[2026] The spirit of mutual support connected by music: A collection of classic charity songs
Although dark news such as wars and major disasters continues day after day, those who are actually facing hardship may not even have the luxury of listening to music.
Even so, artists around the world have released many charity songs that will go down in music history, guided by their own convictions.
Because these songs lead directly to support, it’s important that we as listeners can take part in charitable activities by purchasing the tracks.
In this article, we introduce a curated selection of charity songs—both international and Japanese—that we hope you’ll listen to now.
We’ve included many recently released tracks as well, so please lend an ear to the artists’ heartfelt cries.
- [Disaster Reconstruction Support Song] Let’s do our best, Japan! A circle of reconstruction support connected through music
- [2026] Latest Masterful Ballads | A Curated Selection of Heartfelt Love Songs and Uplifting Anthems
- [2026] Traditional Japanese Music that Sings Prayers: A Compilation of J-POP Masterpieces
- [Song for Supporting Ukraine] A moving anthem that conveys hopes for peace & songs of Ukraine
- An uplifting anthem of love and courage. Recommended classics and popular songs that boost your spirits.
- [For those doing their best] A comforting song to listen to when you're tired of life
- [April 2026] Summary of the Latest Trending Commercial Songs
- What does the word “repezen” used by rappers mean?
- What does the “a.k.a.” you often see in artist names mean?
- [Songs of Fukushima] Thinking of my hometown | A heartwarming collection of classic songs celebrating the beautiful “Fukushima”
- [2026] Fast-Rising Music: A Roundup of Trending Songs
- [2026] Cheer songs sung by Japanese bands. Many latest tracks introduced as well!
- [Sports Day Cheer Songs] A roundup of classic cheer anthems and recommended parody-song picks [2026]
[2026] The spirit of mutual aid connected through music: A collection of classic charity songs (31–40)
Not Alone ~Let’s Be Happy~SMAP
Released as a download-only single by SMAP, it served as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Let’s Be Happy.” It was originally planned for a standard single release, but considering the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake, it was made download-only.
For each download, 100 yen was donated to the disaster victims.
Because you are hereKuraki Mai
This is a digital-only single produced to raise funds for relief and reconstruction efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Starting on August 31, 2011, a collaborative video with professional figure skater Shizuka Arakawa was released.
In September, a version featuring voice comments from the two of them was also made available.
StarsHear ‘n Aid
1985.
It was a charity project to relieve famine in Africa.
The participating artists included Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Vivian Campbell and Jimmy Bain of Dio, and Neal Schon of Journey, and it recorded about $1 million in sales.
Angry Groove: Earthquake EditionKamon Tatsuo
Released in 1995.
This song criticizes the government’s response to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
All CD royalties were donated.
Tatsuo Kamon also released a charity single, “March of Hope,” in response to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
So that we can keep smiling tomorrowTōkyō purin to taisetsu na nakamatachi
Released in 2014.
The plan is to donate the revenue earned over five years from sales, CDs, and digital music distribution to the Japan Cancer Society.
Artists such as Ayumi Hamasaki, Kumi Koda, Kaori Mochida, misono, hitomi, Dream, AAA, and Tetsuya Komuro participated.
It is a song about the importance of a smile.
[2026] The spirit of mutual help connected by music: A collection of classic charity songs (41–50)
Do They Know It’s Christmas?Band Aid
Band Aid was a charity project that brought together top artists from the UK and Ireland.
Recorded in just one day in November 1984 to aid famine relief in Ethiopia, the track is marked by its dazzling synth‑pop sound and majestic choral work.
Star performers like Bono and George Michael take turns on solo parts, and the all-hands refrain unites the entire venue.
Upon its release in December 1984, it held the No.
1 spot on the UK charts for five consecutive weeks and became a record-breaking hit, selling one million copies in its first week.
It was re-recorded in 1989, 2004, and 2014, and in 2024 an ultimate mix was produced that blends all past versions.
It’s perfect for large, high-energy parties or charity events, creating a sing-and-dance-along atmosphere for everyone.
SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN
It was released for a limited time as BUMP OF CHICKEN’s 20th single.
When manga artist Takehiko Inoue’s illustration “Smile” was selected for the SoftBank Mobile-sponsored “Reconstruction Support Portal Site” TV commercial, the band produced the song at Inoue’s request.
The track features Fujimoto performing solo in a singer-songwriter style with just an acoustic guitar.