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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- 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 (41–50)
Only by livingKiroro
Released in 2005, this song became a hot topic for its “tear-inducing” lyrics and is a message song that Kiroro delivered to the world, dedicated to all living beings.
While the lyrics express gratitude to one’s parents, they also convey the deeper essence—the beauty and moving power of “living.” It’s not a direct anti-war song, but within its wish for peace lies the idea that people around the world should all be able to live equally.
We are the WorldUSA For Africa
A famous song known for the participation of a star-studded lineup including Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, and Bob Dylan.
Released in 1985, it was a campaign song created by members who came together to address hunger and poverty in Africa.
The song brought widespread global awareness to the situation in Africa at the time, conveyed the wish for a peaceful future to many listeners, and inspired action—making it a truly great work.
Imjin RiverThe Folk Crusaders
A cover song by The Folk Crusaders, released in 1968 and immediately pulled from sale.
The song is about North and South Korea, and its lyrics raised concerns, leading to a sales ban for political reasons.
Why not take this song’s story and lyrics as a starting point to reflect on this issue?
NO WAR in the futureKeyakizaka 46
Songs that wish for peace are sung in many different ways.
This song, which could be called their anti-war anthem, really excites the crowd at live shows, and it’s wonderful that it’s being properly delivered to people of a generation that doesn’t know war.
Of course, even the members themselves see war as something from the distant past.
But I hope they keep singing these feelings of longing for peace—not just for Japan, but to the whole world.
mabatakiVaundy
Although Vaundy’s song “mabataki” is not a track about war, many listeners may have sensed a stance against war and a wish for peace in its lyrics.
The recurring question “What if things had been different?” suggests a longing for a peaceful world where people care for one another.
Vaundy’s delicate sensibility as a multi-artist resonates deeply with listeners throughout the piece.
This song, which conveys a yearning for peace through music, is a remarkable work that reaffirms the power of music.
Sugarcane fieldNatsukawa Rimi
Rimi Natsukawa, an Okinawa-born singer, covers a song meant to soothe the souls of those who perished in the Battle of Okinawa, said to have been the most brutal battle at the end of World War II.
The distinctive refrain evokes the sound of wind blowing through midsummer sugarcane fields.
Natsukawa’s clear voice brings a sense of calm, and I hope it also prompts those of us who have never experienced war to reflect on the Battle of Okinawa.
There are versions of the same song by Naomi Chiaki and Ryoko Moriyama as well, so please give them a listen.
That person’s letterkaguya hime
This is a song by the folk group Kaguyahime that expresses the absurdity of having a loved one sent off to the battlefield.
Despite its simple acoustic arrangement, the sound powerfully conveys a sense of anger.
It portrays the feelings for someone being conscripted and sent far away, and the anger and sorrow at a situation where a single slip of paper could mean a final farewell.
It is a powerful song that conveys how war shatters cherished people and everyday life, and just how unjust and senseless war truly is.
