24/02/2026
During Riku Miura / Ryuichi Kihara (RikuRyu)’s gold medal ceremony, Japan’s national anthem “Kimigayo” was played, and translations were shown on screen.
Many people outside Japan are surprised when they learn the meaning, because it is often interpreted as a quiet wish for peace and longevity, rather than a call to battle.
A commonly shared modern-language explanation is:
“May your life continue for a very long time.
May it endure so long that small stones become a great rock and moss grows upon it.
May you live long, and happily.”
Compared with national anthems that emphasize war, struggle, or victory, Kimigayo is often seen as calm, restrained, and reflective.
It is a short anthem, and its emotional impact may not be obvious at first. But in moments like a medal ceremony, its quiet tone can feel very powerful.
This is one reason many viewers—both in Japan and abroad—found the moment moving. 🇯🇵⛸️✨
