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

Battotai (Army Marching Song)Charles Leroux

Battōtai (Drawn-Sword Corps)

A masterpiece created by a wartime military band modeled after Western-style marches.

Woven by the French composer Charles Leroux beginning in 1877, the work features a bold structure that incorporates the latest style of the time—a 2/4 meter with modulations—and a powerful melody that boosts soldiers’ morale.

By 1886 it had earned such high acclaim that it was dedicated to Emperor Meiji, and in 1912 it took on its present form, becoming a beloved classic widely performed by military bands across the country.

The prayer for soldiers and the spirit of requiem sung over its valiant march remain deeply etched in the hearts of generations who experienced war.

It is a piece to listen to alongside those who remember that era, with prayers for peace in our hearts.

March of the Battleship ShikishimaFujikichi Setoguchi

Song of the Battleship Shikishima (Shikishima March) [Columbia Male Chorus] [Imperial Navy Military Song]

This majestic and valiant wind band masterpiece evokes the image of a ship cutting through the great ocean.

Created by Tokichi Setoguchi, the piece skillfully weaves a grand and powerful musical style into lyrics by poet Masaomi Saka, who was deeply impressed by the imposing presence of a battleship.

Structured in three parts using a trio form, it shifts from a bright, vigorous resonance to a somewhat lyrical atmosphere in the middle section, powerfully stirring the listener’s heart.

Since its debut in 1902, it has served an important role as a ceremonial piece of the Imperial Japanese Navy, and in 1907 it earned high acclaim through performances in sixteen European countries.

Still performed at Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ceremonies and fleet reviews, this gem of a work embodies Japan’s traditions and pride, expressing through music the will of a maritime nation.

Meeting at ShuishiyingTeiichi Okano

Meeting at Shuishiying

The celebrated song that extols a sincere reconciliation between soldiers is a work by Teiichi Okano, included in 1910 (Meiji 43) in the fifth-year edition of the Elementary School Songbook.

While praising morale and valor, it portrays deep human compassion with the idea that “yesterday’s enemy is today’s friend,” and its message of respect and friendship toward a former foe still resonates today.

Recorded by the Barn Jacks on the album “Songs of Sorrow from the Battlefield” and featured as well in “Koichi Miura Collection: Masterpieces of Military Songs,” this piece vividly depicts raw scenes—bullet-scarred battle sites and collapsed homes—while powerfully singing of reconciliation and the wish for peace.

It is a song we especially recommend to those who wish to pass on the history of war and the preciousness of peace to the next generation, and to those who want to experience the spirit of Japan’s school songs and military songs.

Warship MarchFujikichi Setoguchi

<Military Song> Warship March (Gunkan March)

When it comes to songs that represent Japanese military music, the Gunkan March composed by Tokichi Setoguchi stands out.

Also known as the Warship March or the March “Warship,” it served as an official march of the Imperial Japanese Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Even after the war, it became widely recognized as typical background music in pachinko parlors, which further boosted its popularity postwar.

The trio section incorporates “Umi Yukaba,” with lyrics by Otomo no Yakamochi and music by Togi Takatomi, and the song carries lyrics from the opening to the coda.

Its structure is excellent as a march, and beyond its classification as a military song, it is widely recognized worldwide as a masterpiece for wind ensemble performance.

Its powerful lyrics and sharply contoured melody leave a strong impression.

Grand Naval March (Big March)naval band

March: Great Naval March (Big March), conducted by Bandmaster Genji Fujisaki, Yokosuka Naval Corps Band, recorded in October 1933 (Showa 8)

A certain rousing march by the Naval Band brims with a power that stirs the listener’s heart.

Its allure lies in its vigorous rhythm and inspiring melody, and within a brief 2 minutes and 36 seconds it unfolds with superb craftsmanship—from the prelude to the main section and on to a brilliant trio.

First released as an SP record in October 1933, the piece transcended its era and drew renewed attention when it was included in albums such as “Masterpieces of Prewar Japanese Marches: Naval Band Edition” in 1995.

It has also been performed at official occasions such as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Fleet Review, attesting to its dignified character.

This is a work I recommend to anyone interested in the history of Japanese wind music or in stirring, heroic compositions.

March of Advance and PursuitKozo Yoshimoto

March of Advance and Pursuit

A dignified and powerful march is brought back to life by the Navy band’s performance.

From the very beginning, a tense introduction resounds with brass and percussion, and in the middle section the brilliant melody and finely calibrated tempo changes make you lean in with excitement.

The solemn development that builds toward the finale stirs the listener’s heart, conveying the spirit of the military bands of the time.

Composed by Kozo Yoshimoto, this monumental work was released in November 1927 as an SP record commemorating the Grand Fleet Review and Military Parade.

In 1998, it was included on the acclaimed album “The Resurrected German Polydor Military Band: A Golden Age March Collection,” once again moving many listeners.

The children’s song “Musunde Hiraite” (Join the Hands, Open Them) is incorporated into the trio, making it a valuable study in the art of arrangement.

Highly recommended for wind band enthusiasts.

March “Warship Flag”Ushimatsu Saitō

March “The Naval Ensign”

This celebrated piece, emblematic of the naval band tradition, opens with a stately and imposing brass fanfare before unfolding into a valiant march.

Composed in October 1938 by Uimatsu Saito, a leading composer for the Imperial Japanese Navy Band, it was crafted to align with the disciplined performance style of military bands.

The trio section skillfully weaves in a song written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the naval ensign.

Included on the album “Walking with the Military Band… Japanese Wind Music 3: Works of Uimatsu Saito,” the piece has a track record of performances at numerous official events, such as fleet reviews and navy-related ceremonies.

With its powerful wind ensemble sonorities and solemn character, it evokes the history of prewar military music and remains enduringly popular among today’s wind band enthusiasts.