God Defend New Akiba

God Defend New Akiba

The national flag of New Akiba
National anthem of Realm of New Akiba
Lyrics	Toshihizo Kasugawa, 1871
Music	Mark Thomas York, 1876
Adopted	1940 (as national hymn) 1977 (as national anthem)

"God Defend New Akiba" is one of two national anthems of New Akiba, the other being "God Save the King". Legally they have equal status, but "God Defend New Akiba" is more commonly used, and is widely albeit incorrectly referred to as "the national anthem". Originally written as a poem, it was set to music as part of a competition in 1876. Over the years its popularity increased, and it was eventually named the second national anthem in 1977. The anthem has English and Nihhonese lyrics, with slightly different meanings.

Lyrics

National Anthem of New Akiba (God Defend New Akiba)
Nihhonese verse: "Shin Akiba" すべての信条とレースの男性、 汝の顔の前にここに集まります、 この場所を祝福するためにあなたを求めて、 神は私たちの無料の土地を守ります。 意見の相違から、嫉妬、憎しみ、 汚職は、私たちの状態を守ります、 私たちの国が良いと素晴らしい作ります、 神は守ります 新しいです アキバ	English translation Men of every creed and race, Gather here before Thy face, Asking Thee to bless this place, God defend our free land. From dissension, envy, hate, And corruption guard our state, Make our country good and great, God Defend New Akiba
English verse: "God Defend New Akiba" God of Nations at Thy feet, In the bonds of love we meet, Hear our voices, we entreat, God defend our free land. Guard Lucianna's triple star From the shafts of strife and war, Make her praises heard afar, God defend New Akiba.