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.
- “Song of War”: A classic that sings of the tragedy and folly of war
- [Songs Praying for Peace] To Prevent Repeating Tragic History | A Collection of Peace Songs That Resonate with the Heart
- [Song for Supporting Ukraine] A moving anthem that conveys hopes for peace & songs of Ukraine
- Masterpieces of Japanese music that delve into various social issues, such as war and environmental problems
- The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
- [2026] Anti-war songs in Western music. Songs that wish for peace.
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- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- Songs of anger. Western music anger songs. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
Anti-war songs that pierce the heart: Prayers for peace conveyed by Japan’s masterpieces (111–120)
Far from Kyivsadamasashi
Many people are likely shocked by the devastation in Ukraine shown on television.
Amid this, Masashi Sada’s “Far from Kyiv” is a song that pours that pain into music.
While many artists tend to shy away from political themes, Sada entrusted an anti-war message to his song.
Its lyrics, which convey the horrors of war while still looking toward the renewal of life, will resonate deeply with anyone.
By listening to this piece, your feelings for Ukraine may be renewed and perhaps move you to take action.
Anti-war songs that pierce the heart: Prayers for peace conveyed by Japan’s masterpieces (121–130)
Waist Deep in the Big MuddyPete Seeger
“Waist Deep in the Big Muddy,” released by Pete Seeger in 1967, is a song based on a tragic real-life accident that occurred during a U.S.
Army training exercise.
The lyrics, told from the perspective of a young trainee, depict how lives are lost due to a leader’s selfish actions.
The song’s message resonated widely and has been covered by many famous artists around the world.
In Japan, a translated version was released under the title “Koshi made Doro Mamire” (“Muddy Up to the Waist”).
THE WAR SONGYamashita Tatsuro
This is a track by Tatsuro Yamashita that sings a prayer for a world without conflict, set to an uplifting blend of funk and soul.
Released in April 1986, it appears on the masterpiece “POCKET MUSIC,” which won the Excellence Album Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.
While it takes on the heavy theme of “war,” what comes through is not a narrow focus on national interest, but a powerful wish for a future of coexistence for the entire planet.
Rather than sorrow or despair, it radiates a hopeful, vigorous energy that stirs the listener’s heart.
It may prompt us to reflect anew on just how precious our ordinary, peaceful daily lives truly are.
The way homeYūki., Misu
Conceived under the theme “A Reiwa anti-war song created by those born in the 2000s,” this grand piece was crafted by singer Yuki and composer Misu.
The work portrays the folly of war and the preciousness of peace as seen through everyday, ordinary scenes.
It’s striking how the song gives voice to the complex emotions of today’s generation—the guilt surrounding a peace that rests on someone else’s sacrifice, and the helplessness of feeling unable to change anything.
The track was released in October 2024 as part of a music project.
If you listen when you want to rediscover the value of the everyday, it’s sure to resonate deeply with your heart.
What’s Going OnMarvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye wrote “What’s Going On” as an anti-war song after hearing about the battlefield from his brother, who had returned from the Vietnam War, collaborating with Al Cleveland and Renaldo Benson.
With its memorable melody and strong message, the song has been covered by many artists.
Hiroshima I always used to seeyoshida takurou
A song by singer-songwriter Takuro Yoshida, who is also known as a key figure in bringing genres like rock and folk into the J-POP mainstream.
Featured on his 11th album, “Ajia no Katasumi de” (“In a Corner of Asia”), the track’s delicate acoustic guitar tones and nostalgic melody are soothing.
Born in Kagoshima Prefecture the year after the war ended, Yoshida likely saw in Hiroshima both the horrors of war and the resilient strength of people determined to rise again.
It is an enduring anti-war song that reminds us of mistakes we must never repeat.
In Francine’s CaseShintani Noriko
It is an anti-war song about Francine Lecomte, who self-immolated on the streets of Paris in protest against the Vietnam War—an event that deeply shocked many Japanese people.
While the death of a single person may not change the world, the song carries a powerful message that her act continues to live on in people’s hearts.