Anthem of Japan i.e Kimigayo (9th century) is the first anthem of the world. “Kimigayo” is the national anthem of post-1868 Japan. It is also one of the world’s shortest national anthems in current use, with a length of 11 measures and 32 characters. Its lyrics are based on a Waka poem written in the Heian period (794-1185), sung to a melody written in the imperial period (1868–1945). The current melody was chosen in 1880, replacing an unpopular melody composed eleven years earlier. Therefore, the current form of “Kimigayo” is merely one of several post-1868 productions.

March 17, 2011 | Imran Jutt | No Comments | 389 views