Land of the Rising Sun (anthem)

Kimigayo (君が代, lit. "His Imperial Majesty's Reign") is the national anthem of Japan. The lyrics are based on a waka poem written in the Heian period (794-1185), and the current melody was chosen in 1880, replacing an earlier unpopular melody composed in 1869.

The lyrics are the oldest among national anthems and, with over 1,000 years of history, possibly the longest in the world. However, the song's history as a national anthem is more recent. It was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1888 and legally formalized as such in 1999 with the passage of the Law Regarding the National Flag and National Anthem.

The lyrics consist of only 32 syllables and are as follows:

Kimigayo wa (君が代は) Chiyo ni yachiyo ni (千代に八千代に) Sazare ishi no (さざれ石の) Iwao to nari te (巌となりて) Koke no musu made (苔のむすまで)

A common English translation is:

May your reign Last for thousands of years, Until pebbles Grow into boulders Lush with moss.

The interpretation of Kimigayo has been a subject of debate, particularly its connection to the Emperor and Japanese nationalism. Some view it as a celebration of the Emperor's long reign and the prosperity of the nation, while others criticize its historical association with militarism and its potential to promote ultra-nationalistic sentiments.

Due to its historical context and varying interpretations, the use of Kimigayo in schools and public ceremonies has been controversial, particularly among teachers' unions. Requiring students to sing the anthem and salute the national flag has been a point of contention, raising questions about freedom of expression and historical awareness. Despite the controversy, Kimigayo remains the official national anthem of Japan.