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 renowned Japanese pieces deeply etched in the hearts of the Showa and wartime generations (21–30)

Until the day of victoryToshiro Omi and others

Until the day of victory

Until the Day of Victory by Toshiro Oumi and Others

With lyrics by Hachiro Sato and music by Masao Koga, this work was created by a star-studded team who remained active until the not-so-distant postwar era.

It’s a song encouraging everyone to devote themselves to their daily work, join forces for the sake of the nation, and persevere until the day of victory.

I believe it is a piece addressed to those protecting the home front, expressing gratitude toward those on the battlefield.

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comrade-in-armsAya Shimazu

Aya Shimazu cover - Sennyu (Comrade-in-Arms) - “Here, far hundreds of ri from our homeland” - full version with complete lyrics - large screen

Comrade Shimazu Aya

Even though Aya is young, she masterfully performs this weighty song.

It isn’t a number for show; she sings with a soul-stirring depth, as if embodying the sorrow of watching comrades survive and pass away, and it moved me as though I could see the scene before my eyes.

I felt it was one expression of the sadness of war.

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Kato Hayabusa Fighter SquadronKatsuhiko Haida

Kato Hayabusa Fighter Squadron

Kato Hayabusa Fighter Squadron Katsu Handa

It is said to be the air squadron led by Lieutenant Colonel Kato of the Army.

They fought bravely and performed admirably until the very end.

Since an individual’s name has been remembered and even a song was made, we can imagine that their exploits were that remarkable—and perhaps that he had a charismatic presence as well.

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Warriors of the SeaMichiyo & Taro Shoji

Warriors of the Sea (Utaoke, Michiyako, Shoji)

Michi-no-Jo of the Sea, Taro Shoji

It feels like steadily pressing forward across the sea.

I think the lyrics are filled with feelings for the brave heroes.

Even so, perhaps it was the times, but the songs from that era never complain in their lyrics.

With a song like this—so upbeat at times—you could almost forget it’s a military song that accepts the possibility of death.

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Pray at dawnYumi Aikawa

Pray at dawn

Yumi Aikawa Praying at Dawn

When I hear it sung by Ms.

Aikawa with her resonant voice, and especially in a female voice, instead of simply sounding like the brave march of military boots, a certain sadness seeps through and resonates in my heart.

Looking at the background, I think a female voice suits the content well.

The motif is a lynching of prisoners of war, which was even adapted into a film.

That too is heartrending.

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Song of the Navy of the Greater East Asia WarKing Men's Chorus

[Military Song] Navy Song of the Greater East Asia War

Greater East Asia War Navy Song King Men's Choir

Is it a song that starts with the attack on Pearl Harbor? After that, we can see the Navy’s successive feats.

My feelings are complicated when I think this isn’t just a world of song but an actual battle, yet the tone is triumphant, and I imagine it greatly boosted morale afterward.

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Song of the Showa Restoration (Song of Young Japan)Royal Knights

Song of Young Japan (Song of the Shōwa Restoration) [Full Version Sung]

Song of the Shōwa Restoration (Song of Young Japan) – Royal Knights

It was released in the early Showa era and is said to have been passed down in song among the young officers involved in the May 15 Incident and the February 26 Incident.

The lyrics are quite difficult, so I don’t really understand them.

Is it saying that Japanese youth should be like this? I feel it’s a song with real backbone.

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