To continue our article series about the Japanese national symbols that we started by speaking about the Japanese flag some time ago, we will now take a look at the national anthem of Japan: Kimi ga yo(君が代)

The lyrics of “Kimi ga yo” are the oldest among the world’s national anthems, and with a length of 32 characters it is also one of the world’s shortest. Its lyrics are from a poem written in the Heian period and the current melody was chosen in 1880, replacing an unpopular melody composed eleven years earlier. While the title “Kimi ga yo” is usually translated as “His Imperial Majesty’s Reign”, no official translation of the title or lyrics has been established. 
According to a survey conducted by TV Asahi, most Japanese people perceived “Kimigayo” as an important song, representing the roots of the country as a hind to the importance of the emperor in Japanese culture and religion. 

Lyrics: 
きみがよは ちよにやちよにさざれいしのいわおとなりてこけのむすまで
Kimigayo wa chiyo ni yachiyo ni sazare-ishi no iwao to narite koke no musu made
Translation: 
May your reign continue for a thousand, eight thousand generations, until the pebbles grow into boulders lush with moss
There is quite a controversy about the anthem as it is considered very national by some, especially due to the fact that it is unchanged since world war 2. Still, teachers and students have to sing the anthem to the flag at official events by law. 
We hope we could inform you a little about the Japanese national anthem.