Meiji Japan - Modern Civ Theme | Civilization VII Original Soundtrack

Listen to the official theme for Meiji Japan, from the Sid Meier's Civilization VII Original Soundtrack!
Sid Meier's Civilization VII launches worldwide on February 11, 2025 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam (which also supports Mac and Linux) and the Epic Games Store. Cross-play multiplayer is fully supported.
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CREDITS
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"Meiji Japan (Modern Age)"
Composed by Roland Rizzo
Performed by FILMharmonic Orchestra, Prague; with Masayo Ishigure and James Nyoraku Schlefer
Conducted by Andy Brick
Civilization VII Original Soundtrack
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII is a turn-based strategy game that empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.
Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.
Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.
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#CivilizationVII

[@breezyimpressions]

MY LORD OUR MEN ARE GROOVING ALL OVER THE BATTLEFIELD! A SONOROUS DISPLAY!

[@CrashXII]

MY LORD THE MEN ARE FATIGUED AND MUST REST

[@Berstich]

LOL! Ok, you made me laugh. Someone plays TW

[@estepen4181]

A SHAMEFUR DISPRAY!

[@321-l5h]

DOUBLE TIME

[@imlivinginyourceiling]

OWRU GENERAL HASU SOME GREAT RHYTHM MY LORD

[@JoshuaFagan]

This is a really good one--I like that it starts off very "traditionally Japanese," before gradually intensifying into something more commanding, powerful, and imperious, almost like a military march. It perfectly fits Meiji era Japan: the rapid, whiplash transition into industrial modernity, with all its domineering might, and the ascent of Japan into a global power.

[@UFBUtifuleyes]

I watched a documentary about that, going from a feudal system with Samurai warriors to a fully industrialized state in less than 100 years is truly mind boggling

[@TricksterPoi]

Yeah, no joking. Heck they even have slogans that fits the inspiration that drive Japan to follow the Western-style but you can hear still parts of traditional Japanese music still *fighting* as if they're preseving the old ways. Which fits to one of the slogan... "Japanese Spirit, Western Learning" Wakon yōsai (和魂洋才)

[@megajimmyfive]

@@UFBUtifuleyes It was literally like 20 years for them to go from feudalism to Line warfare with trains and factories

[@MrArchilus]

Yeah, it's very evocative of actual history

[@theodoreroosevelt3143]

You can hear traditional sounds getting westernized in this song perfect for Meiji Japan

[@TricksterPoi]

Yeah, a perfect symbolizing of a traditional Japan who want to become known to the west that it incorporate western ideas along with their own.

[@Power-G]

This must be the prettiest art piece we've seen so far for a civ! I'm blown away by the reflection and the vibrancy of the pink! I would genuinely pay to frame this up in my house.

[@Tetragramix]

If they sold canvas prints of these civ backdrops, I would buy some for sure.

[@andrewklang809]

Sell us paintings, Firaxis and/or 2K! We want them more than we want our money!

[@CodyosVladimiros]

Last time I was this early, there was still a Shogun.

[@DOSFS]

So... 1945-1952?

[@SeafoamBoi]

​@@DOSFS it's 1867 or earlier, unless you mean something else?

[@Reagan1984]

@@SeafoamBoi He's talking about post-war Occupied Japan, which was ran by General Douglas MacArthur; who is often nicknamed "The Gaijin Shogun."

[@rdm3990]

Toronaga?

[@doolar]

😂

[@うめぽーん]

Konnichiwa、Japan!🇯🇵 I am Japanese. 英語が得意ではないので、日本語でコメントさせていただきます。 どの文明のBGMも最高です！ ビデオゲームの発売が待ちきれません。 Civilization7のプレイを本当に楽しみにしています。

[@TricksterPoi]

日本からこれを聞いてくれる人がいて嬉しい。 このゲームは素晴らしい。歴史を知る良い方法だ。

[@icarue993]

Something nice about google, is that you can read my comments as they have the translate feature (at least in English)

[@antaris905]

Traditional Koto: ah…Edo era… Western brass instruments: YO ITS MATTHEW PERRY OPEN UP

[@t.wcharles2171]

Open the country. Stop having it be closed.

[@koiledlogic9336]

Beauty and harmony, governed by one eternal law, all that begins must end. The reign of the old Shogunate... IS OVER!

[@cjmanson5692]

I was thinking of Shogun 2's opening narration as well. 😄

[@thelunchking305]

Im hoping the name "Meiji japan" implies earlier eras of Japan coming in DLC, like "Edo japan" in exploration that could have isolationist abilities in opposition to the other exploration civs (firaxis if youre watching pls pls pls pls do this)

[@janolbratowski1814]

I think they are definitely going to add Japan for exploration era at some point, it's just too iconic and important to be missed. But with the amount of civs they've chosen for each age, they had to cut some of them. But at least he have Japan

[@sakurahonda9245]

Possible, or they just omitting them for the final release. We know there's a Mughal India but they've not shown it yet. Also similarly it's called the French Empire and not just France

[@thelunchking305]

@sakurahonda9245 youre right, i assume if theres an Edo Japan itll be DLC for exploration.

[@cumunist2120]

I’m hoping they do the full 3 civs with japan if they can I don’t know anything about antiquity japan that’s something European civs will never have a full 3 eras

[@Berstich]

Yes, 100%. There would be no reason to name it that otherwise. Just like how china is and...India I think?

[@alexandreutiyama547]

Really wish they used a snippet of 宮さん宮さん / Miyasan Miyasan, it was the music that, in the minds of many, fired off the Meiji Restoration, a song about the rebel goverment with the support of the Emperor against the Shogunate. Being one the first western inspired marches in Japan, and used by many works in the west that portrayed Japan at the time, like the play "The Mikado".

[@1985TIMEMACHINE]

I love the cherry blossom leaves floating down the river on this artwork. It’s just so beautiful and so very classic Japan. But then I too love all of this artwork. 😍

[@analienmango8756]

Might be the best theme in the whole of Civ 7. I might play Japan in my first run just to hear this in game.

[@Flowers4Fischl]

Best theme??? There’s a Japan in Genshin Impact and the music is just better.

[@analienmango8756]

​​@@Flowers4Fischl Personally, I prefer my games to actually be good, but you do you.

[@cjmanson5692]

​@@Flowers4Fischl He said the best theme in Civ 7.

[@realEpicGold]

@@Flowers4Fischl Who even mentioned that ass game? I played it for 2 years and still consider it ass.

[@Ohsojelly8]

@@Flowers4FischlGenshin Impact fans when they try to to 15 minutes without mentioning their lame ass game

[@SimCityEA1989]

0:00: Japan, isolated on its own island island, was filled with many elders who are looked up in society, for they are the rulers of today. They've welcomed other nations with open arms, as long as they respect their sovereignty, they wouldn't be violent. However, incursion after Incursion, violation after violation, the people grew tired and angry at the nation's around them, but without any form of modernization, how can one even challenge such an opponent? We must change! 2:11: Rapidly social and economic change consumed the island. The island went from peace and sanctuary to buildings towering towards the sky, factories pumping out smoke, and shipyards becoming busy. The transforming was an absolute phenomenal experience. Yet, this did not come without any burdens, the lack of resources on the island had us asking for resources from other nations, but the rest of the world was not to keen on an island reaching its power on the global stage. Denial and rejection shows the world they do not want us to survive this modernization, they do not want to see our true power. Fine, we will just have to sieze our own power if need be. We used what little resources we had left to amass a large army, navy, and air force. 3:22: Nationalism, Radicalism, Militarism, and grievances grows each day. Nations demands are increasingly rising higher and higher to cease our progress but we will not faulter, we will not bend backwards to the global order. These foreigners have no right to strip us of our own advancement. We have tried the peaceful to accumulate these resources, willing to share ours, but their greed will be there down fall, and for it, we will sieze them by force, for it is the last straw they will ever pull from us. And yes, while other powers may try and stop us, we are Japanese, we chart our own course guided by the rising sun over the horizon. If it's a fight they want, it's a fight they'll get!

[@TricksterPoi]

the biggest mistake of the west is their paranoia of a rising Asian nation (aka the Yellow Fever), thanks to their own imperialism when not realizing that Japan too wants to be known and respected amongst the Empires that when the nationalist and more military aspects take over, Japan is forced to steer on a more aggressive path and thus the very paranoia become reality.

[@georgeleslie7307]

Now we need Asuka Japan (Religious) for the Antiquity Era and Edo Japan (Militaristic) for the Exploration Era. Make it happen Civ Team!

[@incoherenot]

I keep hearing all these different suggestions for antiquity Japan and I have no idea which one is the most relevant

[@nakiankim2012]

Considering the era, i would say yamato or heian. Just two of the most juicy historic times for game play standpoint

[@georgeleslie7307]

Asuka period, in the 6th century, was the first time in Japanese history when the Emperor of Japan ruled relatively uncontested, and was the island’s first introduction to Buddhism.

[@orion2309]

Please, we need Edo/Sengoku Japan before yesterday. We cannot have one iteration of Civ without Samurai!

[@BlackGateofMordor]

@@incoherenot Asuka/Yamato would be heavily religious, Heian would be more cultural. Any later than that should be part of an exploration Shogunate, any earlier we just don't have enough good information.

[@tseantan]

I just want to acknowledge Ronnie Nyogetsu Reishin Seldin, who played the Shakuhachi in Civ6's Japan themes. RIP.

[@abthedragon4921]

Heck yeah, I've been waiting for this ever since Himiko's First Look!

[@wayvoedorado71]

We’re abolishing the shogunate with this one!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@anonimosu7425]

i’m in japan and i’m very drunk i like the transition into the military march, i can almost think of lyrics to pair with the melody.

[@foxmcleod64]

I'm reminded of parts of the score to the film "Tora! Tora! Tora!" The themes for this game of Civ are all outstanding!

[@ntjdmugbdmukam]

Civ6の音楽も日本特有の侘び寂びがあって素晴らしかったけどciv7は大日本帝国感というか力強さがある

[@しゅうと-p6z]

侘び寂びすぎてなんか気分上がらないからこっちかなり好き

[@Highretrogamelord]

Sounds amazing!!!

[@nitasu987]

Constantly blown away by the artwork!!!!

[@t.wcharles2171]

Mr. Rizzo has outdone himself here.

[@montagnegign3978]

Rizzed

[@SeoulMan]

これこそ、天下一番！ (Korekoso, TenkaIchiban!) This is the greatest under heaven!

[@TechieWidget]

Samurais hearing this theme be like: “My time has come.”

[@nakiankim2012]

No... Quite the opposite...

[@TechieWidget]

@@nakiankim2012Oh you’re right, I forgot. I mean: “Why do I hear boss music?” followed by sounds of gatling guns.

[@vivone7671]

Saigo nagamori"The ture last samurai"

[@mzmaster]

Another banger incoming!

[@andrewklang809]

Civ's Japan themes are always top-tier. This is no exception.

[@realEpicGold]

Damn this one is epic. It has such a grandiose feel to it.

[@Serpenttine]

Great work

[@arielfynn]

PERFECTION!!

[@anonimosu7425]

just about everything i want in a 和洋合奏. Tradition meets westernisation.

[@Buffalo_Sports_Fan]

Another amazing Soundtrack

[@Tanuki-withoutTA]

背景も音楽もすてき〜〜！！和と洋が融合していく明治時代らしいbgm😌💓元ネタを知りたい……🤔 It reminds me that japanese culture and western culture were going to be mixed in meiji era🍵the background and the music are awesome🌸 (Btw is this music arranged? If you know the original music, i would like you to teach me🎧)

[@sarunkornnavapiphat3512]

Maybe Kagome, Kagome? I don't sure...

[@analienmango8756]

This theme really makes me think of Japanese victory in the Pacific alternate histories such as Man in the High Castle and TNO.

[@neoelementia]

Im not usually a soundtracks guy but THIS SLAPS

[@debsirin116]

I never play this game but I'm writing every song you released

[@Dunno1999]

Hope there will be Yayoi Japan and Muromachi/Edo Japan in the past era for DLCs so we can play full Japan run!

[@neetfreek9921]

I don’t usually care for instrumentals but this was beautiful

[@nn6404]

I'm kinda sold on Japan in this game tbh. I'm for sure picking Himiko as my first leader!

[@Basterdio123]

LOVE

[@sassuskrassus3166]

love that one

[@jeff-nz3ij]

sounds like its based on at least two compositions, i wonder what they are. it sounds great!

[@crackthesistem2717]

The best music theme of civ 7 so far

[@georgep.burdell7237]

I really like the Civ 6 Japan themes, and this one is right up there with them: kind of starts unmistakably Japanese, then adds more of the Occident as it plays. ❤

[@adrianpotka3703]

I love part from 3:00

[@AitorTilla-ir3nx]

I thought the Meiji era theme would be Kojo no Tsuki although this one is also very good

[@Vlad.Kr.Iv.]

Do you, people, know, what this ST sounds like? It's from shogun 2. At least the beginning. It's just one in one, if you compare them. The thing is, the opening theme from Shogun 2 is roaring, terrifying and raging, wihile this one sounds, like young men are going on the war or something like that. Funny, energetic, and inspiring. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of the Shogun 2 OST, but there is one, which is really alike at the begining. And by the way, why Japan OST in the second half sounds like an Austrian opera? Or maybe a Prussian military orchestra? Fishy, strange, and hell yeah, I like it. I'll go and download it somewhere.

[@kingnarothept6917]

This is... nice. :)

[@CookieTaiga]

Top 2 tracks rn just shy behind Egypt

[@brunosamuelfonseca2068]

Perfect!

[@Nicolasrockman3]

🛐🛐 te quiero mucho Japón

[@manuelcastellanosjr4929]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SamBrockmann]

Been looking forward to this one. Still trepidatious on Civ 7. But this one is a treat.

[@TheMeanConservative]

Reminds me a lot of “Japanese Ceremonial Dance” by composer Gustav Holst.

[@푸헹치]

it might be rokudan no shirabe...? annnd little bit.. sakura?? im not sure 🙃

[@TricksterPoi]

*Tennōheika Banzai!* Fukoku kyōhei (富国強兵) "Rich country, Strong military" Shokusan kōgyō (殖産興業) "Increase production, Promote industry" Bunmei kaika (文明開化) "Civilization and Enlightenment" Wakon yōsai (和魂洋才) - "Japanese spirit, Western learning/technology"

[@J069FIX]

I simply must write this... Tennō Heika Banzai! It just fits with Meiji Japan 😅

[@phesachahawahacha2174]

“Meiji Japan” is such a beautiful and meaningless name. without mentioning Emperor Meiji

[@SimonL-o2o]

天皇陛下万歳! 🎌TENNO HEIKA BANZAI! Long Live His Majesty the Emperor!

[@kelechibeina4837]

The Empire of the Sun 🇯🇵

[@filipasao]

Is it true that Ed Beach is a huge fan of horse riding and snokhachestvo?

[@vlarion2023]

This is the best one I've heard yet. Ngl, the Russian and Prussian ones are a disappointment.

[@ThunderingSun]

Ask me for a OST with zero misses and I'll show you Civ 7.

[@Dragonseer666]

It would be cool if in the case of a hypothetical 4th age they would make all of the soundtracks intentionally sound like video game soundtracks, maybe mixed with pop music sounding tunes and overall being very fast paced. This also gotta be one of my favourite soundtracks so far.

[@しゅうと-p6z]

文明開花を思い出すね

[@trmu6729]

Reminds me of the Ottoman theme in the industrial era.

[@CarlLewenhaupt]

Helt galet påg👶🍦

[@KMD_362rd]

Artwork background and theme song look better than the Shadows (You all know what I mean.)

[@philippegagne5869]

Honey! Where are my super Ottomans ?

[@ezdayhero476]

What?

[@theanti-person9113]

Yamato and Edo when

[@iwanco4532]

開国するべ〜

[@endycore4920]

The start reminds me Shogun 2

[@Lhumskie-88.59]

良い曲。 探検の時代は戦国時代の日本か、鎌倉時代の日本が来てほしい。 江戸時代の日本は近代に分類されそうな気がする。もしかしたら、江戸前期（探検の時代）と江戸後期（近代）で異なることも？

[@legoworf8125]

Meji

[@vivone7671]

2:01 ottoman?

[@rainesaysdie863]

can you add wano theme song

[@Teindag]

goood

[@Rafael-s4q8x]

0:03

[@ACamelEmoji]

🐪

[@Rafael-s4q8x]

4:23

[@aMiyafuji]

I love these modern civs, but it makes me concerned. Many of these civs don't fit the current modern era, and yes I know Meiji is technically the first of the Modern Japanese era, but still, is it the same as today's Japan? Going into 1950's as Prussia, Meiji... It's almost as if... it's DLC bait. Please prove me wrong because this concept is good, but using *Modern Era* in it's literal term might lead to some game oddities.

[@heyufengwdlss701]

I think the modern era for this civ7 will generally represent the 19th to early 20th century civs and music. But that's just my observation. Not really the 21th century modern day as we know it.

[@phesachahawahacha2174]

DLC era 4

[@vivone7671]

I was a little disappointed with "Meiji Japan theme" I thought we heard the singer mention the emperor and there was a reference to song “miyasan-miyasan & yuki no shingun & battotai” because it fits the theme of that era perfectly.

[@baptistechastellier6695]

Tenno heika banzai !!!

[@cisco3111]

Nice to see that Firaxis and Civilization respects Japanese culture and its people unlike at Ubisoft

[@Irstvan]

I expected Battotai

[@sebastianprimomija8375]

Beauty and harmony, governed by one eternal...sorry wrong franchise...

[@Mみこと-x7u]

Guys, I'm a Japanese, but I have completely no idea of what songs this theme based on. Can anyone tell me?😂

[@sarunkornnavapiphat3512]

I don't know that it is real or not but someone in the community hints that this theme based on Kagome Kagome (かごめかごめ, 籠目籠目), a children's play song which rumours its haunting by its cryptic lyrics.

[@Mみこと-x7u]

@@sarunkornnavapiphat3512 Seriously? Of course I know that song, but this doesn’t sound like that to me… But thanks for replying!

[@sarunkornnavapiphat3512]

@ I don’t think it’s similar too 😆

[@boaoftheboaians]

someone also mentioned "rokudan no shirabe" (which btw was also in japan's background music of civ6) being in the song.... honestly when I analyze this song, I'm picking up fragments of both "kagome kagome" and that other song there

[@しゅうと-p6z]

まぁ時代的に宮さん宮さんじゃないかな

[@LakaMoz-j1x]

I would like to thank Sid Meier's Civilization to show a "True Japan" who was ruthless. I am a student of Japanese Studies in a University of my country. Meiji is always portrayed as anger and negative. But the truth is this is true Japan. It had its own constitution, not made by USA. It respected Shintoism, not separated religion like today. My friends do not but it's only me who respect Meiji all the time 🇯🇵 Chad Japan

[@TheRedStar-j5n]

as always, we burmese peoples are never recognized as a civ in every single games made by westerns always siam, khmer, indonesia, india and now even philippines is in the civ game im getting sick of other peoples are always looking down on us as slave laborers and failed country ruled by dictators AT LEAST recognize us as civ and put Burmese kingdom in your game please

[@vivone7671]

Hello neighbor and yes I understand you. But maybe Burma will appear as "DLC" in the future. Because in the cimenatic we will see "pagan temple"There is a possibility that your people may appear in the game.

[@TheRedStar-j5n]

@ i really do hope so too, i wanted to see Pagan or Kongbong empire as playable race since i started getting into civ i hope devs can see this too

[@vivone7671]

​@@TheRedStar-j5nAt least let you be patient. Until the devs adds DLC

[@boaoftheboaians]

we will rejoice when we see ppl like bayinnaung added, burma deserves recognition especially for the crazy amazing stuff he achieved in his time, having the largest land empire in southeast asia is not something to overlook!

[@TheRedStar-j5n]

@ sadly we only recognized by modding communities in CIV5 and 6, i saw mods for Burma made by someone, i hope at least we can get represented as great person or part of DLC in civ 7 i will gladly spend my savings on it in future for sure if they decided to add something to represent us as Burma (Myanmar)

[@MIKADOFAN1]

尊皇攘夷🎌

[@moonlitkaiser]

Takes notes ubisoft

[@H-ME2003]

Where are the cat girls?

[@thatoneflygon8291]

Once you unlock genetic engineering you can create them trust.

[@ДанилЛунгу-о2е]

Please add Ukraine, it has many epostassies: Kyivska Rus, with Rurikovich, Princess Olga. Chi Zaporizhia Sich with Bohdan Khmelnytskyi. please at least the Ukrainian language in the game. I hope for your mercy.

[@321-l5h]

Nazis

[@meklavier4664]

Last time I was this early, the Nanjing massacre have not happened

[@Ed-Ijat]

1st

[@riceserket4093]

@@Ed-Ijat nuh uh

[@kirillsviderski4739]

Sound like Mongolian theme from South Park Stick of Truth

[@npopielik]

Add Milei of Argentina

[@Willie5000]

He's a terrible leader, hell no.

[@Serpenttine]

Is he? Heard hes doing a good job bringing down inflation

[@pepinlebref3758]

Ah, peaceful chinese city...

[@PatGunn]

Don't buy this game if it has denuvo

[@kristian6722]

TRUE

[@de6212]

I already pre ordered because it has denuvo. Different strokes, I suppose

[@kristian6722]

@ sheep

[@SamWorldTravel]

@@PatGunn what is denuvo please?

[@Flowers4Fischl]

Inazuma Music >>> whatever this is 😂