![[Songs Praying for Peace] To Prevent Repeating Tragic History | A Collection of Peace Songs That Resonate with the Heart](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QzeVbh5Bg1o/sddefault.jpg)
[Songs Praying for Peace] To Prevent Repeating Tragic History | A Collection of Peace Songs That Resonate with the Heart
Songs of peace that resonate in our hearts in every era.
Many timeless classics that wish for a world without war or conflict and embody the preciousness of peace in song have long continued to stay close to people’s hearts.
In this article, we introduce songs—mainly from Japanese music—that are imbued with prayers and hopes for peace.
Powerful messages like “Don’t forget the painful history,” and warm sentiments such as “Let’s build a Japan and a world without conflict together.” You’re sure to find a message of peace that resonates with your heart.
[Songs Wishing for Peace] To Prevent the Repetition of Tragic History | A Collection of Heart-Touching Peace Songs (1–10)
TriangleSMAP
When it comes to songs that wish for peaceful, conflict-free days, “Triangle” comes to mind.
Released in 2005 by SMAP, the beloved national idol group active not only in music but also in dramas and variety shows, it was chosen as the theme song for TV Asahi’s coverage of the Turin Olympics.
Its dramatically unfolding, jazzy piano sound is striking.
Their warm choral work resonates alongside the tones of a brass band.
Please take in the message directed at generations who don’t know war firsthand.
Peace and highlightSazan Ōrusutāzu
It’s a song that sings about peace with a pop sound characteristic of Southern All Stars, weaving in satire.
As the title suggests, its themes are peace and hope, imbued with a wish for people to support one another and avoid war.
Anti-war songs often carry a somewhat somber image, but this shows that even a catchy tune can convey a desire for peace!
fireflySazan Ōrusutāzu
It is a beautiful ballad imbued with prayers for peace.
Written as the theme song for the film “The Eternal Zero,” it was released in August 2013.
It was the first time in 23 years that Southern All Stars handled a movie theme song.
Keisuke Kuwata was moved by the film’s message—“I will definitely come back alive for my family”—and created the piece with a wish for peace.
While depicting blue skies and summer scenes, the song expresses sorrow and poignancy for lives lost.
As a piece that empathizes with those who lost loved ones in war, it is sure to resonate with many hearts.
Island SongTHE BOOM
It is one of the signature songs by the rock band THE BOOM, imbued with a strong wish for peace.
Depicting the tragedies of the Battle of Okinawa—events we must never forget—it expresses the hope that war will never happen again and a fervent desire for peace to be preserved.
Through its grand evocations of nature and a voice that rings out as if to carry far into the distance, the song conveys a powerful plea for peace to the world.
It is a piece that seems to teach the importance of sharing memories of sorrow and, through that sharing, encouraging people everywhere to reflect on peace.
TSUBASA feat. Yomi JahAwich
Set against a refined sound that borders on the sublime, this moving song weaves a prayer for the future by Awich and her beloved daughter, Yomi Jah.
Released in May 2022 to mark 50 years since Okinawa’s reversion, it followed the album Queendom.
Bearing the weight of Okinawa’s complex history, it conveys a warm message to the next generation: to face forward and carve out their own future.
What can we do to ensure tragic history is not repeated? The song gently poses this question, inviting us to reflect anew on the preciousness of peace.
camphor treeFukuyama Masaharu
Kusunoki, included on singer-songwriter and actor Masaharu Fukuyama’s 2014 release HUMAN, is a song created around the theme of the “hibaku camphor tree” that survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, his birthplace.
Its beautiful yet powerful piano sound resonates deeply.
His gentle, warm vocals will wrap away anxiety and sorrow.
Please listen to this number imbued with prayers and wishes for peace.
Ryuka of PeaceSazan Ōrusutāzu
This song was written by Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars.
The Okinawan-dialect lyrics were added by Sadao China.
It’s included on the album “Umi no Yeah!!”.
Rather than fiercely condemning what happened in Okinawa during the Pacific War, the lyrics use subtle expressions that, if anything, make you think more deeply.
The song is performed by the Okinawan group Nënës, and the Okinawan-dialect lyrics for the third verse were also written by Sadao China.
The third verse presents lyrics that seem to reverse the previous point of view, giving the piece great depth.
