JAPAN IN
ONE MINUTE 
~ Is the world’s oldest national anthem a love song? ~
By the way, is there any meaning behind the lyrics of “Kimigayo“?
Like I explained before, the lyrics are short, but they carry a deep meaning.
Kimigayo wa :
“Kimi” can refer to the emperor, or more broadly, to someone important to you like a beloved leader or even a loved one. “yo” means “era” or “reign,” so together it wishes for their lasting time.
Chiyo ni yachiyo ni :
This expresses a hope for a thousand or even eight thousand generations, a poetic way of saying “forever.”
Sazare ishi no iwao to narite :
It describes small pebbles gradually becoming a massive rock. It’s a symbol of strength built over time.
Koke no musu made :
It describes “Until moss grows”, another symbol of great age and enduring peace.
So it’s like wishing someone a super long and steady life? That’s beautiful.
I thought national anthems were usually loud and powerful, but this one sound really gentle and poetic.
Tiny pebbles turning into big rocks? That takes forever!
Yes, and that gentleness is part of Japan’s cultural identity.
Some people even think “Kimigayo” might have started as a love poem.
But today, it’s mostly seen as a prayer for peace and the country’s lasting prosperity.
Wow. I’ve never thought of an anthem as a quiet prayer.
By the way, Sweden’s national anthem celebrates the beauty of nature and pride in freedom.
That’s another interesting cultural difference!
Paws together… “Let there be peace… and tuna snacks forever”.
If you’re curious, you can find “Kimigayo” on YouTube.
It’s only about a minute long and easy to fit into your day!
Summary
The lyrics of “Kimigayo” express a heartfelt wish for lasting peace and prosperity, using poetic symbols like stones and moss to represent the passage of time.
