As a Japanese language teacher and a creator who loves traditional and modern Japanese culture, I want to share something very special with you today: Japan’s national anthem, “Kimigayo” (君が代).

Did you know that “Kimigayo” is one of the shortest national anthems in the world? The lyrics were originally written over 1,000 years ago as a poem. It doesn’t talk about wars or victories. Instead, it uses beautiful imagery of nature to wish for eternal peace and longevity.

Here is the English translation so you can feel its poetic harmony.

Japanese (Original)RomajiEnglish Translation

君が代はKimi ga yo waMay your reign

千代に八千代にChiyo ni yachiyo nicontinue for thousands of generations,

さざれ石のSazare-ishi nountil the tiny pebbles

いわおとなりてIwao to naritegrow into mighty boulders

こけのむすまでKoke no musu madeand become covered with moss.

When you look at the translation, you might wonder: “How do pebbles grow into boulders?” or “Why moss?” This is where the unique Japanese mindset shines!

• 1. “Sazare-ishi” (さざれ石 – Tiny Pebbles): In Japanese culture, this symbolizes unity. Just like tiny pebbles slowly bonding together over a long time to become a strong, giant rock, it represents people coming together as one to create a peaceful society.
• 2. “Koke no musu made” (こけのむすまで – Until moss grows): In many cultures, moss might just seem like something old. But in Japan (like in our beautiful Zen gardens), green moss is a symbol of serenity, deep time, and natural beauty. It wishes for a peace that lasts so long that beautiful moss has time to grow over it.

“May the reign of the Emperor continue for thousands of generations, until the tiny pebbles grow into massive boulders, and become lush with ancient moss.”

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