Along with the "Kimigayo", this song was the anthem of the Imperial Japanese Empire. Written in 1937 by Kiyoshi Nobutoki, based on a Japanese poem "Man'yōshū".
English lyrics: If I go away to the sea, I shall be a corpse washed up. If I go away to the mountain, I shall be a corpse in the grass But if I die for the Emperor, It will not be a regret!
Umi Yukaba was not deemed a second anthem of Japan ,rather it was a song of similar popularity as the Kimigayo. Furthermore, the government of Japan formally adopted Kimigayo in 1888 to be the anthem of Japan. Never was Umi Yukaba ever deemed or was seen as a national anthem, as that is a common western myth and misconception.
The American/English title of "second national anthem" should not be taken literally. It simply means: "a popular song held in deep reverence". Studying a foreign language can certainly present difficulties and misunderstandings.
Free translation of the lyric of “Umi Yukaba” If I'm on the ocean to fight, I might become a corpse soaked in water. If I go to mountain to fight, I might become a corpse overgrown with grass. But still, I will die by His Majesty's side. I will never regret. 海に行って戦えば、水に浸かった死体になってしまうかもしれない。山に行って戦えば、草の生い茂った死体になるかもしれない。 それでも、私は陛下のお傍で死にます。 私は決して後悔しません。
Free translation of the lyric of “Umi Yukaba” If I'm on the ocean to fight, I might become a corpse soaked in water. If I go to mountain to fight, I might become a corpse overgrown with grass. But still, I will die by His Majesty's side. I will never regret. 海に行って戦えば、水に浸かった死体になってしまうかもしれない。山に行って戦えば、草の生い茂った死体になるかもしれない。 それでも、私は陛下のお傍で死にます。 私は決して後悔しません。
Japan is our Ancient beloved brother... and we always love you when I hear your anthem and reading those titles it gives me goosbump and I cried Japan is country who helped India in freedom moment and we will always remember and keep in our heart... Thank you is not good enough for our beloved brothers. but India is always your 2nd home that I will mention here. Lots of love to my beloved Japan 🇯🇵 from India 🇮🇳
