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 (21–30)
TriangleSMAP
An anti-war song by the national idol group SMAP.
It was performed during Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television 28: ‘Love Saves the Earth’ ~To Live~.” It’s a masterpiece that we want people from all walks of life to hear, and it was even included in music textbooks in 2008.
It carries the message that even if my eyes, your hands, and our voices are all different, every life is the same.
It conveys the folly, sadness, and emptiness of going to war over small differences.
If this piques your interest even a little, please give it a listen.
1985THE BLUE HEARTS
This is a song by the legendary rock band THE BLUE HEARTS.
It’s included on their best-of album “SUPER BEST,” released in 1995.
As the title suggests, it’s a punk rock tune that puts into lyrics exactly what they felt back in 1985, conveying a genuine, straightforward emotion.
Japan, a country with a past of having lost a war…
Many listeners may resonate with its message, which contemplates the nation’s future.
Why not turn up the volume and give it a listen?
Antiwar Songs That Pierce the Heart: Prayers for Peace Conveyed by Japan’s Masterpieces (31–40)
What A Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
This song, What a Wonderful World, became famous through Louis Armstrong’s performance.
The lyrics and music were written by G.
Douglas and George David Weiss.
It is said that they wrote the song lamenting the Vietnam War and dreaming of a peaceful world.
Since then, it has been covered by many artists up to the present day.
It’s also often used in TV commercials, so many of you may be familiar with it.
Nightjar’s DreamDo As Infinity
A song by the male-female duo Do As Infinity.
“Yotaka” refers to the U.S.
Air Force’s Nighthawk, which was actually used in conflicts such as the Gulf War.
Sung from a soldier’s perspective, the song portrays the torment of asking oneself, “Is it acceptable to take human lives for a nation to win?”—and it can move you to tears as you listen.
Tomiko Van’s powerful vocals make this a masterpiece that deepens anti-war awareness, so if you’re interested, be sure to give it a listen.
Danny BoyAndi Uiriamusu
This song sets lyrics to a melody originally known as the Irish folk tune “Londonderry Air.” The lyrics are said to express the feelings of a parent thinking of a child going off to war.
Listening to this song makes one feel that children must never be sent to war.
It has been performed by many artists.
Blowin’ In The WindBob Dylan
The folk classic “Blowin’ in the Wind” is one of Bob Dylan’s signature songs and was a huge hit in the 1960s.
While its familiar, appealing melody is a major draw, parts of the lyrics depict the tragic realities brought about by war.
Much of the song is written as questions posed to the listener, prompting us to reconsider how war can be ended and a peaceful world achieved.
One of the song’s charms is that it doesn’t simply deliver a one-sided antiwar message.
Karatachi Field PathZa Buumu
This is a gentle song by THE BOOM—also known for tracks like “Shima Uta”—that seems to evoke the scenery of Japan.
The band’s sound, featuring the tones of shamisen and taiko drums, is striking and conveys a deep affection for the country of Japan.
The lyrics speak of having experienced great sorrow and strongly wishing that such sorrow will never occur again.
It’s a tender piece that expresses hopes for a peaceful world to continue and for the landscape before us to remain unspoiled.
