A song to support recovery from the earthquake disaster. Connecting a circle of reconstruction support through music [Ganbarō Nippon / Let’s keep going, Japan].
[To everyone affected by the earthquake off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture in 2025] We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all who have been impacted by this earthquake.
Earthquakes are one of the natural disasters that cannot be avoided as long as we live in Japan.
Many large earthquakes have occurred in the past, bringing great sorrow and hardship.
Yet each time, support has arrived not only from within Japan but from around the world.
Among these recovery efforts, there has been a great deal of support through music, with musicians across the globe releasing many songs filled with hopes for recovery from the disaster.
“May music help even one more disaster survivor regain their strength…” In this article, we introduce a selection of such songs that embody this sincere wish.
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A song to cheer on recovery from the earthquake disaster. Expanding a circle of recovery support through music [Hang in there, Japan] (21–30)
Eternity of SpringKumagai Ikumi
This piece is one of the tracks included as the B-side to the single “Tsuyoku,” released in June 2012.
It was written as the theme song for director Yukihiko Tsutsumi’s documentary drama “Kesennuma, Voices.
Special Project for the Reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake — A Record by Yukihiko Tsutsumi.” The vocalist is Ikumi Kumagai, who hails from Kesennuma, her hometown that was devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Beginning with a scene of gazing beyond the waves and the hushed sea breeze, the lyrics carefully depict a heart striving to face forward while carrying a sense of loss.
Imbued with images such as the emerald glow symbolizing the Sanriku sea and prayers for the turning seasons, the song brims with a gaze that holds both sorrow and hope.
The gentle weave of piano and strings softly nestles close to the listener’s heart.
It is a work meant to reach those trying to overcome painful experiences and those who hold someone dear in their thoughts.
Friend ~Time of Departure~yuzu
It’s a work filled with friendship and hope.
The song is by Yuzu, the musical duo behind many famous hits like “Natsuiro” and “Eikou no Kakehashi,” and it was released in 2013 as their 38th single.
It was selected as the required piece for the NHK National School Music Competition’s middle school division.
Its warm lyrics and melody, which give you courage for a new departure, truly resonate.
Originally, it was created as a cheer song for their staff after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
It’s also often sung at graduation ceremonies and farewells.
Please let this song give you strength.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
Mayo Okamoto’s “TOMORROW” gave courage to many people after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Released in May 1995, shortly after the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the single became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
For the 2012 album “Tomorrow,” to ensure the Great East Japan Earthquake would not be forgotten, she recorded a self-cover version together with about 600 disaster survivors.
counting songMr.Children
This is a song created in hopes of supporting recovery from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Set to a slow melody, the lyrics—mostly written in hiragana—convey a gentle, embracing warmth.
For those whose everyday lives were taken by the disaster and who cannot yet see the light ahead, this song may itself feel like that very “light.” The fact that its proceeds are donated as relief funds also reflects their strong commitment to the region’s recovery.
The Brink of NightRADWIMPS
The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred in March 2011.
Since the following year, RADWIMPS has released a song related to the disaster every March 11.
This song, “Yoru no Fuchi” (The Brink of Night), was released in 2019, eight years after the earthquake.
Even from the title, it’s clear that it isn’t a bright song, but when anyone feels down or anxious, it can feel like being in pitch darkness, like the night.
This track seems to empathize with that sinking feeling and the fear that morning may never come.
And still, we will go on living.ROCKETMAN feat. Kawashima Ai
ROCKETMAN is the musical moniker of comedian Ryo Fukawa, and this song—created with singer-songwriter Ai Kawashima—expresses heartfelt feelings for Tohoku.
The chorus features the voices of about 200 people, including residents of Minamisanriku, staff and residents of Ishinomaki City Hall, and volunteer workers.
To a world yet unseenarashi
An ambitious work of electronic dance-pop, released in 2011 as the lead track on the album “Beautiful World.” Created with a message of hope and recovery for Japan following the Great East Japan Earthquake, it also marked the first music video for an album track in about eight years.
Its powerful beats and synthesizers evoke a near-futuristic soundscape that pairs with lyrics about the will to keep moving forward in the face of hardship, resonating deeply with listeners.
When you need the courage to dive into a new environment, this piece will give you a push.