264 Rise Again, Japan!

“Rise Again, Japan!”

There are those who deny patriotism
There are those who deny the very existence of the nation
There is no nobility in such thinking
Patriotism is not something to be forced
But I cannot respect those who lack it

Born in Japan, raised in Japan
Living in Japan
As long as we are here
Patriotism is a natural feeling
There are people we love, people we wish to protect
Therefore, there is value in protecting our country

It is said that no one dislikes war more than soldiers
That is because they stand face-to-face with death
To wish for peace and to maintain peace
A nation that neglects its defenses will surely perish

“If you desire peace, prepare for war”
This warning comes from a military thinker of the Roman Empire
To learn from the history of humankind is the mark of wisdom
Peace cannot be maintained by merely proclaiming peace

Japan now stands at a historic turning point
The choices of its people will shape the future
We must not be swayed
By comforting words or naive visions of peace
To sustain true peace requires the firm resolve of each individual
And the courage to act

Then, Japan will rise again
Rise again, Japan!