[Disaster Reconstruction Support Song] Let’s do our best, Japan! A circle of reconstruction support connected through music
Earthquakes are one of the natural disasters that are unavoidable as long as you live in Japan.
Many major earthquakes have struck so far, bringing much 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 songs filled with hopes for disaster recovery.
May music help even one more survivor regain their strength…
In this article, we introduce songs that carry such sincere wishes.
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[Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction Support Song] Let's Do Our Best, Japan! A Circle of Reconstruction Support Connected Through Music (21–30)
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.
[Disaster Recovery Support Song] Let’s Do Our Best, Japan! A Circle of Recovery Support Connected Through Music (31–40)
spring lampRADWIMPS
Ever since releasing a song written immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake, they have been unveiling a new track on YouTube every year on March 11.
This song is one of them.
You can feel their feelings—and those of vocalist Yojiro Noda—come through.
The lyrics of all the songs they have written each year for the disaster speak to us and stay close to our hearts.
Keep your head upJASMINE, JESSE (RIZE / The BONEZ), B.I.G. JOE, AUDIO RADICAL
Artists from different musical genres—ASMINE, JESSE, B.I.G.
JOE, and AUDIO RADICAL—came together to create the track “Keep your head up,” released in September 2024.
Produced to support recovery efforts for the Noto Peninsula earthquake, all streaming revenue is donated to aid the affected areas.
The song features lyrics that emphasize the importance of looking forward even in difficult times, paired with a grand sound that blends gospel and hip-hop.
It’s recommended not only for those impacted by the disaster, but also for anyone feeling worn out by everyday life.
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.
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.
Believe (Believe in Love)chin kennē
In March 2011, right after the Great East Japan Earthquake, a charity song was produced in Taiwan.
It’s a piece written and composed by Chen Chien-Ning, leader of F.I.R.
(F.I.R.
Firband), who is also active as a composer and producer.
Many of Taiwan’s leading artists participated, and even a narration by the president at the time was included, reflecting the nation’s collective desire to help.
The song was unveiled as the theme for a live-broadcast charity program in Taiwan that same March, during which a large amount of relief funds was raised.
The lyrics acknowledge the sorrow of loss while conveying a message to keep moving forward, believing in love and hope.
It’s a song to listen to when you need the courage to take a step amid adversity, or when you want to feel bonds that transcend national borders.