[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.
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[Songs Wishing for Peace] To Prevent Repeating Tragic History | A Collection of Heartfelt Peace Songs (71–80)
Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare’s Over)Simple Plan
A song by Simple Plan, who performed at the closing ceremony of the Vancouver Olympics held in their home country of Canada in 2010 and have been actively involved in charity work.
The lyrics, which depict the anger and sorrow of people who have fallen victim to war, are truly heartbreaking.
The wish for an end to a war nobody wants and for peace that never ends is something many listeners can relate to, even from faraway Japan.
It’s a powerful yet beautiful rock tune that makes you believe music can transcend borders and ideologies.
Stop The WarHEY-SMITH
It’s the lead track from the album “Stop The War.” The song was written to channel anger toward war in a positive way, but vocalist-guitarist Shuhei Igari says he “sang it while staying in that angry state.” With HEY-SMITH’s signature horn sounds, it’s an emotional, fiery rock number.
And, to the futureTsugumi Mai
An original song included on an album for which soprano singer Mai Tsugumi herself wrote the lyrics, with the theme of “hope and encouragement for the future.” The powerful, straightforward vocals paired with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Central Band’s sound really give you energy! It’s a piece that conveys human connection and warmth unique to a band that continues community-rooted activities like family concerts, while also expressing the power of the Earth.
It carries hopes for the future in the midst of the COVID-19 era.
no more warGReeeeN
Here’s a track from GReeeeN’s second album, “Ah, Hello, Long Time No See.” It sings about the wars that continue to happen in this world, and also about the importance of being mindful of the hope that someday such sorrow will disappear.
The contrast is striking between the rap-like, achromatic-feeling verses and the colorful, hopeful chorus, making it a song that makes you want to believe peace will come through everyone’s awareness.
The way homefrom00, Yuki., Misu
This piece was released in October 2024 by from00, a music project that brings together creators born in the Reiwa era.
The clear, translucent vocals of Yuki resonate with the emotive melodies composed and written by Misu.
While it carries the sense of powerlessness felt by a generation facing war and poses questions to society, it was created with the desire to speak to those who have resigned themselves to being powerless.
Even as it grapples with the inescapable conflicts of reality, the work is likely to speak deeply to those who do not want to let go of their prayers for peace.
Smiles to the worldUinzu Hirasaka
It’s a grand message song that wishes to transcend borders and language barriers, filling the world with kindness and smiles.
Released as a single in September 1993, it was featured in a Yoshinoya TV commercial and became widely beloved across Japan.
Rejecting conflict and embracing the universal theme that those who share the same Earth can love one another, it stands as a fitting anti-war song imbued with a prayer for peace.
The clear, pure voice of Yoshihisa Hirasaka and the beautifully hopeful strings weave a sound that seems to gently embrace the world.
When the daily news weighs heavy on your heart, this song may once again remind you of the preciousness of peace.
Nachikazanu Love SongSazan Ōrusutāzu
This is a hidden gem whose Okinawan folk-scale melodies and Yuko Hara’s gentle vocals resonate deep in the heart.
The title bears an Okinawan word meaning “must not forget,” and it feels imbued with the tragic fate of lovers torn apart by war and a fervent prayer for peace.
The song appears on the album “Southern All Stars,” released in January 1990; the album’s massive success—selling about 1.19 million copies—suggests how deeply it reached people.
It’s a track I recommend when you want to quietly reflect on history and savor the preciousness of everyday life as it is now.