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

world peaceSEKAI NO OWAR

world peace

This is a powerful message song that could be called the origin of SEKAI NO OWARI, known for their fantastical worldview.

It sharply depicts the contradictions and latent violence hidden behind the word “peace,” which people uphold as an ideal.

The worldview poses a fundamental question—whether the very act of wishing for peace might, in fact, be a monster that creates new conflict—and it’s deeply moving.

Released on the indie album EARTH in April 2010, this track strongly reflects the social unease and personal struggles that Fukase, who wrote and composed it, was experiencing at the time, and you can feel the deep reflection that also connects to the band’s name.

No.9ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

Asian Kung Fu Generation No.9 Fansubbed

A song by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION that packs an earnest prayer for peace into its intense sound.

The cry that says, “Even in a world where absurdity prevails, I don’t want to let go of what I believe in!” captures a tender love for everyday life and strikes a chord.

Released in March 2008, this track is included on the acclaimed album World World World, which reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Though it’s an album track, its powerful message has earned it enduring popularity.

When the news of the world leaves you feeling powerless, this song may prompt you to reconsider the preciousness of everyday peace we take for granted.

The way homefrom00, Yuki., Misu

Yuki., Misu – The Way Home – [Artistic short film]

This piece was released in October 2024 by from00, a music project that brings together creators born in the Reiwa era.

The clear, translucent vocals of Yuki resonate with the emotive melodies composed and written by Misu.

While it carries the sense of powerlessness felt by a generation facing war and poses questions to society, it was created with the desire to speak to those who have resigned themselves to being powerless.

Even as it grapples with the inescapable conflicts of reality, the work is likely to speak deeply to those who do not want to let go of their prayers for peace.

Horse Ridingthe HIATUS

the HIATUS – Horse Riding [with Japanese subtitles] (Music Video)

This work is the title track of the EP “Horse Riding EP,” released by the HIATUS in July 2013.

While depicting people marching into battle and taking up arms, the lyrics also weave in peaceful scenes that must be protected, such as calm everyday life and the smiles of family.

From its sonic landscape, one can strongly feel both the foolishness of conflict and the preciousness of the days that must not be lost.

Why not listen to it on a night when you want to quietly reflect on the meaning of peace through music?

The sky of Hiroshimasadamasashi

Hiroshima Sky by Masashi Sada

Created in 1987 and included on commemorative albums such as “Gekko,” this work is imbued with a prayer for peace.

Masashi Sada, a native of Nagasaki, composed the song based on his aunt’s experience as a Hiroshima bombing survivor, rendering the tragedy through quiet acoustic sounds and a poignantly transparent vocal that leaves a strong impression.

It is performed without fail at the annual concert held in Nagasaki on August 6.

You can sense Sada’s characteristic sense of mission to pass historical truth on to future generations.

Precisely because memories of war are fading in the present day, this is a masterpiece to which we should listen closely.

Take a moment to reflect quietly on the preciousness of peace.

Sunflower “SUNWARD”Nakajima Miyuki

Himawari “Sunward”

This is a famous song by Miyuki Nakajima that seems to layer a heartfelt prayer for peace onto the image of sunflowers blooming powerfully toward the sun.

It carries a strong will to never lose hope, no matter how harsh the circumstances, and to keep moving toward a future where light shines.

Included on the album “LOVE OR NOTHING,” released in October 1994, the piece was arranged by Ichizo Seo, who reportedly built the arrangement inspired by “images of a sunflower field.” The warm yet grand sound powerfully reinforces the message in the lyrics.

When you listen to it as you reflect on the preciousness of peace, you may feel a warm light shining into your heart.

The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Natsuno Owari

“End of Summer” is a song included on Naotaro Moriyama’s second mini album.

It had been thought to be about feelings for a distant lover, but over time Moriyama himself revealed that it is an anti-war song.

When you listen to it as an anti-war song, a different set of scenes comes to mind.

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