While chatting with my friend from Texas, he told me that he thinks that Japan's anthem is one of the most beautiful ones in the world. Then, he shared the evidence. On X, someone has posted a list titled "Top 20 best national anthem in the world". Of course, I don't take this seriously, and I don't think Japan's national anthem is the best, but I do think it sounds unique. Compared to other countries such as the US, the UK, and Russia, it feels more solemn and a bit melancholic, , while the others sound more uplifting and motivational.
I think talking about our own national anthems is interesting, so when you read this post, please share your county's national anthem in the comments. If you could add a little bit of information about it, that would be great!
Japan's national anthem: εγ代 (kimigayo) According to the Wikipedia, it has the oldest lyrics of any national anthem in the world. Here's the Wikipedia page about kimigayo. (click here)
You can listen to the anthem here.
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This is our national anthem. I must confess that I don't like the melody. :)) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OcsznqKtNY
I prefer this one which was our anthem from 1923-1936 (with this melody which is quieter than the old one) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEgFMqVG-1Q
I don't know about other anthems. I never listened to them. But I know that in the lyrics they often praise their kings or sing that their enemies will perish and all battles will be won. My anthem is nothing like that. It praises the fatherland, how vast it is, gives respect to our ancestors, sings about hopes and dreams. There's not a single word about threats, enemies, wars. It doesn't focus on anything external. It's kind of stoic in its spirit. I'm not a patriot, but I like our anthem.
@Double-Zee Thank you so much for sharing! I definitely prefer the second one! It sounds very calm and beautiful!! It also sounds a little bit Arabic to me.
By the way, why did your anthem change?
@BalaGi Thank you for commenting! It's fascinating to know other countries' cultures and I love it! I recommend you to listen to ZZ's country's national anthem and my country's too. You'll realize how different from yours. It's fun! Thank you for sharing the story of your anthem's lyrics. I'll listen to your anthem to think of what you wrote here. Thanks again!
The American Star-Spangled Banner is a beautiful and moving national anthem, which is actually a poem written by Francis Scott Key. It basically talks about a battle raging all night during the war of 1812, but in the morning, as the sun rose, they saw the flag still flying over Fort Henry. Interestingly enough, that flag, called the Great Garrison Flag, is still on exhibit at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star-Spangled_Banner_(flag) Equally interesting is the fact that our anthem is considered an extremely difficult song to sing. Recording artists are often invited to sing it before important sporting events. The version sung by Whitney Houston at the 1991 Super Bowl is considered an iconic interpretation of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n9bxfxE25Y Not so much the disgraceful, embarrassing version "sung" by Fergie (a former member of the Black-Eyed Peas): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMA2iF6RuXk It was so horrible, that it was all some of the players could do to keep from laughing.
Our national anthem, as well as the flag, changed many times last century, mainly due to major political events.
@CocoPop Thank you for sharing. I agree that the Whitney's version is the best! She was one of the best singers, and I attended her concerts twice. She looked flawless. When she passed away, I heard the news at the Atlanta airport. First, I thought I misheard and immediately asked someone standing next to me because everybody was starting at the monitor nearby.
I think the worse version is Rosanne Barr. I think national anthems are a sacred thing, and we shouldn't insult them like that even though she is a comedienne. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Nz4t341wE
@Double-Zee Thank you for telling. It sounds annoying.
@yumiyumayume Rosanne Barr's version is truly disgraceful, but I don't include it because I don't consider her a singer, unlike Fergie, who's an actual performing artist and should've and couldn't shown more respect and decorum and CONTROL when given the honor of singing our beautiful anthem.
@CocoPop Another interesting fact about the US National Anthem is that the tune is from a English drinking song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IPLFLH3BHU) that was originally in 3/4 time. However, artists started changing it to 4/4 time and now almost everyone sings it that way.
@Ersatzjello Blimey, that is interesting! So it was a waltz π€― I love it when they sing God Save the King, and all I hear is My Country T'is of Thee π¬π
@CocoPop I got your point! Yes, she's not a singer. I also heard the Carl Lewis's version and it was worse, lol. I know you'll say he's not a singer either.
I don't even know who he is π
@CocoPop Oh, don't you know who he is? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Lewis
He didn't insult your national anthem, and he is just tone-deaf, lol.
I had no idea who he was until I just read the article you sent.Β
He was a hero of the Los Angeles Olympics and super popular in Japan then.
Ah!