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 Beloved Classics (81–90)
War & PeaceSakamoto Ryuichi
In March 2023, Ryuichi Sakamoto sadly passed away, much to the sorrow of many.
During his life, Sakamoto participated in various activities, especially those related to environmental conservation and peace—many of you have likely heard his words on these topics.
War & Peace, a song that confronts the opposing concepts of “war and peace” as the title suggests, is included on his 2004 album Chasm.
The lyrics of this song pose questions about peace and war, voiced from the depths of the heart.
Please listen to it together with the Japanese translation.
Song of the Uzikariyushi 58
This work depicts the hearts of people living in Okinawa and their kindness.
It’s a song by the rock band Kariyushi58, also known for their hit “Anma,” and the title track of their second album released in 2006.
Okinawa was a battlefield in World War II.
The people who live in that place, where so many sad and painful things happened, carry feelings that are beyond easy comprehension.
Yet, as expressed in “Uuji no Uta,” perhaps the most important thing is to feel pride in life itself.
Listening to it makes you feel, “I want to be that way, too.”
Our Yamatohannya
A track by the hugely popular rapper Hannya from Japan’s hip-hop scene, chosen as a support song for the film “Men of Yamato/YAMATO.” Over a chic, piano-driven beat, Hannya delivers a calm yet fervent and passionate rap.
The lyrics depict the young people of the time who had no choice but to go to the battlefield “for their country,” and simply listening makes your heart ache, compelling you to reflect that such history must never be repeated.
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?
The King’s Missilekaminarigumo
“The King’s Missile” is a song with a profound message, written by Keiji Ueno, the guitarist and vocalist of Kaminari Gumo, who was still a student at the time, after witnessing the retaliatory actions that followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
While it speaks about the meaning of being born and the futility of conflict, the line “and yet we will surely repeat it” conveys a vague yet wounded emotion that strikes the heart.
If everyone could value one another as they do themselves, perhaps peace might come.
Where Have All the Flowers Gone?Mr.Children
“Where Have All the Flowers Gone” is an anti-war song imbued with the plea to “end war, absolutely.” Written by Pete Seeger in 1955, it is renowned worldwide and has been covered by many artists in Japan as well.
This version is covered by the rock band Mr.Children, and its message—framed around social satire—leaves a strong impression.
The band’s soft, airy sound is a hallmark, highlighting Kazutoshi Sakurai’s straightforward vocals.
Please give this anti-war song a listen; its questions directed at oneself and at society strike straight to the heart.
Anti-war songs that pierce the heart: Prayers for peace conveyed by Japanese masterpieces (91–100)
In the country where Hiroshima isGasshou Kyoku
A choral piece themed around Hiroshima Prefecture and the atomic bomb—images that are directly linked to war for Japan.
The lyrics vividly portray lives and futures senselessly taken by war, conveying the horror to the present day.
Precisely because Japan is the world’s only country to have suffered atomic bombings, the message that we must share this sorrow and suffering is a mission that should be passed down, now and in the future.
It is an anti-war song that we hope will spread across the globe, one that conveys to future generations the folly of conflicts that, even now, never cease.
