national anthem
Japan's national anthem is entitled "Kimigayo" ("Imperial Reign" or "His Majesty's Reign"). It is one of the world's shortest national anthems in current use. The lyrics are based on a waka poem from the 10th century, sung to a melody composed by Hayashi Hiromori in 1880. Although Kimigayo has long been treated as Japan's defacto national anthem, it was only legally recognized as such in 1999 with the passing of the Law Concerning the National Flag and Anthem.
Lyrics Translation
Kimi ga yo wa May your reign
chiyo ni Continue for a thousand years
Yachiyo ni For eternity
Sazare ishi no Until pebbles
Iwao to narite Grow into boulders
Koke no musu made Covered in moss
(Listen to a recording "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kimi_ga_Yo_instrumental.ogg" target="_blank" here.)
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