Tōkichi Setoguchi – Battōtai March — A Cornerstone of Early Modern Japanese Military Music The Battōtai March ("Battōtai no Uta") is one of the earliest and most iconic military marches in Japanese music history.With lyrics by Kanagaki Robun and music composed by Tōkichi Setoguchi—also known for the famous Gunkan March—this piece played a foundational role in shaping the genre of Japanese military and patriotic music during the Meiji period. Historical Background The term Battōtai refers to a unit of the Imperial Japanese Army that fought in close combat with swords during the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877.Known for their fearless charges ...
