Reacting To Japanese National Anthem (that I used to hate)

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Can't believe I forgot to mention the name of the anthem! It's called 君が代 (kimigayo) 🇯🇵 Check out my social media for more Japan with no BS! Instagram: asagine Twitter: asagine_T

[@Fischbroetchen2k]

I never heard the japanese national anthem before, but to be honest this is exactly what I would have expected~ Humble, beautiful and poetic. It´s just perfect in my opinion.

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Interesting that you find it a great song already!

[@Natsumi170]

The Japanese national anthem is the most beautiful anthem ever.

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Woo nice 😎 Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Natsumi170]

@@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan No problem, I'm looking forward to your future videos :)

[@powbobs]

I glad you grew to like it. Kids have terrible taste in music. It’s really beautiful. As soon as I heard the lyrics I felt it was perfect to represent Japan. I really love it. As an American I am jealous.

[@powbobs]

@@davejohnson3822 I assume a Japanese woman turned you down. Get over it.

[@TheDoorman55]

I spent 13 years of my AF career living in Japan. From nightly TV signoffs to daily flag ceremonies, I heard the Japanese anthem nearly everyday. It always had a solumn grace...just perfect.

[@lycanrocmare2341]

Iceland and the Japan anthems are definitely my favorites, poetic and slow paced, the two best things in an anthem ^^

[@madmattius]

Enjoy your vids. The reaction video about Chris from Abroad In Japan was hilarious. The look on your face at times at the horror of it all, haha!.

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

I love that video too! Thanks for checking out Matt!

[@eln5343]

Kimigayo is one of my favourite anthems. Of course I'm biased towards my own 🇫🇮, but Kimigayo is a close second favourite. I prefere anthems that are somber rather than kitchy

[@jerometsowinghuen]

I did watched the Tokyo Olympics 2021. And honestly, Japanese national anthem from the opening ceremony was spectacular, the music, songs, colors, and other special effects were lovely.

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

It's nice to hear you like that song!

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

Interesting video...thanks for explaining...will be in Japan next spring and nice to learn about your country. Cheers from Canada.

[@portaltwo]

"This is the only angle I get." Well, until the earthquake hits. I certainly remember THAT video! 😨 I love the photo at 1:33. Beautiful. 🥰

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Damn you're right.

[@TheThailightZone]

1:55 Japanese. You are so polite & apologetic. It is very nice culture.

[@alexb859]

Awesome video!!!

[@chirocroix2456]

I think Yuko Suzuhana can sing it well since Waggaki Band was commissiomed to perform the official Toyko 2020 Olymics music promotion.

[@clarityinthought2124]

I am a stranger to your land, and I know only what I have read. But I do know this This song, this anthem is special. Why? Because it touches the soul. Here is what I think and I have nothing to base this on except what intuition or my spirt tells me. This song was based on a poem of adoration hundreds of years ago. Someone adored his elder greatly. It might have been a grateful son, thanking a beloved father. For the first word is “kimi” which refers to an elder or superior. The poem wishes him a long and happy life. The men of 19th century Japan adored the Emperor and wanted an anthem that reflected that love. But more than that. These men were wise and looked deeply into the soul of their people. Who was the Emperor? He was a God, but more than that, He was the symbol, the embodiment, of all Japanese people and of Japan itself. He was the entity uniting the Japanese people. Therefore, they believed the Emperor represented each individual Japanese person: the worker, the soldier, the scholar. He is the little girl with bright eyes, the old man, proud but weary of life’s long journey. Can one not see the spirit and genius of the song? When you sing the words you are not just asking for a blessing for the Emperor. But a blessing for Japan and each individual Japanese person and for all Japanese people. For the Emperor is Japan. When one attends an event and sings this song, what happens? That individual singer is not just asking for the blessing of the Emperor, but of all those around him. This is what I think the individuals desired who wrote this anthem. In it we see the unity and family of the Japanese people. Descended from the Sun God, unique in thought and spirit. Special among mankind. So the legends tell us. I am just a mid west farm boy who went to war. But this anthem is touched with infinite sadness. For we know that even if we wish someone long life and happiness, that it will all end one day. You will be no more; Japan will be no more; and perhaps we will all be forgotten forever. Each time I hear this song, my eyes will well and the tears do flow.

[@StephenLuke]

🫡❤️🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

[@佐藤武志-q9l]

its very unique its great

[@SatsumaTengu14]

Great to see your review! Try, Oh Canada vs Maple Leaf Forever please. These two songs were candidates for Canada's National Anthem, of course Oh Canada won. LoL but it would be interesting to hear your opinion on which song is better. Great videos as always

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Oh Canada is on the list for sure!

[@mohdghazali3473]

From what I know, the somber melody is adapted from the Japanese imperial court music, the gagaku.

[@massvt3821]

And by the way--the Japanese women's basketball team was fantastic--Machida, Motohashi, Takada, Miyazawa, etc were successful (silver medal!), and lots of fun to watch...

[@catholicrecoordinator4607]

It's has a deeper meaning base in your Japanese history.

[@Tetsujin-28]

Hauntingly familiar . That was fun. Sometimes I get to hear the anthem at Grand Sumo events that are broadcast.

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

You watch sumo! Nice 😂

[@erikblammo9]

I’m stationed in naval base Yokosuka and we have to salute during the American and Japanese national anthem every morning for colors

[@sparrowsparrow7505]

Any Tokkotai Bushi video reactions?

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Might be interesting. Might be controversial lol

[@anneyyyyy8025]

Yes, you're right! Japanese Anthem is Humble and Glorious at the same manner!

[@moonlight01011]

I'm half Japanese and American. The Japanese national anthem is the most beautiful and moving anthem, in my opinion. I get goosebumps when I hear it.

[@AbelPeña2067]

I fell in love with the football Japan’s anthem in Olympics

[@yogimew]

The orchestral accompaniment is pretty well done.

[@guitarsaremyfriendzzz7077]

I think it sounds beautiful!

[@Soravia]

It's a classic, which makes it timeless. Just like US National Anthem.

[@yonathanasefaw9001]

Asagi will you do an anthem review on Canada?

[@foundinjapan]

Nice video. I am from the US and have seen your other video. My wife is Japanese and we have talked about this topic from time to time as the two are so different. There are very different feelings for sure. Maybe because I have worked at schools in Japan for so long when I hear the Japanese one I feel like I am about to hear a school Principal talk for 20 mins for some reason. The Japanese one I do think sounds very sophisticated. You should look at the Czech Republic. Very short just around 1 min and 20 seconds. It talks about the beautiful nature and what is home?

[@mourgos1234]

Next time you make Anthems video try to include the Greece one, its rhthmic like the Phillipines one you heard before

[@momomango2123]

Please react to Arabic anthems next! Like the Saudi Arabian anthem, Egyptian, Sudanese, Algerian too! Love your videos btw ❤

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

That sounds very exotic!

[@一個國語]

Can you reacted to the Qing dynasties national anthem? Cup of soiled gold?

[@Frank-mm2yp]

The lyrics of the somber Japanese national anthem have become "controversial" to some people in Japan because the un-named "you" it refers to is said to be dedicated to the Emperor of Japan. Historically revered as divine for centuries he became the non-divine human ("figurehead") emperor who reigns but does not rule, as specified in the post WWII Japanese Constitution. Possibly "adjusting" the lyrics to salute the Japanese" Nation" as a whole vs one man could end the controversy. BTW the anthem is one of the shortest of all the national anthems.

[@mypartyisprivate8693]

I am perplexed. Why is she not naming the "you"? This song has obviously always been about the Imperial line, or at least a very high ranking official at the time of writing. I love the music of the song, but despise the lyrics. Japan is so much more than just the emperor.

[@Frank-mm2yp]

@@mypartyisprivate8693 Interpreting an ancient Japanese poem into the modern Japanese vernacular and then translating it into a foreign language is not easy. There are likely updated versions of their national anthem depending on the translations. Why ASAGI did not explain that the "you" is the Emperor of Japan, ??????

[@mohdghazali3473]

The song is an Ancient Japanese Language poem. The original poem is for wishing someone well, usually to a noble. But in the beginning of Edo period, the poem started to be read for the Emperor. It's unclear how the poem is being adapted to anthem. The somber melody is adapted from the Japanese imperial court music, the gagaku.

[@bonky8043]

I like the new editing stuff, good job Asagi!

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Yay! Glad you like it.

[@otremee7933]

I think its a unique and very beautiful anthem

[@DomGFlover]

Ms Asagi firstly i love japan and total respect to japan and i think japanese national anthem from my point of view require high mind and so understandable mind i think it touch your soul but no one will understand better than the citizen him or herself so ms asagi is japanese she must be knowing better 😇😇😇

[@SupremeMaster-he4rc]

I saw a video that said the poem came to be about an homage to the Emperor. I saw that it is controversial as it was part of WW2 Japanese militarism. The ultra conservatives in Japan want to revive the popularity of the anthem and it's link to the Emperor. 🤔

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

That's one way to look at for sure. But that's not the official understanding nowadays since Japan is a democratic county now.

[@শোভনসিংহ]

Love from India

[@davidoliveri5670]

I know a good anthem that's great, check out Poland's anthem. The polish national anthem is a really great one. Do a review on that one.

[@Aoiichi]

I like that the lyrics are in ancient Japanese . Thank you for explaining that. Do you know why the music is European though ? What if you did a video on ancient or traditional Japanese music ?

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Seems like Japanese authority hired foreign song writers. Not sure why 🤔

[@2sday538]

@@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan In what year was this song written, and declared the national anthem?

[@ashikshaikh7861]

@@2sday538 the poetry(lyrics) is over a thousand year old...but i am not sure when they converted it to a song from just a poetry

[@mojabaka]

Because it was written by Franz Eckert.

[@mojabaka]

@@2sday538 Written by Franz Eckert in 1880, declared as anthem by law in 1999, with lots of controversies.

[@meatmachines]

It didn't really sound like what I think of as an Anthem (maybe because slow) but it sounded very pretty to me.

[@danielseverance9909]

Where do I find the anthem link ?

[@yeroun1974]

Beautifully sung. But you should really check out the Borat version of the National anthem from Kazachstan.

[@ytravelblogchamara8919]

Love from Suri ranka 🇯🇵🌸😘😘

[@reaperpatriot]

Konnichiwa , Asagi. I actually love this video. Also The Japanese National Anthem is awesome and feels amazing the way it sounds. I actually saw that video you did. Possibly a part 2 should've been made. Also ignore the haters,Asagi. Keep it up with your videos. 👍 Also love the Japan and your reaction to videos you do. Btw? It's okay that you have a hard time singing. Everyone does sometimes. I probably suck at it as well lol

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Thanks for checking out the video Reaper!

[@Verbalaesthet]

Yeah, the song sounds kinda like playing a record backwards.

[@daimdean]

It says everything about Japan. An ancient culture that has been around for thousands of years and may likely be around for thousands more...

[@atashalorenztano4821]

I'm from Philippines I hop you like it

[@carpentershub1726]

In my opinion Japan has one of the most beautiful national anthems!

[@yodyod7]

I like it. A follow up video could be France, Germany and Russia which are imho amazing - and I am Aussie - avoid that one.

[@strasbourgeois1]

May your reign Continue for a thousand, eight thousand generations, Until the tiny pebbles Grow into massive boulders Lush with moss

[@jn8922]

I think her version is slow because it is a short anthem compared to other countries so she had to put on a show for the international audience and make it more of a ceremony. I don't think its depressing, its beautiful and poetic - its also peaceful. But compared to my country South Africa 🇿🇦, which has a very long anthem (theres a good reason for it because of our history), the Japanese anthem is short but very lovely.

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Haha she certainly had to stretch the length 😂 It's nice that you don't mind long anthem though. I would be a bit bothered if my country has looong one haha

[@rickyseabra]

I used to hate this anthem... now it's one of my top 5.

[@げむほし]

Im lirning english rn, And I like きみがよ

[@CriticalEatsJapan]

The best thing about the Japanese anthem is it's so short. But the real question is, what was that singer wearing? Looked like a giant gumdrop ;)

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Haha yeah everyone says that's a rainbow kakigori 🤣

[@08gremory43]

Maybe it could be talking about how long people live in Japan because according to the statistics Japanese people have a high life expectancy.But I don't know if I am correct

[@shure81]

Beautiful rendition! I feel like your channel is about people of all cultures coming together to learn about where you are from. At the same time, everyone should also be proud of where they come from! The celebration of differences, not the condemnation, is what makes the world wonderful. We'll defeat the darkness with light. Curiosity, learning, sharing, understanding...it's so much fun! Cheers from USA!

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Aw thanks Derek! I believe understanding each other's culture makes people more united. Glad you are on the same page!

[@thelonelyarts3535]

Try listening to Indonesian nasional anthem

[@Peter1912]

Swedish national anthem gooo!! 😝🇸🇪 DU GAMLA, DU FRIA, DU FJäLLHÖGA NORD 🎶

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

I have to check it out!

[@shaunlatify4132]

Please react to Iran National anthem

[@umutaslan1440]

I listened years of Japanese but this anthem doesnt sound like Japanese for some reason. I listened chinese anthem Korean one they both sound Korean and Japanese but Japanese one..... 😱

[@enzolumare5680]

Misia is a great singer, man…

[@massvt3821]

The Japanese national anthem is very subdued, and very respectful. It's actually strikingly beautiful. It really demonstrates the politeness that represents the prevailing behavior of the entire nation..

[@joeygalvan6485]

I've been seeing lots of recommendations for people reacting to the origins of the Star Spangled Banner.

[@burstingwizard975]

Ugh, that video is trash. It's mostly propaganda. I love American history and culture and I wish that pack of lies had never been recorded

[@burstingwizard975]

Ugh, that video is trash. It's mostly propaganda. I love American history and culture and I wish that pack of lies had never been recorded

[@mikecrane6096]

I would have thought that Sakura would be the Japanese national anthem........

[@TheThailightZone]

It was very very disappointing that covid destroyed the Olympics for Japan. I am certain in normal times it would have been one of the most memorable games.

[@comedymoji4183]

Hi Akka It is Telugu in India🇮🇳🇮🇳 Akka meaning in English sister

[@TheThailightZone]

Yes, Japanese anthem does have a very sombre tone. You explained it very well.

[@toji66169]

I thought ww2 japanese song is anthem of japanese

[@佐藤武志-q9l]

i Will admit that it isnt so upbeat and uplifting or motivating but....

[@শোভনসিংহ]

Please thought deeply

[@leighpurser2958]

You forgot Australia 😭😭😭😭

[@Anup_sk23]

What is Australia?

[@leighpurser2958]

@@Anup_sk23 a country

[@leighpurser2958]

Google it

[@rafaeldoespiritosanto8440]

This is literally your country’s anthem how could you not have liked it I have always loved the Brazilian anthem and the Japanese anthem it is so peaceful and beautiful but like that girl when she sung the Japanese anthem I didn’t like it I don’t like anthems in general when it’s over dramatic

[@geno5360]

I liked the Olympics, watching it for sure especially track & field and basketball but I definitely thought they should have cancelled it because the timing wasn't right. The problem is though they couldn't postpone anymore if it didn't happen it's a cancel and a lot of folks would have lost a lot of money over that.

[@impressionsofjapan8683]

I'm not Japanese so obviously I might be wrong, but my Japanese colleague told me this song is about Japan being great and therefore its reign is supposed to last thousands of years. She feels it has a right wing connotation and she's not comfortable with this anthem.

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

There are some understandings on the lyrics. I guess what she says is one way to look at it.

[@eddierobles2687]

Everyone should salute the Japanese, i don't want to get into it.....Japan without tge atomic boms we would have made a diplomatic end The US Used Nukes...

[@佐藤武志-q9l]

wow british and german eh

[@sinos.w.a.t.447]

I rate your looks 1/10

[@佐藤武志-q9l]

Asagi youre so so absolutely incredibly amazingly lovely

[@佐藤武志-q9l]

no bs hahahhaha

[@mojabaka]

I don‘t like it either to be honest. I think it‘s a beautiful composition and very hard to sing as you said, but for me it sounds way too slow and way too sad for it to be a national anthem. All the bullshit the LDP did with it in the last 30 years also doesn‘t help. Even though I don‘t take that into consideration when rating the music, but it always leaves a bad aftertaste.

[@christill]

I love the Japanese national anthem. The music anyway since I couldn’t understand the lyrics. I hate our British anthem. I feel like it’s one of the worst and should be replaced. I disagree with your opinion on the Olympics but that’s fine. I think the Paralympics probably should have been cancelled though because by then the cases were too high. But that’s another story.

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

I think British anthem is beautiful though!

[@Eisenwulf666]

I'm not a fan of my country of origin's anthem too. It's a revolutionary march written in the 19th century with references to ancient history and battles fought in the 19th century. It's not relevant at all, the music is too upbeat (it's a victory march).. just ridiculous. I was born in Italy btw

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Who knows. You might like it in the future like I changed my mind haha

[@gabrig11]

Honestly I don’t like the Japanese anthem, my Japanese friends don’t like it either

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

I gotcha.

[@OldirtyB]

The Japanese anthem is stolen from bulgarian traditional song. As a Bulgarian I find it a little bit offensive but on other hand I am proud with it. If you don't believe search it. Greetings from BG 🙏🏼

[@alphonsel.awungshi4830]

Are all Japanese women beautiful like you??

[@oyinbocele]

I always loved the Japanese anthem but which cretin butchered this arrangement? Horrible! Why does he necessarily have to do every harmonic modulation possible? This is indeed not an anthem where you can put your hand on your heart. It doesn't inspire top athletic performances, it rather inspires drinking absinthe in a smoky club after midnight.

[@oyinbocele]

nevertheless thank you for your explanation and how your personal view on the anthem has changed

[@SamirFennecDz]

Asagi, you can be proud of your country, of your nation, having never set foot on Japanese soil, I discover it through documentaries, we see the streets of Japan which are very clean, that means that the Japanese men and women are of good morals, Japanese people are very clean people, they don't wear tattoos (they respect their bodies) Japanese people seem to me to be calm and thoughtful people, Japanese industry reminds me of the German industry which is quality work, I'm thinking of Mitsubishi, Toyota, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda... Nissan (patrol, and the wonderful GTR NISMO ❤️😌) the Japanese have good agriculture, very good livestock , 127 million inhabitants with a GDP. which exceeds 6 trillion dollars !!! Japan and its green landscapes ... and its luxurious capitals where the sidewalks are lined with pretty gardens ... I say that the Japanese can be proud of their beautiful country 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵👏👏👏