Anti-war songs that pierce the heart: Japan’s masterpieces conveying prayers for peace
Music sometimes has the power to move people’s hearts and exert a great influence on society.
Among such works, anti-war songs imbued with wishes for peace have appealed across generations, conveying both the horrors of war and the preciousness of peace to many.
The anti-war songs etched into Japan’s musical history contain profound messages that we who live today must never forget.
In this article, we highlight Japanese anti-war songs—focusing mainly on popular Japanese music—and explain the backgrounds of the tracks and the sentiments embedded in their lyrics.
We invite you to take this opportunity to reflect anew on war and peace.
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[Anti-war songs that pierce the heart] Prayers for peace conveyed by Japan’s classic masterpieces (61–70)
Heal The WorldMichael Jackson
“Heal The World” was written and composed by Michael Jackson himself.
In the promotional video, children of various races suffering from civil wars, government oppression, racism, and poverty are depicted, along with soldiers who discard their weapons and awaken to peace.
Inspired by the release of this work, he established the Heal the World Foundation in 1992.
Message — Kotodute (oral message)Porunogurafiti
Porno Graffitti, a band with roots in Hiroshima, created this emotional ballad with a sense of mission to their hometown.
The lyrics portray the “first streetcar,” which ran through the city about three days after the atomic bombing, as a symbol for passing memory into the future, and their heartfelt prayer for peace comes through with piercing clarity.
Knowing that the lyrics were written first, and that vocalist Akihito Okano then composed the music as a prayer, makes the weight of the message even more palpable.
Released in April 2025 as the theme song for NHK Hiroshima’s “80 Years Since the Bombing: I Carry It Forward” project, the piece seems to quietly—yet powerfully—ask us, through music, to reflect on the preciousness of everyday life that must be protected.
Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare’s Over)Simple Plan
Wake Me Up is imbued with the hope that the conflicts happening around the world will end as soon as possible.
It was created in 2022 by Simple Plan, a Canadian band also known for supporting relief efforts for victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Their straightforward, borderless band sound is truly moving.
Many listeners will likely relate to the lyrics, which honestly express feelings about war.
Why not listen to this anti-war song, which even contributes to fundraising just by watching the video?
A world without tomorrowTakaishi Tomoya
Tomoya Takaishi, a pioneer of folk music in Japan known for his signature song “Examination Student Blues.” “A World Without Tomorrow” is a track included on his third folk album, “Boy, Don’t Grow Up,” released in 1969.
The original song is Barry McGuire’s “Eve of Destruction,” and it is also known through RC Succession’s cover.
The original’s lyrics depict scenes so brutal that the song was once banned from broadcast, and Takaishi’s version is rendered as if he were speaking directly to the listener.
It is utterly unacceptable that such conditions still apply even after so many years.
Singing anti-war songs and listening to them are also forms of expression, reminding us of the importance of continuing to raise our voices.
Little Fat Man boyLM.C
This is a song called “Little Fat Man Boy” released by the rock unit LM.C.
The lyrics are written in a pop style, but they convey a heartfelt plea to never make atomic bombs again.
Atomic bombs are terrifying weapons that destroy everything.
Child of the devilHiguchi Ai
Ai Higuchi’s song “Akuma no Ko” is a masterpiece included on the album “Saiaku SAI-AI,” released on March 2, 2022.
The track portrays the horrors of war and the power of love, leaving a deep impression on those who experience it.
The tin whistle’s timbre, in particular, heightens delicate emotions and conveys the weight of the lyrics to listeners.
By weaving together a range of feelings, the song compels listeners to confront the senselessness of war.
Its piano-centered progression further clarifies the message.
Highly recommended as an unforgettable piece for anyone who longs for peace!
Hey Kazuyuzu
As a leading example of musicians who got their start on the streets, the folk duo Yuzu has risen to become top artists known by all, and this is their 33rd single.
Chosen as the campaign song for the Japanese Red Cross Society’s “Hatachi no Ketsueki” (Blood Donation at Twenty), the track features a sound highlighted by pipe organ and chorus, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
The lyrics portray the folly of repeating the same mistakes over and over, while also capturing the undeniable happiness found in everyday life—sentiments that, alongside a prayer for peace, likely moved many listeners.
With its gentle melody that inspires a sense of tranquility, it’s a catchy yet majestic number.
