Shimpei Nakayama

Background

Shimpei was born in 1887 in Nagano, Japan.

Education

Shimpei studied at Tokyo School of Music in 1912.

Career

In 1915, Shimpei wrote the melody for the Song of Katusha in a play based on Tolstoy's "Resurrection." It became the most popular song of the time. His subsequent hits included Habu Harbor, Tokyo March and Tokyo Ondo (dance song). Also, Shimpei wrote melodies for children's songs, including the Badgers of Shojoji Temple and others.

Achievements

• The doyen of popular music in Japan, Shimpei belongs to the Japan Victor Company and is president of the Musical Copyrights Association.

Works

• song

  • Habu Harbor

  • Tokyo March

  • Tokyo Ondo