[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)
Have you seen the rain?Creedence Clearwater Revival
Although John Fogerty, who wrote and composed the song, has denied it, for a long time after its release it continued to be believed to be an anti–Vietnam War song, with the “rain” mentioned in the title and lyrics interpreted as a metaphor for U.S.
napalm.
The song has been covered by many musicians.
Gurukun SongNema Ui
“Gurukun no Uta,” released by local Okinawa VTuber Ui Nema, celebrates the “gurukun,” the Okinawan dialect name for the fish known as the blue-lined sea bream (also called fusilier), which is also the prefectural fish of Okinawa.
Merchandise featuring the gurukun design—“Gurukun Goods”—is now a runaway hit at souvenir shops on Kokusai Street.
If you love Okinawa, this character might already be familiar to you.
The cheerful lyrics, which say, “Since we’re all living beings, let’s not fight and get along,” are uplifting.
I believe if everyone listens to this song and dances together, no conflicts will break out!
War DittyIzumiya Shigeru
The passionately charged “War Ditty,” imbued with irony toward war, was created by Shigeru Izumiya, a singer-songwriter who also excels as an actor and commentator.
The powerful guitar playing—like an expression of fervor from the heart—leaves a strong impression.
Its strongly messaged lyrics depicting every facet of war, together with his soulful vocals, resonate deeply.
Precisely because the song conveys unvarnished, straightforward feelings, it communicates the sorrow and pain inherent in conflict.
It is an anti-war song we hope to pass down for a bright future free of war.
[Songs Wishing for Peace] To Prevent the Repetition of Tragic History | A Collection of Moving Peace Songs (81–90)
The Brink of NightRADWIMPS
Released in 2019, this song gently embraces those affected by the disaster.
From a softly unfolding opening, it wraps you in a hope that feels like the breaking of dawn.
The quietly glowing feelings and the affirming words for hearts leaning close to one another sink deep into the chest.
Facing things without looking away.
Even if what one person can do is small, the power of people helping each other holds tremendous potential, doesn’t it? The song carries RADWIMPS’ Yojiro Noda’s wish to cherish a heart that cares for others, which guided his songwriting and composition.
Relay of Lifesango
Sango is a collaborative unit of musicians from Okinawa.
This song sings of peace for the people who live their daily lives upon the history of Okinawa, an island that became a battlefield during the war.
The lyrics are deeply moving, conveying a message of hope that everyone can continue to live peaceful everyday lives forever.
NO ~The Flower That Bloomed in the Wake of Life~sutoreitenaa
NO ~A Flower That Bloomed in the Trace of Life~ is the song that reminds us of the connection between past and present.
Released in 2015 by Straightener, an alternative rock band active since the 1990s, it resonates with a warm band sound steeped in nostalgia.
You’ll also find comfort in Atsushi Horie’s emotional vocals laid over the mid-tempo track.
The song depicts the strength to live without forgetting the wars of the past.
Please give it a listen—a song that wishes for a world where everyone can live happily.
Sunflower “SUNWARD”Nakajima Miyuki
This is a famous song by Miyuki Nakajima that seems to layer a heartfelt prayer for peace onto the image of sunflowers blooming powerfully toward the sun.
It carries a strong will to never lose hope, no matter how harsh the circumstances, and to keep moving toward a future where light shines.
Included on the album “LOVE OR NOTHING,” released in October 1994, the piece was arranged by Ichizo Seo, who reportedly built the arrangement inspired by “images of a sunflower field.” The warm yet grand sound powerfully reinforces the message in the lyrics.
When you listen to it as you reflect on the preciousness of peace, you may feel a warm light shining into your heart.