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China's swim king Sun calls Japan's national anthem 'ugly'

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Big deal. It sounds like the guy isn't exactly a winner himself.

19 ( +23 / -4 )

The interesting thing that stands out in this story is that we have another Japanese swimmer and Olympic hopeful named "Kosuke." I mean, first Kosuke Kitajima and now Kosuke Hagino... I mean, what are the odds?!

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

“I didn’t hear what he said so it’s hard to comment,” he said. “But first and foremost we’re all athletes and we have to respect each other. We also have to show human values so hopefully we can continue to compete in that atmosphere.”

Good on Hagino for taking the high road and displaying real class. He makes Sun, and therefore China, look small-minded.

31 ( +36 / -6 )

The lyric of Japan's anthem is an old short poem, a Tanka from a poem book called Kokinwakasyu compiled in early Heian era more than 1,000 years ago. The melody matches well with the lyrics, very Heian atmosphere. I like it.

19 ( +22 / -4 )

@combinibentoSEP. 26, 2014 - 06:12AM JST The interesting thing that stands out in this story is that we have another Japanese swimmer and Olympic hopeful named "Kosuke." I mean, first Kosuke Kitajima and now Kosuke Hagino... I mean, what are the odds?!

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Their names are not same. Each has different kanji used names.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

It shows how "trashy and ugly" this Chinese man can be. He represents the stupidity of communist China's mentality.

31 ( +32 / -2 )

"The Chinese let their anger out tonight," he is heard as saying on a Chinese-language audio passed to AFP. "Honestly speaking, the Japanese national anthem sounds ugly."

Typical comment from and Privileged Communist.

14 ( +18 / -5 )

This chinese man represents his whole country rude mentality...sucks!!!

13 ( +19 / -6 )

What a scum! He is the quintessential big-headed, cocky, self-centred, arrogant, mannerless, immature sportsman. I guess being a champion doesn't guarantee you respect after all.

18 ( +20 / -2 )

Typical arrogant, obnoxious Chinese "little emperor"; China has produced them by the millions with their one-child policy. And yet China frets and moans about its "tarnished image" and wonders why it gets no respect.

13 ( +18 / -5 )

“The Chinese let their anger out tonight, honestly speaking, the Japanese national anthem sounds ugly.”

Sun Yang, all stupid.

“I didn’t hear what he said so it’s hard to comment, but first and foremost we’re all athletes and we have to respect each other. We also have to show human values so hopefully we can continue to compete in that atmosphere.”

Kosuke Hagino, all class.

If these two comments don't summarize perfectly the differences between the two nations in their "squabbles", I don't know what would. Well done Mr Hagino, you are a credit to your parents and your nation.

11 ( +14 / -3 )

Shortest nation anthem in the world. The lyrics allude to the Emperor. Yee Haw!!! Yes, it does suck, but I've heard plenty worse (hint: Argentina). The Best: Canada and Korea. I am not Canadian or Korean.

-13 ( +6 / -19 )

I actually really like the Japanese National Anthem - I think it sounds somewhat ethereal and quite transcendent or haunting.

China eh? They are just all class at the moment.

Give me a Japanese person any day of the week.

5 ( +12 / -6 )

Slow and mind-numbingly boring, maybe. Not lively, certainly.

But not 'ugly', surely.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Haunting, yes Tama I agree. Not in a good way. Now that Barack is bombing 3 countries there is no way he will do anything but pull back if anything happens between those 2 countries. Stock up on canned food.

-13 ( +3 / -16 )

Maybe he wouldn't have to listen to the Japanese anthem if he and his team didn't lose that podium spot to the Japanese medalists. Talk about being a sore loser. I guess Confucius didn't teach his people anything about humility or sportsmanship, or anything about good human values.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Perpetuating hate and teaching it to future generations is what is ugly.

15 ( +17 / -1 )

...really now ... that's the best you can do? I just listened to both the Japanese and the Chinese national anthems and while both do sound nice if you don't know what their talking about. The Japanese one sounds more peaceful than the Chinese one which has pretty aggressive words in it. I mean the whole song is pretty much telling you to rebel and fight.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

He epitomizes China's arrogance and ugliness. You are a world champion young man. You should be a good role model to the youth.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

If I had a giant chip on my shoulder, I could make remarks to the effect that China's national anthem sounds like the Salvation Army Marching Band tuning their instruments. But the point is, international sports events are supposed to be about goodwill. I think Sun should be given a tap on the shoulder that the next time he makes remarks like that, his medals will be invalidated and awarded to the second-place finisher.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

That's okay as Chinese society in general is "ugly". I'll take the ugly national anthem any day.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

you wantt to know Kimigayo more, check Japanese Anthem at Wikipedia. There is music note. Japanese language version has more detail.

This Chinese wants to please Chinese Govt to escape from his criminal charge? He is not aware current CJK cooperation activities and thinks insulting Japan is best?

On the contrary, Japanese swimmer was polite and his comment is remarkable.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Whatever. If that's his opinion, who cares? If you like the anthem, comments like this from a 'bad-boy' athlete shouldn't bother you.

-7 ( +9 / -16 )

Honestly speaking, the Japanese national anthem sounds ugly.

That was what I thought when I was a child. It is unique and different from septatonic music.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Grow up you spiteful, petulant child.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Hagino is a genuine athlete. There is something dignified in his reply comment.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

This chinese man represents his whole country rude mentality...sucks!!!

So you are basically saying one man's words represents that of an entire country. If you think this way, it means you believe everything the media has to say.

NEWS FLASH: There are Chinese people that have their own opinion.

2ND NEWS FLASH: There are Chinese people that like Japan some of which are currently here buying electronics and baby diapers.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

“Honestly speaking, the Japanese national anthem sounds ugly.”

Honestly speaking, that's an ugly comment.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Well, honestly, the Japanese national anthem in a way sounds very Chinese to me.

National anthem should either be solemn or a pick me up kinda melody. Its used to inspire patriotism. I have to say Japanese anthem does the exact opposite.

Its the national anthem, not poetry. The idea is to instill a rally type emotion in a patriotic theme.

Its definitely not ugly but it shouldn't make you fall asleep either.

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

He with his big mouth is the ugly one. Ugly people speak ugly words! Pronto!

7 ( +9 / -2 )

There are Chinese people that like Japan some of which are currently here buying electronics and baby diapers.

Or they just hate their own cheap products? The Chinese cutting lines so they could get their hands on an iphone 6 to sell didn't seem very respectful.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

LOL. Gee what a dignified country, from their game officials to their athletes,

6 ( +12 / -6 )

For the record ,the Japanese national anthem is dignified and zen just like Japan.The Chinese national is loud and aggressive and a complete rip off of a loud western anthem,so Chinese.

9 ( +13 / -4 )

OssanAmerica,

Let's keep it in perspective: Athlete. No (s)s. And that has nothing to do with the dignity of a nation.

If you value freedom of speech, then Sun has every right to express his personal opinion. Much like the sex-slave political and official deniers in Japan has their rights to express their opinions. Or the ones who visit Yasukuni Shrine for "personal" devotion instead of "political" expression. Same freedom of expression and freedom of speech here. You find them undignified. They find you undignified. See the pattern here.

Pot meet Kettle happens to be a recurring theme for a lot of people around.

-10 ( +4 / -14 )

Whatever. If that's his opinion, who cares? If you like the anthem, comments like this from a 'bad-boy' athlete shouldn't bother you.

Yes, but it would bother you if a Japanese "bad boy" swimmer said the same about korea's anthem. That's the point.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Kimigayo is modelled on England's "God save the Queen / King" - sombre, reflecting England's command as the world empire leader in the 19th c.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

CanadianINtokyo,

Pot meet Kettle. Your comment is no better than Sun's. Most of the nations national anthems are used in the act of war to inspire patriotism. Technically speaking, if you watch the Olympics, most of the nations anthems are rather loud and aggressive. Even the US anthems gets pretty loud. But I shouldn't criticize Canada or Canadians, I will leave that to the majority of my fellow Americans.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

no class...

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Agreed! no class at all. And also Japan are doing pretty well. 18-11 medal ratio to china is pretty phenomenal, since the population of China is literally 10 times that of Japan!

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Bronco123Sep. 26, 2014 - 09:51AM JST He with his big mouth is the ugly one. Ugly people speak ugly words! Pronto!

Exactly lol ))))

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Here they go again.

Chinese who were taught Japan was their enemy.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Just because 1 Chinese bad boy makes a critical remark, people here criticise 1.4 billion people. Who is uglier? Just because 1 white policeman shoots an unarmed black, does it mean that all Americans are murderers? But if millions of Japanese kill millions in the 2WW, we should forget and forgive and pretend nothing ever happened!

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

Classy guy, just like his government.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

this is the world to come- China uses all avenues to push the party agenda, so where in other countries comments such as his would bring some complaint - in China it will bring him more honor.

such a shame- a big country like China promoting bulling tactics... just like a kid in a schoolyard

5 ( +6 / -1 )

China living up to their BS! Nothing new! Oh, and if he wants to know what the definition of ugly is, he should take a good look in the mirror, inside and out! China....lol!

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Well it's interesting to note the fact that this song's score is actually the second scoring used for the official "Kimigayo." Apparently, the first one (used from 1868-1880) was...well...too "ugly sounding," (it lacked the "appropriate solemnity,") so in 1880 they changed the melody to its present version!

The name of the national anthem is usually translated to "His Majesty's Reign," it was used during the years of Japanese imperialism throughout Asia, and a good many Japanese themselves don't like it since they feel it "to be a symbol of Japanese nationalism, imperialism and militarism." The song itself is about revering the Emperor, and even though many Japanese here at home don't feel inclined to sing out praise not of their nation but to the Emperor himself, there are actually laws passed in "free" Japan which REQUIRE that all citizens stand AND sing out their reverence for the Emperor (or face serious punishments, as in the case of government employees.)

So given all this, I could see how a lot of folks throughout Asia (and not just outside Japan) might not harbor warm and fuzzy feelings for the Emperor-loving anthem.

Now...for an athlete, any athlete, to say as much during a sports event is just classless. About as tasteless as Sun's rather suspiciously Japanese-looking hairstyle! Try listening to the Chinese national anthem without cringing! Holy-moly: it's Gawd-awful!! But some things one just needs to keep to oneself!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I do so like the Chinese... their one of the few Countries on Earth than can make Americans look good.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

highball7Sep. 26, 2014 - 10:14AM JST OssanAmerica, Let's keep it in perspective: Athlete. No (s)s. And that has nothing to do with the dignity of a nation.

Yes it does, And if you're going go on about the Japanese show me when Japanese athletes make such offensive statements.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Well I like Japan's Anthem... is short yet has a very nice meaning to it (profound I dare to say).

It is sad... but well there are that kind of people every where even in Japan so...we should be tolerant and understand that not all persons are... well mannered.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Highball7, It does reflect China and its culture and dignity. Chinese people are not quite aware what humility and consideration to others mean. Go to China and notice how their behavior differs from Japan. For instance , simple things like queuing in lines, not being hygienic etc. Even the Chinese government tells Chinese travellers to act "civilized" abroad. Mr. Sun is the typical Chinese guy you can think of . His behaviour is the result of an underdeveloped society. An athlete shouldn't act like this. He should learn from Hagino, humble and considerate to others.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Japan anthem is not ugly. But to be fair some Japanese don't like too. For e.g. Some teachers don't want stand up when it play at graduation ceremony.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Clear representation of his country......China.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I wouldn't say "ugly" but, sleepy, boring, un-inspiring and ugly come to mind.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Be hard on this jerk, but not on Chinese generally. I do to China frequently and get along great. Most Chinese are not like this.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

This guy is clear a Sun of a &^$$ now isn't he! The winner is actually a LOSER with a huge capital L!

Now if he truly spouted this crap he should perhaps be banned from further competition or even forfeit his medal when he made the highly inappropriate remarks

6 ( +6 / -0 )

But I shouldn't criticize Canada or Canadians, I will leave that to the majority of my fellow Americans.

@Highball... Canada's national murder rate is the same as Baltimore Maryland(a small US city) You laughing at us.You are our national punchline

ps.Not to mention your spiralling debt,soon to be devalued dollar,police/prison state,world wide held contempt for your military state/country.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

'Clear representation of his country......China.'

All 1.4 billion of them? My Chinese coworker thinks he's an uneducated tit.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

A loser! A complete disgrace to the sports.......

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Big attitude, big c**k, say no more.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

maybe be Sun is just a little frank. It sounds like a song that plays during a funeral. Sun maybe not understand the inside of the song, just speak it out directly.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

I call Sun Yang's comment ugly.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Well, it's COMMON and GIVEN for CHINESE to speak that unethical and no-manner way. Who's shocked? Even their staffs did it. That's because that is the stereotype chinese. And to be frank, that highball7 missed it a lot... uhh, shame on you? Yes.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Hong Kongers do not agree with this chi-na person, this idiot does not represent the people of Hong Kong. Many Hong Kongers remain admirer of Japanese culture. For everyone's information, the music for the Japanese national anthem "Kimi ga yo", is based on the ancient Tang Dynastic court music. Ancient Chinese culture was passed onto Japan during the Tang Dynasty, and have been incorporated in Japan's traditional kimono style and in Japan's music ever since. The so called "traditions” now in chi-na is a poor imitation of the culture of old, we Hong Kongers appreciate that Japan have kept the Tang cultural element in their own traditionals, giving Hong Kongers a taste of what it must have been like back during the cosmopolitan Tang Dynasty.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

A China child..

2 ( +3 / -1 )

tinawatanabeSEP. 26, 2014 - 06:38AM JST The lyric of Japan's anthem is an old short poem, a Tanka from a poem book called Kokinwakasyu compiled in early Heian era more than 1,000 years ago. The melody matches well with the lyrics, very Heian atmosphere. I like it.

That's fine and everything but it's just so dark and foreboding in tone - it doesn't match the age at all. It was written in a time life was short and harsh. We need something more uplifting and encouraging like most other national anthems in the world.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

What a guy full of rubbish words. He is not even good looking.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

BNlightened

The name of the national anthem is usually translated to "His Majesty's Reign," it was used during the years of Japanese imperialism throughout Asia, and a good many Japanese themselves don't like it since they feel it "to be a symbol of Japanese nationalism, imperialism and militarism." The song itself is about revering the Emperor, and even though many Japanese here at home don't feel inclined to sing out praise not of their nation but to the Emperor himself, there are actually laws passed in "free" Japan which REQUIRE that all citizens stand AND sing out their reverence for the Emperor (or face serious punishments, as in the case of government employees.)

Nope that is just one interpretation since the word 君 only means "You" or "my beloved" and 代 means "your time". Basically it only sings I hope your time gains as a small pebble gather to become a large bolder and age to gather moth.

Live on, my XXXX, till what are pebbles now,

By age united, to great rocks shall grow,

Whose venerable sides the moss doth line.

The XXX is basically ambiguous but if you place "my motherland" it really becomes a very fitting national anthem.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Can we honestly be surprised that a Chinese person has said this?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

igloobuyer, Early Heian period was peaceful time when many masterpiece court literature were written like The Tale of Genji. It was before Samurai. The Kimigayo matches any ages if you know the lyrics.

Seki, "Kimi ga yo" is based on a Japanese poem, Tanka from Kokin Waka Shu. and the music is not based on Chinese Tang Dynastic court music. It seems the music was written a few hundred years ago with help of a British. Please check.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Big deal. It sounds like the guy isn't exactly a winner himself.

Make no mistake: Sun is a winner - even better than our Aussie greats, and that is saying a lot. Best of all time in distance.

But he has certainly blotted his copybook with these stupid political comments. Very, very dumb comments. Stick to swimming and keep your trap shut, kid!

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Sun is no stranger to controversy, getting himself suspended from swimming for six months after police detained him last year for colliding with a bus while driving his Porsche without a license.

China’s swimming bad boy previously had a public bust-up with his coach after he voiced disapproval of the swimmer’s dalliance with an air hostess.

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

etc, etc.

I think he does on his own, I ton;t think it is fair to bash China for this one's comment and action, China did not command him to behave like than. He is just a big mouth swimmer criminal.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

i dont know but chinese people really act on their temper than their logic.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

From the sportsman representing China: "Honestly speaking, the Japanese national anthem sounds ugly."

From the sportsman representing Japan: "...first and foremost we’re all athletes and we have to respect each other. We also have to show human values so hopefully we can continue to compete in that atmosphere."

Not hard to judge who has more class here, is it? As we English say: "It's not the winning or losing, it's how you play the game."

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@BNlightened

SamuraiBlue

Nope that is just one interpretation since the word 君 only means "You" or "my beloved" and 代 means "your time". >Basically it only sings I hope your time gains as a small pebble gather to become a large bolder and age to gather moth.

Live on, my XXXX, till what are pebbles now,

By age united, to great rocks shall grow,

Whose venerable sides the moss doth line.

The XXX is basically ambiguous but if you place "my motherland" it really becomes a very fitting national anthem.

is absolutely correct. Since the birth of very original lyric in Heian period, people have arranged and sometimes parodied the song for religious ceremonies, village festivals and cerebrations throughout Japan's history until its official governmental use as Japan's national anthem in Meiji period. You can see people's beloved Kinigayo in no, kabuki, jyo-ruri (even an erotic version of the song found in Edo era) and such.

Those extreme post-war pacifists (common in Nikkyo-so 日教組) who claims that the song reminds people of the WW2 and whatnot...are like those Koreans and Chinese accusing of Japan's rising Sun flag (kyokujitsu-ki 旭日旗)—they can think what they want but they don't understand the history correctly, rather, they cherry-pick a historical event of their choice to forcebliy relate an object (a song, a flag) to their ideology (anti-war, anti-Japan.)

And if you say Kimigayo isn't patriotic enough—What's wrong with it? I thought the whole world is fearful of Japan's nationalism?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Kimigayo is very peaceful though solemn and very dignified. I'd say it represents Japan and its spirit pretty well. I just press the ignore button when I read certain rubbish statements from people who don' know better (^o^)

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Sun Yang is an immature brat who deserves a global audience even less than he deserves the gold medal.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

the word 君 only means "You" or "my beloved"

The word 君 has two meanings:

(1) our emperor/sovereign/lord, his/her majesty

(2) a vocative pronoun used in addressing persons of equal or lower rank to the speaker

(2) is the more common modern meaning; (1) is more archaic, dating from over 1,000 years ago.

It's hard to imagine a national anthem in which the 'motherland' is addressed using a pronoun used to refer to those of inferior rank. I think the majority of Japanese accept that the きみof きみがよrefers to the Emperor.

With his insulting inane comment, Sun has demonstrated the truth of the saying, Better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you're a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt. He told us nothing about the national anthem of Japan and a lot about himself. He should stick to swimming.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

cleo

If Kimi refers to the Emperor, Kimi ga yo refers to Japan. So, Kimi ga yo means Japan.

If Kimi refers to the Emperor, what is the problem? It is a fact that Japan had many Emperors over 1,000 years.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

If Kimi refers to the Emperor, what is the problem?

There's no problem. I was commenting on SamuraiBlue's claim that the word 君 only means "You" or "my beloved". It doesn't.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Japan, I love your anthem, mostly because...so far there's only "one version" and no artist tries to embellish it♪ Simple and to the point, the average non-singer can sing it. Unlike most that are full of pomp and circumstance but without heart and loyalty. It's short, yes! So no one has time to do something stupid like spit or grab their nuts.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

cleo

Historically 君 was never used to point the emperor since he was above all lords. The correct word would be 大君. It's like addressing the king as sir.

Another mistake would be in modern usage 君 is used to people of affection and/or towards someone you are familiar.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Kimi in kimigayo was not man talks each other in showa and Heiwa eras. Kimi ga yo is Emperor's governing eras. gayo was not created in Showa eras, It was just a song we sang Emperor's birthday (Ten-Chou-Setxu). in schools. .

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

In the movie Confucius, King Wei asked Conf why his wealthy people are not peaceful.

Conf prescribed EDUCATION - inculcation of peaceful values.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Historically 君 was never used to point the emperor since he was above all lords. The correct word would be 大君. It's like addressing the king as sir.

Almost all the Japanese commentaries on the wording of the Manyoshu, Kokin Wakashu etc., assume that kimi refers not exclusively but mostly to the Emperor. It was not used to address the Emperor directly, as far as I know (only a very limited number of people would be allowed to address him directly, in any case) . 大君 (okimi/ogimi) was used to refer to the Emperor as well as princes and princesses of the Imperial line. 大君 (oigimi) was a courtesy title given to the eldest daughter of a noble family.

in modern usage 君 is used to people of affection and/or towards someone you are familiar.

But it's a one-way, top-down usage; a parent may use it to a child for example, but never a child to a parent. Try calling your Japanese father-in-law kimi and see what reaction you get. :-) Then again, the wording in kimigayo isn't modern usage. The poem it is said to be based on wasn't written in modern Japanese.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

This guy is arrogant and spoiled. He has a history of making himself look like one big A** Hole.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

am very sad. On the Chinese bulletin board, some Chinese praised his act. The Japanese athlete concentrates on that I increase one's results. However, most of Koreans and Chinese remember joy in defeating Japan. The sports are not tools of the politics.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

He has a case of Bieber Fever me thinks...often attacks the rich and those that feel entitled...can be diagnosed by repeated public displays of douche-baggery

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I totally disagree, because Japan`s national anthem experience the wonderful way to be born in Japan while the Chinese national anthem experience the harsh communism leadership, and about battle and sacrifice for their country!! But all the chinese competitors are so called brainwashed by the communism government over time i think.And it makes the competitors think that Japan is a bad country and that China is the greatest that does nothing wrong at all, and that China have right to occupy other countries territory legaly!!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Another diva in the world of sports -join the queue! May be a fine swimmer, but his background shows a lot of immaturity.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Being a champion does not give you the right to bash other nation (s) with complete nonsense and immaturity.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

It is ugly.

He is right.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

to: bertiewooster After all this guy, Sun is chinese. U know how his country is badly reputed. And Mind your own business. This is really a low class comment. Speaking ill of other people or other nations encourages U?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Tak Alfred Oishi,

I don't care where Sun is from. The Japanese anthem is dark, gloomy and, as Sun says, "ugly."

I'm not speaking ill of any country.

I just don't like the Japanese anthem.

I'm sorry if my opinion offends you.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

I love Japan. I really do. Please believe me. But I never liked the national anthem. It sounds like funeral music for a country's leader. It's like somebody died. I love Japan. Doesn't anyone agree?

By the way, my Japanese language teacher told us that the national anthem is a Chinese melody. So the Chinese swimmer is saying that Chinese melody sounds awful. He may not be diplomatic, but comon how many of you like the national athem?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

quercetum, Japan's anthem is not a Chinese melogy. A British recommended Japan create a anthem hundreds years ago. They (Japanese and the British) composed the molody together. After the British left Japan, Japan made some changes to sound more Japanese. Please check for yourself.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Whoever wrote it, whether it's in the top ten in China or not, the Japanese national anthem is horrible.

Just give it a listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29FFHC2D12Q

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Bertie, That's the worst Japanese anthem I've ever heard.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

tinawatanabe,

Isn't it!

Sun Yang is right.

It's ugly.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Im not one to defend nationalism or the right of anyone to have an opinion about the subjective nature of music and certainly not limiting peoples free speech (though a little ironic given the persons country of origin), however making comments like that don't really seem to be inline with the ideals of good sportsmanship in an international sporting competition.

A little underwhelming, and very short it may be, but his comment and where he made it say much more about him than what he is commenting on.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I wonder if any of those who downgraded my post have actually heard the Japanese national anthem. Or did they downgrade it because a) a Chinese person had said that it sounded ugly and I was agreeing with this or b) they are so right-wing nationalist that they have actually convinced themselves that this is a beautiful melody.

It sounds like a funeral dirge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29FFHC2D12Q

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

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