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 (1–10)
Song of AugustHamada Shogo
This is a song released in 1986 by a socially conscious musician who enjoys widespread popularity.
Hailing from Hiroshima and known for singing socially themed songs, this track conveys his pain with striking clarity.
Alongside its anti-war message, it addresses Japan’s postwar economic growth and the major issues hidden behind it.
The second verse in particular reveals the strength of his convictions.
For him, the sweltering heat of midsummer seems to be inextricably linked to memories of war.
camphor treeFukuyama Masaharu
A work themed on a camphor tree that, despite being damaged near the hypocenter of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki Prefecture in 1945, has continued to flourish with beautiful greenery to this day.
It is a song by singer-songwriter Masaharu Fukuyama from Nagasaki, included on his 2014 album HUMAN.
The lyrics, which depict the preciousness of life, and Fukuyama’s steady, resonant vocals are striking.
It is an anti-war song that pierces the heart and will likely serve as a model for how we should live from here on.
Rainbow-Colored WarSEKAI NO OWAR
This is an early masterpiece by SEKAI NO OWARI: a poppy, buoyant sound that hides a searing question.
From the perspective of creatures without words—like insects and flowers—it depicts human selfishness and conflict.
It’s a song that makes us realize something simple yet easily forgotten: “Is the peace we enjoy built upon someone else’s sacrifice?” Released in April 2010 on the indie classic EARTH, it was also used for projects like the joint NHK–Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association radio campaign.
Listening to this track will prompt deep reflection on the things we’ve overlooked and the true meaning of peace.
Ryuka of PeaceSazan Ōrusutāzu
Southern All Stars, fronted by Keisuke Kuwata, have created many songs centered on the theme of peace.
Among them, the one I especially want you to hear is “Heiwa no Ryūka.” Fans may recognize it as the title song of their 1996 tour.
Set to a gentle melody reminiscent of Okinawan folk music, it conveys anti-war sentiments.
It also poses the question of what path Japan—having experienced war—should follow in the future.
Please give it a listen and take a moment to reflect on the future of Japan and the world.
Muddy up to the waistHajime Chitose
A single, quiet yet piercingly poignant song, like a short story.
This piece was written in 1966 by American folk singer Pete Seeger.
It tells a sorrowful tale based on a real incident in the United States, in which subordinates were sacrificed due to a leader’s misguided judgment.
The voice of Chitose Hajime—whose roots lie in the Amami “Shima-uta” tradition—conveys a deep, quiet anger, blending beautifully with the lyrics that calmly recount the irrationality of war.
Included on the acclaimed album Heiwa Gannen (Year One of Peace), released in July 2015, this song may prompt listeners to once again reflect on the preciousness of peace in the face of the unjust reality depicted in the story.
A flower blooming atop contradictionsMONGOL800
This song is sung over MONGOL800’s heavy, fast-paced beat.
The message, carried by their characteristically simple arrangement, is powerful and deeply moving.
As the striking metaphor in the title, “A Flower Blooming on Contradiction,” suggests, the track conveys their determination to confront events we’d rather look away from throughout its entirety.
The contradiction of battleKumaki Anri
This song explores the struggle with oneself, the contradictions of society, and the meaning of life.
It begins with a realization of being overly fulfilled, yet powerfully voices the belief that there are things only you can do.
While it is not a work themed around war, its lyrics strikingly remind us of those who were unable to live their own lives because of conflict.
By listening to this piece and confronting the contradictions within oneself, you may gain new insights into war and peace.