Japan’s National Anthem, Kimigayo – Facts, Lyrics in Japanese and English

By twentyfive

Kimigayo (Kimi ga Yo) is the national anthem of Japan. In this hub, I have put the lyrics both in Japanese and English translation for useful reference. I have also mentioned some important facts about the national anthem of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Since I have enjoyed writing about national anthems in my hub hub, it’s Japan’s turn this time. Kimigayo sounds so interesting. Wonder what it means? It is usually translated as His Majesty's Reign. Surprisingly, Kimigayo is one of the world's shortest national anthems currently in use with a length of 11 measures and 32 characters. Wow, it’s almost like Haiku! Wait until you read the lyrics. It’s so simple yet deep and so beautiful like those cherry blossoms. Anywayz, Kimigayo’s lyrics and words are based on Waka poetry (a classical poetry that is a big part of Japanese literature) written in the Heian period (794-1185), and sung to a melody written in the imperial period (1868–1945). As to who wrote it, there’s no official record anywhere except that the lyrics first appeared in a poem anthology, Kokin Wakashū, as an anonymous poem. I am not kidding here. Interesting isn’t it? The music though was composed by Hayashi Hiromori in 1880. The Japanese national anthem, as intriguing as it sounds, became so controversial and has caused some different political incompatibilities. Kimigayo remained as Japan’s national anthem despite of such conflicts.

Ok so as what I promised, here are the words and lyrics of Kimigayo, Japan’s national anthem.

Kimigayo lyrics in English

May your reign

Last for ten thousand years

Until the pebbles

Grow into boulders

Lush with moss

Kimigayo in Japanese

Kimigayo wa

Chiyo ni yachiyo ni

Sazare-ishi no

Iwao to narite

Koke no musu made

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Kimigayo Sheet Music

If you’re looking for Kimigayo’s sheet music, here is it. It is so lovely in piano, too.

Kimigayo mp3 Dwonload

To those who want to download Kimigayo song in mp3 format, here is the link. It’s free.

Ok before I make another Tokyo drift, I just wanna say Kimigayo is beautiful. I never knew these details until I made this article. Hubbing is a way of learning indeed. Anywayz, this song is so symbolic and so significant. I think, they must do something to know whoever wrote it and preserve it’s significance. Just a thought. I know Japanese are very traditional and very keen to important details. Peace.