The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are finally upon us after being postponed for a year due to Covid. 

The games will see athletes from nations across the world descend on Japan's capital to compete on the world stage

Of course, this year's Olympics are set to be slightly different, with a state of emergency in Tokyo preventing any spectators from attending events meaning athletes will compete in empty stadiums. 

Despite the changes to normal Olympic procedure, some traditions will stay in place, including the playing of national anthems at medal ceremonies.  

One anthem we are likely to hear again and again is that of the host nation. 

But what is Japan's national anthem, and what do the words mean? 

Here's everything you need to know...

What is Japan's national anthem?

Japan's national anthem is called Kimigayo, with its lyrics among the oldest of any national anthem in the world, deriving from a waka poem written between the years 794-1185.

Translated into English, Kimigayo means "His Imperial Majesty's Reign". 

Why is Kimigayo considered controversial?

Kimigayo is considered one of the most controversial national anthems in the world because it is associated with wartime and honouring the emperor. 

During the second world war, Emperor Hirohito ordered that all schoolchildren were to salute him and sing Kimigayo in his honour.

Japan allied Germany and Italy during WW11, and while the latter countries used the post war period of overhaul their sense of nationalism, changing national anthems and in Germany's case, the flag, Japan did no such thing. 

Instead, the country kept the same flag, anthem and emperor.  

What are the lyrics in English?

Kimigayo is very short at only 56 seconds long. 

In English, it can be translated as: 

May the reign of the Emperor
continue for a thousand, nay, eight thousand generations
and for the eternity that it takes
for small pebbles to grow into a great rock
and become covered with moss.

Does Japan have an Emperor today?

Japan still has an Emperor, with Naruhito having taken on the role in 2019 following the abdication of his father. 

He is a monarch and a ceremonial head of state with no nominal political powers. 

As an honorary president of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Emperor is likely to be in Tokyo to declare the games open on Friday July 23.