SABATON - Shiroyama (Official Lyric Video) 

A turning point in Japanese history, the Battle of Shiroyama took place in 1877 and marked the end of Japan’s most famous warriors. The Satsuma Rebellion was the very last revolt of the Samurai against the imperial government of emperor Meiji. Read more about the Satsuma Rebellion 👉 www.sabaton.net/historical-facts/satsuma-rebellion-begins/ ➞ SUBSCRIBE for more Sabaton: sabat.one/RU-vid ➞ MERCHANDISE Official Store: sabat.one/ytdshop

My favorite thing about Sabaton is how they instill a sense of nationalism in you for a country you might not have ever been to before.

Shiroyama is a great Sabaton song because it's about more than a battle. It's about the end of an era; the traditional Japanese culture giving way to modernization. Unlike the other songs on the album, the samurai aren't trying to protect anything or anyone. They don't have to buy time or hold the line. Their last stand is in a certain sense completely pointless. The samurai die for nothing but their honor, fighting a battle 60:1 that is completely impossible and certainly fatal. Modern Japan had no place for a dedicated warrior caste, all their history, their art. They ignore an offer of surrender because if they fight, their code dies with them; but if they surrender their code died before them. For one last minute, as they reach the enemy line and fight with their swords, their way of life and war is relevant. What they are buying time for isn't a castle, or hill, or people. Their hopless last stand is for an idea. They aren't trying to hold back an army, but the very passage of time.

It's sad Sabaton doesn't get nearly any recognition in the mainstream music industry. Their songs are glorious. And a shit ton better than a good chunk of what the mainstream industry spits out.

“What happened to the warriors of thermopylae?“ “Dead to the last man.“ *Smiles*

A song written in English by a Swedish band talking about Japanese warriors. Simply magnificent.

*_Japan, Shiroyama_* *_1877_* "Takamori-san, only 500 of us are left! We don't stand a chance in the battle, yet you're not even afraid! Why is that?" "Because, my comrade, Sabaton will write a kickass song about this."

Ahh Sabaton, the only band that can make you feel burning patriotism for other countries. On a side note, does anyone else feel the compulsion to grab the nearest katana shaped object and start fighting the invisible ninjas in the room?

So for anyone who doesnt know what shiroyama is about and people who want to learn more here's i summary i made based on wikipedia: in 1877 The japanese government was beginning to change laws and policies towards a more imperial empire and some people (mostly traditional people) didnt like the idea of leaving the culture of samurais and other traditions in favor of a more imperial government so they revolted various times.The Satsuma rebellion is one of those (and the last) rebellion that lasted from 1877 january 29- September 25. The first major battle of the satsuma rebellion was the siege of kumamoto castle, a strong fort in the island of Kyushu. The rebels, led by Saigo Takamori, to capture Kumamoto on February 14. When they arrived the defenders opened fire on the rebels attempting to force themselves in. On february 22 the main rebel army arrived and attacked kumamoto head on, fighting continued in the night and the imperial forces fell back and the generals lost control for a bit. despite their sucesses the satsuma army failed to take the castle. after 2 more days of attack the rebels dug in around the castle and tried to starve the defenders in a siege. the situation was especially desperate becasue the defenders already had low supplies because of other recent rebellions and a warehouse fire that happend recently. On april 8 a force from kumamoto opened a hole in the sutsama lines and gained supplies that they needed. The imperial army arrived at kumamoto on april 12 outnumbering the rebels and putting them to flight. The battle of Tabaruzaka (which happened at the same time that the siege of kumamoto was happening) was a very bloody 8 day battle that started when an imperial force that was on their way to aid the defenders met a rebel force. the rebel force was outnumbered 6-1 (15,000 samurai vs 90,000 imperials) and after 6 days of fighting the rebels ran out of supplies and were forced to fight by sword and the imperial forces just gained supplies and men so after one more day of fighting the rebels fleed too kumamoto. After the failed siege and the battle of tabaruzaka the satsuma army retreated from kumamoto saigo made his men march to hitoyoshi. morale was very low and there was no strategy so the forces just dug in and waited for another wave of the imperial force however the imperials were out of supplies and fighting paused for several weeks. when the fighting began again saigo had to retreat to miyazaki leaving some samurai to apply guerilla tactics on the oncoming imperial force. On july 24 the imperial army forced saigo out of miyazaki and then out of Noboeka. while the rebels retreated the imperial forces catched up to them and encircled them from east and west, however the rebels cut a hole in the imperials and got to escape out of the encirclement. by August 17 the satsuma army had been striped from most of their modern firearms and artillery and they had about 3000 men left. The surviving rebels made a stance on Mount Enodake and were soon surounded. not wanting to let the rebels escape again, the general of the imperial army sent a force of about 20,000 that outnumbered the satsuma army 7-1. Most of the rebels at this point commit seppuku (kinda like suicide but with glory) or surrendered. Saigo escaped with his remaining 500 men to Kagoshima on september 1st and seized Shiroyama hill. Now we get to the main topic of the song: the battle of Shiroyama. Saigo was pushed to Shiroyama and he only has about 500 samurai left. the imperial army outnumbered them 60-1. the imperial forces didnt want to leave anything to chance so they brought a shit ton of men (30,000) to kill 500. the imperials also spent days building complex ditches and walls and other stuff to prevent escapes, plus they also brought 5 warships to be 100% sure that they couldnt escape. Saigo was sent a letter that offered surrender but he refused, after that The imperial generals ordered a full frontal attack on the samurai on September 24. by 6 am only 40 samurai were left and Saigo was mortally wounded by a bullet that hit his stomach. One of saigo's men, Beppu Shinsuke, noticed that Saigo had died and cut his head and hid it to show respect for him. After the death of saigo, the remaining samurai drew their swords and charged against the imperial force to their deaths. With these deaths the Satsuma rebellion ended. Quite the tale if you ask me. also sorry for the grammar mistakes i made a shit ton of them and im too lazy to fix them plus english isnt my first language. If i got any facts wrong tell me in the comments so i can edit it. Hope this helped :D

Every band:doesn't read comments. Sabaton:are you sure about that

私は日本人ですが日本の歴史を曲にしていただきとても嬉しいです！！ 城山というのは西南戦争という日本最後の内戦において反乱軍のリーダーの西郷隆盛が最後まで抵抗した戦地です 西南戦争はこれまでの武士の世の終わりと近代化する新しい日本の始まりにおいてとても重要な戦いです！ ちなみにその頃は戦国時代のような甲冑はしていません

Just wanted you guys to know: I'm a soldier who suffers from PTSD, most of my life has been like a disconnected circuit board. I took the opportunity to open my heart to music again and Sabaton has lit a fire where everything else is numb. I am a huge life-long fan. You guys have saved so much of me.

When you get the katana in bf5 and go on a killing spree

If you read the history behind this conflict, it really takes away the weeb-ishness that has practically spat on the greatness that is the Samurai. The samurai weren’t all good, yes, but they’re one of those who went down fighting against weapons far more advanced than their own. To that, I admire them and their history. And just because one is into samurai, and old Japanese history, that doesn’t mean they’re “weebs”. They’re just people that are into history.

The background has 2 American Soldiers A Winged Hussars, A Spartan And A Japanese Warlord.

I know I am not very fun at parties saying this, but the whole popular Sword vs Gun myth about this conflict probably stems from romanticized depictions on ukiyo-e art, where they were depicted as such to draw a clear distinction between the sides. Nobody were more pro-gun than the samurai, after all it was guns that won their civil war era, and the samurai knew this. The imperial side would also use melee weapons, and katana were a part of their equipment. That said, this song is fucking kickass, probably one of Sab's best.

last stands is just objectively your best album yet. the best stories, the catchiest melodies and effects, most kickass album cover... cant get enough

I can’t be the only one who hears “imperial force defiled”

..60-1 suprised the samurai could run with so massive balls. 30000 vs 500.....

I love that the final stand of the samurai is just the basic setup of an anime scene.

"It's the nature of time/ that the old ways must give in/ it's the nature of time/ that the new ways come in sin".... SABATON HOW DO YOU KNOW HOW TO MAKE SUCH CATHARTIC ALLY BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. Seriously, this hits a raw nerve and is so gutwrenching. I love this song so much.

Quality, just pure quality music

日本の大学生より 敬意と感謝を

THEN THE WINGGED HUSSARS ARRIVED

Sabaton: "It is the nature of time that the old ways give in" Me: *Coughs in M1911*

0:01 the sounds my stomach makes while im in class

RIP Saigo Takamori, you lived and died a honorable man. May the light of a thousand suns shine upon your soul.

Okay, I see a lot of misconceptions in these comments, the samurai weren’t fighting with inferior technology or for honor. They were fighting to protect their caste, which gave them special rights like exemption from taxes and the right to kill a peasant for any reason. The samurai we think of today come from the Sengoku Jidai. The Japanese at that point in time were not using matchlock firearms anymore, and instead used modern weapons such as revolvers and breechloaders alongside their ancestral weapons. To think the samurai would allow themselves to use inferior technology for honor is a misconception that grew from the movie “The Last Samurai”. In fact the samurai integrated Portuguese armor into their armor by the 16th century. Edit: forgot to mention that the only reason these samurai turned to their ancestral weapons are due to the fact that they ran out of ammo, if it were up to them they would’ve skirmished the flanks of the imperial Japanese army with their guns while using the impressive speed of horses to outmaneuver the Japanese line which was prepared in a volley fire formation.

This song makes me want to watch The Last Samurai over and over while playing this song

If only the winged hussars arrived...

My great great grandmother was takasugi shinsaku's younger sister. I went to his ancestral home with my mother and when the lady who takes care of it as a historical site saw me. This little lady of at least 80 took my hands in hers and told me "your home needs you, you've got what it takes. Come home." Tbh I have been thinking about it ever since.

Samurai: sir they accused us of preparing a rebellion what should we do? Saigon: lets start a rebellion

Teacher: We're going on a field trip to Japan! Girls: oooh I can see sakura! Guys: SHIROYAMA !!!!!

A week after finding Sabaton, here's my top ten songs, (not like anyone Is gonna care) 10- Attack of the dead men 9- The End of the war to end all wars 8- Royal guard 7- Fields of Verdun 6- No bullets fly 5- night witches 4- Red baron 3- Uprising 2- Winged HUSSARS 1- SHIROYAMAAAAAA

A more advanced nation outnumbers a lesser one: Shiroyama A more advanced nation is outnumbered by a lesser one: Rorke's Drift

When you think about it Saigo name was a ironic symbol, like a ironic joke from destiny when his name mean "End" or "Last"

I live near Kumamoto Castle, the site of the fierce battle between Saigo and the Imperial Army. I have also been to Shiroyama. It is a place with a beautiful night view. I am very happy that Sabaton sang about the history of my fatherland.

What I love about Sabaton is that their songs are written in Major... That makes it unique and it gives positive energy.

How the hell can sabaton have such iconic lines in EVERY song I hear

A Great song, since one of my Ancestors is in the War, this is a great song to remember them in history. His armor and sword are still displayed in our home. - - - - - Its kinda sad, that pips, repost this song, and they get more views. #SabatonAlways

Shiroyama is the basically just "I have the power of God and anime on my side" and I love it.

"Execute Order 66" "IMPERIAL FORCE DEFIED, FACING 500 JEDI KNIGHTS!" Edit: i made that music video its kinda awesome.

Ten Imperial Japanese disliked this video

The best sabaton song. You really outdid yourself with this one :) 🤘🤘🤘

This , and the Braveheart movie can make cry a man easily

Is it a coincidence that I just finished watching The Last Samurai then I hop on youtube and find my favorite band uploads this vid?

Bro this whole story is so sad. Just the fact that the followers of this general where not there for money or power, but solely for the purpose of defending the ancient ways of the samurai code that they held so dearly. The saddest part is that when the general was wounded in the battle (which was already known to be lost before it had started), the soldiers helped the general commit suicide, as was the way of the samurai, and then continued fighting, still knowing there was no chance of winning, but still standing up and representing the symbol of the humble and arguably better way of life…

Ok so, bands usually dont put all their songs from album to youtube, Sabaton just did. Does this mean there will be a new album soon? In the beginning there were only maybe 3-4 songs since the album came out, now there is every song.

History Teacher: "We're learning about ancient Japan!" Girls: "Boring, can we just watch anime instead?" Boys: 0:00

Japanese Army: "Alright men, we're going to put down these Samurai, they're out of powder and shot, so this should be easy, we just surround and fi- ..... WHY DO I HEAR BOSS-FIGHT MUSIC!?"

Who would WIN? 500 samurai Bois Or 30,000 Defaulty bois 700 Likes! You guys are so amazing thanks!

I love Sabaton's music which is really powerful,so great!

When you get Gatling guns in Total War Shogun 2:

Justice, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Benevolence, Honour, Loyalty. Bushido.

Surely their huge balls only added to the weight of the Samurai’s armour

I love Sabaton, I love the Melody of their songs, I Love the instrumentals of their songs, I love their bass, Sabaton changed my live in a good way, Keep on Rocking.

I can't help but hear "In the name of God!" at the end of the song every single time. It doesn't matter whether it doesn't have it at the end or does, it's just stuck in my head.

There's something really special about Sabaton songs like you literally feel that your there at the scene

Until the dawn, they hold on. Only 40 left at the end. None alive none survive, Shiroyama. best part of the song

Imagine doing harsh training for a couple of years with Katana and suddenly you got killed by some farmer who the Emperor just teach them to use guns.

It's an interesting feeling to have your birthday on the anniversary of the last samurai battle...

The old ways always manage to hang on in some form or another. Guns are manufactured today with bayonet lugs, and bayonets are a distant descendant of the spear, the #1 weapon throughout most of human history. Similarly, while the warrior-noble caste of samurai no longer exists, katanas, the symbol of the samurai, were carried into battle by the Japanese military up until they stopped being allowed to have a military.

I love how the people that like this song are actual japanese culture enthusiasts rather than those degenerate weebs

BANZAIIIIIIIIII!!!

When you're an anime fan and a Sabaton fan at the same time:

You like Japan because of their culture and anime I like Japan because I listen to sabaton We are not the same

How come I'm normally a very picky listener and only enjoy some songs from an artist or a band and then there is Sabaton where every song is just pure gold?

Its good we have some one to make people learn history but who will make us learn math XDDD

2:58 I like the way Joakim pronounced it, "CHIRUYEMA"

-Samurai -captions Czech -english lyrics -Swedish band This is what I love about sabaton

The best anime opening that I've ever heard.

WE ARE GOING TO DEFEAT HENTAI WITH THIS ONE 🗣️🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🔥🔥

statues are great and all but if sabaton made a song about you're probably worth remebering

The last stand of the samurai proved that guns beat swords.

I would love to see Sabaton do a song about the English and American pilots out of Duxford. My grandfather flew P-47's and P-51's from Duxford, and there are hundreds of amazing stories from the pilots that were stationed there.

Imagine having as much regret Japan had right when they realized they had just killed their history.

"Until the dawn, they hold on, only forty are left at the end...WHEN THE WINGED HUSSARS ARRIVED!"

Sabaton gets me through some hard times. Much love

your songs are very sad stories achieved by the great men it made me cry a little bit when i read the description about the last stand of samurais it really moved me.. and i will recommend this history song to my friends.. thank you for making this glorious songs you've done

"My ancestors are smiling upon me, imperials...can you say the same?"

What I don't understand is why people would want to censor something this amazing and unique, so to Sabaton keep making your music 👍

More Sabaton songs about the samurai would be amazing.

Sabaton Music should be played on the radio instead of break up songs

I would sell my soul to see an anime with a soundtrack made by Sabaton

My one year old kid is home today, sick with the flu. I put the last stand album as background music while we play. As soon as the first riff of that song start playing, my kid turn to the radio, smile and start dancing. Well done Sabaton, now my kid is a metalhead.

Sabaton is a band of history buffs that absolutely nail the metal sound and I bloody well love it

Those lines about culture are amazing.

While they may be gone, the samurai will always be remembered as among the fiercest of warriors history has ever known.

“Surrounded and outnumbered THEN THE WINGED HUSSAR ARRIVED”

My new favorite song from Sabaton. I'm very intrested in the Japanese history and i'm glad you guys wrote a song about the Satsuma rebellion. I hope you make more songs about Japan.

When the Imperials accuse your samurai caste of preparing a rebellion so you get pissed and start a rebellion.

The "culture undone" at the end hits especially hard since the speed at which it is sang and the suddenness of the lyrics compared to the rest of the song are an exact parallel to how quickly the Samurai were ended by the Imperial government, and how swiftly and unexpectedly all their culture, art and everything they stood for was taken away.

There were 22 years when samurai could have sent a fax to Abraham Lincoln

That line with line with "The end of ancient culture" chills my whole body, this is so good.

Main Radio: This is the best music in the wor- Literally all Sabaton Fans: SHIROYAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

winged hussars and shiroyama are best

Real talk, I get emotional over this song thinking of how these men dedicated their lives to their beliefs. Very well done Sabaton.

Bruh im listening to this while doing an online lesson called the modernization of Japan.

Japan... Like Sakura flowers, the ancient culture of the Samurai flew away...

The starting lines have a lot of wisdom. Everybody should understand that line by heart