[Songs Praying for Peace] To Prevent Repeating Tragic History | A Collection of Peace Songs That Resonate with the Heart

The Brink of NightRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Brink of the Night

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.

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Have you seen the rain?Creedence Clearwater Revival

Have you seen the rain? / Have You Ever Seen the Rain / CCR

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.

origami craneSakushi Sakkyoku: Umehara Shihei

Choral Piece: Orizuru (Paper Cranes) — With Prayers for Peace

A masterpiece by Shihei Umehara that entrusts prayers for peace to folded paper cranes.

Created in 1983 with the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as its theme, this anti-war song carries a simple yet powerful message that continues to resonate, sung at peace and anti-nuclear movements.

In 2009, it was covered by the Tanpopo Children’s Choir on the compilation album “Letters / A Round Life ~ Graduation & Chorus Song Collection ~,” and it has been loved across generations.

When you wish to reflect on Hiroshima and reconsider the importance of peace, this song quietly stays close to the heart and profoundly moves many people’s souls.

world peaceSEKAI NO OWAR

world peace

This is a powerful message song that could be called the origin of SEKAI NO OWARI, known for their fantastical worldview.

It sharply depicts the contradictions and latent violence hidden behind the word “peace,” which people uphold as an ideal.

The worldview poses a fundamental question—whether the very act of wishing for peace might, in fact, be a monster that creates new conflict—and it’s deeply moving.

Released on the indie album EARTH in April 2010, this track strongly reflects the social unease and personal struggles that Fukase, who wrote and composed it, was experiencing at the time, and you can feel the deep reflection that also connects to the band’s name.

Sunflower “SUNWARD”Nakajima Miyuki

Himawari “Sunward”

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.

Hiroshima, River of LoveSakushi: Nakazawa Keiji sakushi / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Katsuhiko

[Hiroshima Ai no Kawa] Tokiko Kato 55th Anniversary

This is a solemn prayer song born from the only poem left by Keiji Nakazawa, the creator of the manga Barefoot Gen.

You can almost see the scene of countless lights floating on the flow of Hiroshima’s rivers, entrusted with the sorrow of the atomic bombing and hopes for the future.

Released in June 2014, this piece has been cherished as a symbol of peace, sung every year at Hiroshima’s peace events on August 6, the anniversary of the bombing.

It’s a song to listen to when you want to quietly honor the memories etched in history and reflect anew on the preciousness of peace.

cobalt blueThe Back Horn

THE BACK HORN “コバルトブルー / Cobalt Blue” MUSIC VIDEO

Set to a guitar riff that slices through the silence, this song by THE BACK HORN portrays the fragility of life and a heartfelt wish for peace.

It was inspired by guitarist Eijun Suganami’s shocking experience visiting the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, and created from a desire to give sound to the cries of young lives cut short.

Released in November 2004 and featured in a Kellogg’s Corn Frosty commercial, the track is also included on the album Headphone Children.

It’s a song that pierces the heart and prompts reflection on how precious and fragile the peace we enjoy truly is.