Gunka ~ Kato Falcon Fighter Corps

A solo rendition of the war song (Gunka) 'Kato Hayabusa Sentoki Tai' on acoustic guitar.

"With the loud sound of the engine

The Hayabusa go

To the end of the clouds

The Rising Sun shining on our wings

And the Red Eagles displayed on our chests

Are the symbols of our fighters

Cold, wind or intense heat

Are nothing for us

We can bear trials and tribulations

Expert aircraftsmen maintain the aeroplanes

And pray their aircraft do well

With parental feelings for their lovely aeroplanes

With the experience of many air combats

In the roaring sound of the bullets

With the faith in our ultimate victory

And the co-operative spirit to die together if we must die

We grab our sticks from our hearts

After years of fighting

We received seven testimonials

But there were tears in the shadows of our feats

Ah, Samurai were gone

With the spirit to die with a smile

We are proud of our tough eagles to the world

Their wings go through thousands of miles

Whilst observing shining traditions

We will create the new Great Asia

We are the fighter wing of the Imperial Army"

And the film version:-

Plus a link to some more period Gunka on old records and a Gunka website with English translations.