Masterpieces of Japanese music that delve into various social issues, such as war and environmental problems
Around the world, we are confronted daily with a wide range of social issues, from war to environmental problems.
Some people work tirelessly to address these issues, while others are left frustrated by policies that feel unacceptable.
In this article, we introduce songs that express feelings toward various social problems.
We’ve gathered tracks that delve into all kinds of issues—opposition to war, the horrors of the atomic bomb, children exposed to conflict, nature lost to environmental destruction, animal welfare, and more.
Through music, let’s take another look at the social challenges the world is facing today.
- “Song of War”: A classic that sings of the tragedy and folly of war
- Songs with strong messages. Classic J-Pop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks.
- Classic Japanese songs about Earth: songs that include the word “Earth” in their lyrics
- Anti-war songs that pierce the heart: Japan’s masterpieces conveying prayers for peace
- Masterpieces that sing of despair. Recommended popular songs.
- A classic Japanese song about life. A track that gives you energy.
- A spine-chilling scary song: masterful tracks that evoke fear and eerie recommended songs
- [March 2026] Trending Songs: A roundup of the hottest viral tracks right now
- Masterpieces that sing about various lives. Recommended popular songs.
- [Songs of Worries] Listening will gently lighten your heart. Masterpieces that speak for your feelings
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
- A collection of classic songs about friends: friendship songs for children
Masterpieces of Japanese music that delve into various social issues such as war and environmental problems (11–20)
The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro
A song by Naotaro Moriyama that gently wraps you in the bittersweet mood of summer’s end.
Released as a single in August 2003, it was taken from the album “Ikutsumo no Kawa o Koete Umareta Kotobatachi.” Chosen as the ending theme for ABC/TV Asahi’s “Netto Koshien” in 2003, it resonated with many people.
Kazuha Okachimachi, who co-wrote the lyrics, has described this piece as an anti-war song, imbued with a prayer for peace.
It’s a track that seeps into the heart—perfect for quietly playing on a summer evening.
Recommended when you want to think about peace and reflect on someone dear to you.
No more warGReeeeN
GReeeeN is a four-member vocal group that has released numerous hit tunes since their debut, including “Ai Uta” and “Kiseki.” The song “no more war,” included on their second album “Ah, Hello Again,” leaves a lingering impression with its intro of melancholic guitar arpeggios.
The message, which weaves together sorrow and anger over innocent children losing their lives because of a few foolish adults, prompts us to reflect on the weight of the future that war steals away.
It’s a lyrical pop tune whose rap over a rich, layered ensemble and a driving, soaring chorus stirs the heart.
Love the warzSEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI is a four-member, mixed-gender band known for their one-of-a-kind musical style and glamorous live performances.
Their song “Love the warz,” included on their major-label debut album ENTERTAINMENT, was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Owaranai Monogatari” (The Never-Ending Story).
The lyrics, which depict the two sides of the idea that “peace exists because war exists,” evoke a sense of dilemma about the unending chain of conflict.
With a dark yet grand ensemble that pulls you into its world, this number makes you reflect on what truly matters.
bad peopleBlanky Jet City
A legendary classic by the rock band Blanky Jet City.
With lyrics that evoke the feelings of people who have faced unjust discrimination and of Indigenous peoples in America, it carries a powerful message.
It’s a cool, thought-provoking rock number.
The Slope of KarmaPorunogurafiti
A single song that portrays a sorrowful story of a boy and a girl.
It expresses, through heartrending lyrics and melody, the crossing fates of a boy who steals to survive and a girl who has been sold.
Included on the album “WORLDILLIA,” released in February 2003, the track showcases Porno Graffitti’s talent for depicting society’s darkness and the hidden side of humanity.
Centered on the theme of karmic retribution, the lyrics resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear when reflecting on social contradictions and absurdities.
Miracle EarthKuwata Keisuke & Mr.Children
This is a song imbued with both human fragility and strength, and a deep love for our shared, miraculous Earth.
Released in January 1995 as a charity single, it was created as part of an AIDS awareness campaign.
Produced through the collaboration of Keisuke Kuwata and Mr.Children, the work confronts social issues while singing of hope.
Its powerful vocals and message-rich lyrics resonate deeply.
It’s a track that stays close to the listener’s heart and gives the courage to move forward together.
Lamenting global crises and expressing a wish for peace, its lyrics continue to move many people to this day.
Masterpieces of Japanese music that delve into various social issues such as war and environmental problems (21–30)
2020 DIARYSaitō Kazuyoshi
Singer-songwriter Kazuyoshi Saito, whose subtly wistful vocals and melodies have earned him support across generations.
The track “2020 diary,” included on his 21st album “55 STONES,” is, as the title suggests, a number that recounts events of 2020 from a musician’s perspective.
Its lyrics, which reflect on the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that threw the world into turmoil and ask what we should be doing now, feel calm and on point when viewed from the vantage point of time passed.
It’s a soulful pop tune that, precisely because of difficult times, prompts each of us to consider how we ought to be.