Maritime Nation (score)

Commissioned by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Band, Maizuru (conducted by LT Kenji Nozawa) in 2022 as a commemorative work for the 120th anniversary of the opening of the Maizuru Naval District, and was premiered at the band's 56th annual concert.

This work depicts the transition of Japan itself as a maritime nation, the sea that surrounds it, and the lives of its people.

It is no exaggeration to say that "the history of Japan is the history of the sea," and Japan has had deep ties with the sea since ancient times. There have always been people who love Japan and the sea. In modern times, defense organizations such as the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Japan Coast Guard, and in history, the Imperial Japanese Navy and naval forces have watched over the sea.

When we expand our perspective to the world, it goes without saying that maritime events have greatly impacted the formation of countries and the world map. This work is a tribute to all people who have lived with the sea and a prayer for the further prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation.

As an aside, when my grandmother was repatriated from Manchuria after the war, the first place she landed in Japan was Maizuru. I imagine that Maizuru, which she crossed the sea after narrowly escaping the fires of war, must have brought relief and hope for reconstruction to the people of the area.

As the composer, I am happy if this work evokes hope for the future and prayers for world peace while celebrating the sea's history and its people's glory.
(Shuhei Tamura)

(Shuhei Tamura)