Did you know?: Japan’s national anthem Kimigayo

The Japanese national anthem, “Kimigayo” (literally, the reign of your majesty), is known as the oldest and shortest among the world’s national anthems. The lyrics have only 32 characters, and it is sung in only 11 measures (about 50 seconds). The lyrics are based on a tanka poem written 900 years ago, which wishes that the emperor’s reign would be continued forever.