noun
imperial reign; the emperor's era
Historical and literary term for the reign of an emperor. In modern usage, almost exclusively encountered in the context of the national anthem.
君が代は、古くは天皇の治世を祝う言葉として使われた。
Kimigayo was used in ancient times as a phrase to celebrate the emperor's reign.
noun
Kimigayo; Japanese national anthem
The title and first words of Japan's national anthem. The anthem itself is a waka poem from the Kokin Wakashū.
オリンピックの開会式で君が代が演奏された。
Kimigayo was performed at the Olympic opening ceremony.
君が代は世界で最も古い国歌の一つと言われている。
Kimigayo is said to be one of the oldest national anthems in the world.