KOTODAMA AND KIMIGAYO: THE ‘SPIRIT OF LANGUAGE’ MYTH AND JAPAN’S NATIONAL ANTHEM

Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between kotodama, the ‘spirit of language’ myth, and the national anthem controversy in Japan from a sociolinguistic point of view. Since the end of the Pacific War, Japan’s national anthem, Kimigayo (His Imperial Majesty’s Reign), has caused highly contested debates within the national consciousness. Those who praise the song claim that it is a traditional national anthem sung since the nineteenth century with lyrics based on a classical waka poem written in the tenth century. Those who criticise it view the lyrics as imperialist and associate the song with negative connotations of the war. While it is clear that opposition is mainly based on a political interpretation of the lyrics, this article sheds light on the role of kotodama, the Japanese myth of the spirit of language, and its possible link to the uncommon intensity of the controversy. The main idea behind the kotodama myth is that words, pronounced in a certain manner, have an impact on reality through divine power. Based on this premise, the kotodama myth has been reinterpreted and incorporated into Japanese social and political discourses throughout history. Discussing the nature of national anthems and the discursive role of the ancient myth, this article provides original observation and new insight into the disputes about the national anthem in Japan.