a valiant fanfare, its powerful lyrics and beautiful vocals resound.

The lyrics of Aikoku Koshinkyoku were solicited by public contest as a “national song that the people should love and sing forever” under the first Konoe cabinet.

They were written by Yukio Morikawa, who worked at a printing shop in Tottori.

The composition was also chosen by contest, with Tokichi Setoguchi—composer of the Naval March—selected.

There is a similar piece titled March ‘Aikoku’ (Patriotism), but that is a different work intended for performance by military bands.

The trio section of March ‘Aikoku’ incorporates the melody of this piece, and both were widely cherished.

It’s such a bright and vigorous song that hearing it really lifts your spirits!

Hinomaru MarchShigeko Orei

[Military Song] Hinomaru March

As a classic national song, Hinomaru March, with lyrics by Kenji Arimoto and music by Takeo Hosokawa, is indispensable.

While it is also a military song, it was widely sung as a national song of the time that roused people to prosper and not be beaten by any country, and if you walked through town you would hear it playing from records in department stores.

Although it is called a march, rather than having the brash spirit of a military band, it was intended to be familiar and singable by children and adults alike, fitting the image of a piece used in popular songs and even Bon Odori.

As a prize song solicited by the Osaka Mainichi Shimbun and the Tokyo Nichinichi Shimbun, it drew 23,805 submissions, reflecting strong public interest, and reportedly sold 150,000 records.

Song of the Young EaglesTeruhiko Saigō

Song of the Young Eagles - Teruhiko Saigō

It is said to have been a recruitment song for Navy Aviation Preparatory Trainees.

The Navy must have been the star attraction at the time.

I wonder how the lyrics, which encouraged a zeal that did not spare even one’s life, stirred the youth of that era.

It is a robust song, one that you would sing with a clenched fist.