Anti-war songs that pierce the heart: Japan’s masterpieces conveying prayers for peace

RussiansSting

Sting – Russians

Sting, the English musician who formed the rock band The Police and released numerous classic songs, included the track “Russians” on his 1985 solo debut album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles.

The song quotes the second movement of Lieutenant Kijé, a suite by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev, and is an anti-war piece born out of the East–West Cold War of the 1980s.

Its lyrics resonate by asking us to think beyond the simple perspective of perpetrator and victim, and instead reflect on our shared humanity and the universal love we have for our children.

Listening to this song makes one consider even more deeply the importance of approaching others with such compassion, despite our differing positions.

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KEI

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A single petal of cherry blossomMISIA

Kamikaze attack sakura hitohira (A Petal of Cherry Blossom) The Eternal Zero Kamikaze Special Attack Unit The Eternal Zero

A song that movingly conveys a wish for peace entrusted to cherry blossom petals.

Its lyrics carry a powerful message: we must never repeat the sorrow of war.

MISIA’s overwhelming vocal prowess and richly expressive voice resonate deeply with listeners.

Included on the single “Shiroi Kisetsu/Sakura Hitohira,” released in February 2015, the track was selected as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama special The Eternal Zero.

With the arrival of spring, it offers a chance to reflect on peace.

Lesson 1Kagawa Ryo

Ryo Kagawa “Lesson I” (Kyokun I)

A song whose gently conversational vocals and simple guitar tones sink deep into the heart.

In a time when the atmosphere encouraged fighting for one’s country, this work whispers, “Treasure life; it’s okay to run,” resonating as a universal ode to life that transcends the framework of anti-war.

Released as a single in July 1971 and included on the album ‘Lesson,’ the song’s message may be there to support you when you find yourself questioning the tide or wanting to reflect on the preciousness of peace.

At the foot of the rainbowHajime Chitose

Chitose Hajime “At the Foot of the Rainbow” (Lyric Video)

This is a song filled with a wish for peace, sung by Chitose Hajime, who is also active as an Amami folk singer.

The undulating vocal style characteristic of folk music and the bright, laid-back sound based on reggae are striking.

As suggested by the title, which mentions the foot of the rainbow—said to be where treasures are buried—the song conveys a strong longing for a distant goal and a spirit of helping one another to reach it.

It seems to teach us that each of us should hold the great goal of peace and move forward together while supporting one another.

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kappamaki

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Dashing! RasputinZa Rīsaru Weponzu

[MV] “Rapid Run! Rasputin” THE LETHAL WEAPONS – Rasputin

A song by The Lethal Weapons, a Japanese–American rock duo that releases works inspired by various cultures mainly on YouTube.

Based on prophecies attributed to the real-life mystic Rasputin from the late Imperial Russia era, the track delivers a powerful impact with its straightforward message wrapped in humor.

In the face of the recurring reality of conflict throughout human history, the story evokes the presence of those who, in every age, have struggled to stop it—something that can inspire courage.

It’s a rock tune you’ll want to listen to again and again, one that makes you wish the current tragedy would end as soon as possible.

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Hoshino Takashi

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ReplyTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Reply (Official Music Video)

This is the 32nd single by singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi, an emblem of Japanese city pop that’s being rediscovered around the world.

Written as the theme song for the film “Sea Without Exit,” it was released as a double A-side single together with “Synchronicity (A Wonderful Coincidence).” Its lyrics, which resolve to carry the memories of lives lost in war into the future, vividly portray the grief and strength of those left behind.

It’s a medium-tempo ballad that tightens the chest as you listen, conveying both the senselessness of wars that bring happiness to no one and the aching realization that we must keep moving forward nonetheless.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Camphor Tree — Blown by 500 Years of Wind —Fukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Camphor Tree: Blown by 500 Years of Wind (Performed on NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen)

This work centers on a camphor tree in Nagasaki that survived the atomic bombing and continues to live today.

Spanning 500 years, it embodies the resilience of life that has endured a harsh history, expressed through Masaharu Fukuyama’s steadfast, resonant vocals.

The piece is a rearrangement of a track included on the album “HUMAN,” released in April 2014, newly orchestrated with chorus after roughly eleven years.

Its majestic sonority evokes an even deeper prayer for peace.

It’s also wonderful to feel the power of music in the fact that a portion of the proceeds from this work will be donated to a fund for preserving A-bombed trees.

It is a masterpiece that stirs thoughts of history, gives us strength to face tomorrow, and leaves a lasting mark on the heart.