Kotaku
"Kimigayo," Japan's national anthem, has its supporters and haters. Adopted in 1868, the song is really a 10th century poem that contains this controversial line: "May the Emperor's reign last forever." Well, since the Emperor is now a figurehead, some Japanese question whether "Kimigayo" should be the national anthem. Other don't really give a hoot! While discussing Nintendo's super composer Koji Kondo, colleague Nobuo Uematsu jokingly hit upon this solution:
I think there are a lot of talented composers these days compared to when we started back in the day. But if I were to name just one person then it would be [Koji] Kondo-san and his beats and music in Super Mario, just his upbeat tempos. I'm sure everyone in the world — no borderlines or age limit — everyone in the world who's come across Super Mario's music will never forget that melody... I think that the Super Mario song should be the national anthem for Japan. [Hums the death refrain] So when someone wins a gold medal at the Olympics, a Japanese athlete, the flag should go up with the theme song. Shoop! ...The world would have a different image of Japan if we use that.
Before you pepper the comments with "lol" or "hahaha", just keep in mind having to stand and take off your hat every time someone fired up a Mario game. 'Kay? Now proceed with the hahaha-ing and lol-ing.
A Day in the Life [1Up via Go Nintendo]
Comments
haha. lol.
In all seriousness, I don't think the Mario anthem has the grand splendor that a proper anthem should have. no one would take it seriously.
Robonia, Robonia, The Land I Didn't Make Up
When it comes to outdated national songs Japan has nothing on us Brits. God save the queen and Rule Britannia indeed...
Even if it would never happen, it would make Japan even more super awesome then it already is,
oh yeah, haha, lol.
everyone would be jumping on turtles and eating mushrooms while the song is playing for tradition then
That would fit for Japan, the land of the (dumb) cute.
They should put "Hello Kitty" on their flag instead of that boring red point...
Kondo? Chirpy tunes, but if its an anthem, Joe Hisaishi's your man.
Nothing says modern like a video game anthem.
@GMC:
Good stuff.
That would be good, but I reckon the Katamari Damacy music might be even funnier.
God knows what the British one would be if it was based off game music.
If only Lemmings had some I could remember.
By the way, wouldn't Mario be used for a new Italian national anthem?
Zelda music would be better for an anthem I think.
Yes, Japan is not seen as crazy enough by the outside world quite yet. Really gotta push it over the edge.
I really like the Japanese anthem. Granted I've only ever heard it sung Acapella but still.
roflcopter?
What about IM@S' "Go My Way" as the anthem? How could you NOT stand up? :D
I reckon, given the popularity of the Wii the world over, they should switch their national anthem to the music that plays when you first start Wii Sports.
Da da daaa daaa daaa daaa daaa.
How about the FF7 theme? I always thought that was a great piece of music. Or a Touhou piece? If they did an IOSYS piece I would laugh so hard.
Scratch that, let's do Persona 3! BURN MY DREAD!!! (prefer some other songs but just imagining people singing that...)
omg that would be so awsome... hmmmp.. hmmmgp... hehe... hahahaha..HAHAHAHAHA LOL!
lol, hahaha.
uuuh yeah
If they do opt to change their national anthem, whatever replaces it MUST have at least a small amount of Engrish. It's just wouldn't Japanese if it didn't.
@Saimon86: ours needs to be the boss battle theme from FF7 so it can be played before international football matches. if that didn't fire the players up i don't know what would.
@Eltigro
I was thinking the same, I can imagine the Zelda theme tune being a national anthem.
Zelda makes more sense.
BA-BUM, BABABABABABAAAA, BA-BA BA BA BAAAA, BA BA BA BUM BA BA BUM
@Josh*: I uploaded the orchestrated theme for anyone who's interested! [tinypic.com]
How about something from Shadow of the Colossus? That'd make 'em real ominous.
@Frank: silent hill ambiance to put the fear of god in their enemies
Wars would cease if even one nation adopted the Mario Theme as an anthem... who could take the world seriously after that?
No one, that's who.
they can definately update the cross walk music to the mario song tho, that would get people moving evne faster
Anthems need to have words...therefore I propose the Donkey Kong rap.
There is a neta (japanese meme) going around proposing to use the Dragon Quest theme as the national anthem.
Check it out:
+ Watch video
I think the Martian Successor Nadesico openeing theme would work, especially the "you get to burning" part
+ Watch video
@Dorphat: Approved!:
Not enough "grand splendor" in the Mario theme? Well then, I nominate the Main Theme from Brawl:
+ Watch video
That would be awesome to hear at the Olympics.
Wait, on second thought, they should use the Suzumiya Haruhi song. It would be the catchiest anthem, plus the only one that has a dance associated with it! All they have to do is record it with an orchestra, maybe slow it down and make it a little bit more majestic, and BAM! There's your new anthem.
@sent: It seems only one of those guys has any idea what's going on there... Everyone else is extremely confused :P
I think something from Zelda could work quite nicely.
Or Final Fantasy.
@sent: That's actually really nice. I'd be proud of that anthem.
This will never happen.
But god, it would be SO awesome.
I hate being pedantic, but Nobuo Uematsu isn't Kondo's "colleague", he's a fellow composer (did loads of Final Fantasy stuff). I know, nobody cares. :-D Just makling it clear that this is another composer biggin up Kondo, and not a fellow Nintendo employee.
That would be hilarious! And if Japan ever went to war they would blast the castle them from Super Mario Bros... Scaaaary!
Well... No lol here.
I think it's a great idea.
People would really see Japan in a different way.
Hell, most people hate their nationnal anthem.
Eck, most people don't even know their own by heart.
So, a majority of this planet would know, by heart, the full anthem of Japan? Sound like a deal.
@Mink_Car: Of course the video is fake :)
But the guys did go to the trouble of actually singing the real anthem's lyrics to the Dragon Quest theme which I find really hilarious!
@erlik: And a lot of people on Niconico Douga would agree with you there. There's lots more where that came from.
Uematsu is a genius, and this proves it.
Bashcraft - I already stand up out of respect when I upload a Mario game, what's the issue?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA I seriously probably laughed more than anyone here. Ok, maybe not. But that is awesome!
BAD IDEA.
If the Japanese people care that is. I'm sure the media (if any kind) will ridicule them for using a game music and we all know how the media hates games - the news casters I watched said they games are for children >:(
Otherwise I'll envy them for having an awesome anthem. Although O'Canada isn't bad :p
IT woulsd make a nice anthem, but Brawl's main theme would be best, although unfortunately it's in Latin.
Do do do de do do do de do do do de do do!!
@Dorphat: Approved!:
I dunno... sounds pretty grand to me:
+ Watch video
Mandatory lulz: lol
I do think the Zelda theme would make a far better anthem.
"having to stand and take off your hat every time someone fired up a Mario game. 'Kay? Now proceed with the hahaha-ing and lol-ing."
You think I do if I hear my own anthem in a game or randomly? If I was AT the Olympics sure...
Hahaha!
Lol!
Considering I don't stand, nor take my hat off, everytime the National Anthem is played...I have to say
MASSIVE LOL
Mario theme is more widely known, but Zelda theme pwns all.
+ Watch video
No. Dragon Quest Theme (Overture) should be the Japanese anthem. EVERYONE knows that in Japan.