[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.
- A song to support recovery from the earthquake disaster. Connecting a circle of reconstruction support through music [Ganbarō Nippon / Let’s keep going, Japan].
- [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
- [March 2026] Roundup 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!
- Japanese music edition: roundup of Christmas songs. New tracks and classic favorites [2026]
[2026] The spirit of mutual help connected by music: A collection of classic charity songs (41–50)
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.
All You Need Is LoveJAPAN UNITED with MUSIC
Released in 2012.
A disaster relief project for the Great East Japan Earthquake, led primarily by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Takeshi Kobayashi.
Thirty members gathered, transcending the boundaries of labels and production companies.
Participating artists include YMO, Tortoise Matsumoto, and Superfly.
Buy My Sight (feat. Taka (ONE OK ROCK))RADWIMPS
Released in April 2016.
It’s a digital-only single.
The song was originally included on RADWIMPS’ 2006 release “Setsunarensa.” The purchase price can be set as a donation starting from 10 yen.
It is a charity track intended to support areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake.
Melody of the SunImai Miki × Kobuchi Kentaro／Hotei Tomoyasu + Kuroda Shunsuke
Released in 2010.
It was created as a collaboration, including Miki Imai and Kentaro Kobuchi, with the aim of supporting Miyazaki Prefecture, which suffered severe damage from foot-and-mouth disease (a livestock infectious disease).
All proceeds from this song were to be donated in full as a “Foot-and-Mouth Disease Relief Fund.”
Come Together NowMichael W. Smith Ft. Christian Artists
It is a charity single created to aid the victims of the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake that occurred on December 26, 2004.
A stellar lineup of artists took part, including Céline Dion, Joss Stone, Natalie Cole, Nick Carter and A.
J.
McLean of the Backstreet Boys, and Angie Stone.
What the Palm TellsAKB48
It was released in 2013.
As part of the charity initiative “For Someone” Project, which AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, and HKT48 have been carrying out since March 2011, it was produced and distributed worldwide for free as a digital-only single.
Oh AfricaAkon
It was released in 2010.
It’s a charity single created for underprivileged children living in Africa and was also used as the theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
It’s a collaboration between Akon and Keri Hilson.