Old Japanese Songs

National Hymn "2600th Anniversary of the Imperial Era"

(Kokumin hoshukuka "kigen 2600 nen", 国民奉祝歌「紀元二千六百年」)
1940

Lyrics: Masuda Yoshio
Music: Mori Gihachiro

1.
Kinshi kagayaku nippon no
Haearu hikari mini ukete,
Imakoso iwae kono ashita.
Kigen wa 2600 nen!
Ah ichioku no mune wa naru.

2.
Kanki afururu kono tsuchi wo
Shikkato warera fumishimete,
Haruka ni aogu oomikoto.
Kigen wa 2600 nen!
Ah chokoku no kumo aoshi.

3.
Susabu sekai ni tadahitotsu
Yuruganu miyo ni oitachishi
Kansha ha kiyoki hi to moete,
Kigen wa 2600 nen!
Ah hokoku no chi wa isamu.

4.
Ushio yutakeki unabara ni
Sakura to fuji no kage orite
Seiki no bunka mata arata.
Kigen wa 2600 nen!
Ah sanran no kono kokui.

5.
Seigi rintaru hata no moto,
Meiro Asia uchitaten.
Chikara to iki wo shimese ima.
Kigen wa 2600 nen!
Ah iyasaka no hi wa noboru.

1.
Bathed in the splendid light
of Golden Kite in Japan,
We will celebrate this dawn now!
It is 2600th anniversary of the Imperial Era!
Ah, hearts of all Japanese subjects bound with joy!

<memo>

[About National Hymn "2600th Anniversary of Imperial Era"]

According to Japanese myth, the first Emperor Jinmu founded Japan in B.C. 660. Therefore in A.D. 1940 it is the 2600th anniversary of foundation of Japanese Empire. While many songs were made to celebrate it, this song is the most famous one.

Japanese myth also says that Golden Kite helped the Emperor Jinmu with the dazzling light. Then Golden Kite became a patriotic symbol.

Japanese original text here.

Old Japanese Songs

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