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
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- [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.
- Japanese music themed around prayer. A song whose warm message resonates in the heart.
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- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- [Recommended for elementary school students] Songs that touch the heart! Moving and comforting songs of gratitude
- 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 (131–140)
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.
WarBruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen, a singer-songwriter renowned worldwide as a representative figure of American rock, covered Edwin Starr’s 1969 song “War” and released it in 1987.
His powerful, straightforward vocals leave a strong impression and convey a firm anti-war resolve.
It’s a soulful number packed with the message that “war hurts innocent people and must never happen.”
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?
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.
In conclusion
An anti-war song that expresses prayers for peace and strong resolve through the power of music.
Japanese anti-war songs carry deep sentiments that convey the horrors of war and the preciousness of life.
For those of us living today, war is by no means someone else’s problem.
Why not take this opportunity to think about war as a personal matter? You will surely gain important insights.