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 masterpieces (121–130)
Hiroshima Peace SongSakushi: Shigezono Yoshio / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Shuu
A gem of a choral work imbued with the desire to pass on the devastation of the Hiroshima atomic bombing to future generations and to pray for world peace.
First unveiled at the inaugural “Peace Festival” on August 6, 1947, this piece powerfully expresses a prayer for peace.
It has been sung every year at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Ceremony, and in 2018, under the baton of Hiroshima-born conductor Eiji Oue, a CD was produced with the cooperation of the Hiroshima Shin-on Orchestra and the Hiroshima Choral Association.
In 2023, an English-language video was also released as part of the Hiroshima International Peace and Culture Festival.
This is a song that resonates deeply with all who carry a wish for peace in their hearts, and with those who seek to connect with the spirit of Hiroshima.
Happy Xmas（War Is Over）Awich
When it comes to John Lennon’s songs with an anti–Vietnam War message, “Happy Xmas” comes to mind.
It reached No.
2 on the UK Singles Chart and is a beloved classic Christmas song.
There are many cover versions, but I recommend the one by Awich, a female rapper from Okinawa, released in 2020.
Her soulful vocals make your heart burn with emotion—it’s a truly outstanding performance.
It was also used as the ending theme for the film “Silent Tokyo.” You can really feel the anti-war message that carries on John Lennon’s legacy in this track.
messageaobouzu
Released in 2010, this is Aobozu’s 10th single.
Written and composed by the band’s leader, Shinichi Fujimori, it features a driving, up-tempo melody.
Rather than passing on the pain of war, the lyrics encourage us with hope in carrying life forward toward a brighter future.
It’s not only a song that prays for peace, but also one that pushes us forward as a cheer song when daily life is tough or when we hit a wall.
Where Have All the Flowers Gone?Katō Tokiko
In 2022, Tokiko Kato released the album “On the Endless Earth,” imbued with thoughts of anti-war and peace.
Included on this album is the song “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” a piece by American singer Pete Seeger that could be called one of the most famous anti-war songs in the world.
In Japan, it has been covered by numerous artists, including YMO and Kiyoshiro Imawano.
Some may feel that war is something happening in a distant country, unrelated to us.
Will you still feel the same after listening to this song? It’s a song you’ll want to hear while imagining yourself and your family in its place.
[Anti-war songs that pierce the heart] Prayers for peace conveyed by Japan’s masterpieces (131–140)
Fight the nightONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK’s 2015 song “Fight the night” is a masterpiece with a moving anti-war message.
Since its release, the album “35xxxv,” which includes this track, has resonated with many listeners.
It’s a song that asks those of us living today what war really is and reminds us of the importance of peace.
Its powerful melody and poignant lyrics convey ONE OK ROCK’s musical depth and maturity.
In particular, the call to keep holding on to hope for the future is striking.
Even for those of us who have not witnessed war firsthand, their music offers a chance to renew our wish for peace!
BeginnersSogabe Keiichi
This song about Ukraine is by Keiichi Sokabe, who is also active as the vocalist of Sunny Day Service.
Its sound has a dark, floating quality that seems to express inner anxiety, and the vocals feel like they’re speaking directly to you—both are striking.
It portrays a sense of viewing the fierce conflicts happening in far-off parts of the world as something distant and unrelated.
Rather than treating events in faraway lands as having nothing to do with us, this song prompts us to think of them as much closer to ourselves.
Outdated Rock ’n’ Roll BandKuwata Keisuke feat. Sano Motoharu, Sera Masanori, Char, Noguchi Goro
“Outdated Rock’n’Roll Band” was created with the hope that a peaceful world without conflict will arrive.
It’s a message song filled with a heartfelt plea against the wars occurring around the globe.
The dazzling choral work and band performance by musicians of the same generation as Keisuke Kuwata are striking, evoking images of a bright future and a society free of war.
It was also selected as a charity song for Save the Children, which supports children facing hardship around the world.
Why not take in its passionate anti-war message that transcends time and borders?
