[2026] The spirit of mutual support connected by music: A collection of classic charity songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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.

[2026] The spirit of mutual help connected through music. A collection of classic charity songs (51–60)

Beautiful city ~ Let’s do our best, We love KOBE ~Hiramatsu Eri

Umashi Miyako (Beautiful Capital) - Eri Hiramatsu

Beautiful city ~ Let’s do our best, We love KOBE ~Hiramatsu Eri

Released in 1995, this is Eri Hiramatsu’s 16th single.

It was released as the campaign song for Kobe’s recovery, “Ganbaroya! WE LOVE KOBE,” following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and the royalties were allocated to funds for Kobe’s reconstruction.

Takako Okamura and Chikaco Sawada, among others, participated in the chorus.

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You’re not alone.Lia

You're not alone – Lia

You’re not alone.Lia

This is a song that Lia herself wrote in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, with the victims in her thoughts.

For the recording, she performed it in a single take, simultaneously filmed as a duet with piano.

It was released as a double A-side single, and the included track “Song of Life” was produced as the image song for STA, a project dedicated to rescuing endangered wild animals.

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fragmentKawashima Ai

"Kakera" Ai Kawashima

fragmentKawashima Ai

It was released as Ai Kawashima’s 16th single.

The song was written specifically for the “dff Ai Kawashima Charity Song Click Fund,” aiming to improve education for children in Africa.

It was also used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Sono Otoko, Fukushucho (Season 2).”

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, even at this very moment, people around the world who are facing various hardships such as war and disasters are doing their best to keep living while asking for help. The musicians involved in the song introduced this time are trying to support many people in the ways they can. Why don’t we also listen to this wonderful classic and think about what we can do?