Masterpieces of Japanese music that delve into various social issues, such as war and environmental problems

Join the Self-Defense ForcesTakada Wataru

Let's Join the Self-Defense Forces — Wataru Takada

A comedic message song by folk singer Wataru Takada, based on Pete Seeger’s “Andorra.” He intended it as a veiled criticism of the Self-Defense Forces, but there’s also a funny story that the SDF took the lyrics at face value and even asked to use the song for public relations.

Gaikokujin no Tomodachiyuzu

Yuzu Gaikokujin no Tomodachi

A powerful message song by the folk duo Yuzu that sings about Yasukuni, the national flag, and the singing of the national anthem.

Reading just the lyrics might feel a bit cloying due to the heavy messaging, but as expected of Yuzu, they’ve crafted it into an easy-to-listen-to folk song—a pop track that makes you want to sing along with everyone.

A NEW STYLE WARHamada Shogo

A New Style War (ON THE ROAD 2011 “The Last Weekend”)

A socially conscious rock song that opens Shogo Hamada’s acclaimed album J.BOY, released in September 1986.

Rather than depicting armed conflict between nations, the track portrays invisible threats lurking in terrorism, inequality, and information.

Many listeners may be struck by a worldview that seems to have foretold the present day.

The album featuring this song reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts for the first time in his career and won the Excellence Album Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you want to reflect deeply on how society works and what true freedom really means.

Evening of the full moonSōru Furawā Yunion

Full Moon Evening / Soul Flower Union

This is a famous song that emerged from the areas devastated by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred on January 17, 1995.

It’s a moving piece that sings of the people in the disaster zone as they face the horrific damage and the harsh realities of recovery.

The performance, which has a chindon-ya street band vibe, is great as well.

CesiumOdotte Bakari no Kuni

A Country That Does Nothing But Dance / Cesium -A Take Away Show-

An anti-nuclear song included on Rock band Odottebakari no Kuni’s third mini-album, “FLOWER.” In response to the nuclear accident following the Great East Japan Earthquake, it delivers a powerful, message-filled critique of nuclear power with direct lyrics.

It hits you deep in the chest.

Japanese devilMatsushima Kurosu

A level of cool that gives you chills... The world of “Matsushima Cross” (Kanto Union/Sumiyoshi-kai/Yakuza)

A heavy message song by Matsushima Cross, a Sumiyoshi-kai–affiliated member, that sings of patriotism while using the derogatory term for Japanese people, “Japanese devils,” as its title.

The lyrics question Japan Teachers’ Union–style education and a masochistic view of history, and convey a strong determination to take pride in the motherland.

Notably, Matsushima Cross was arrested in January 2018 on suspicion of attempted extortion and is currently on trial.

The way homefrom00, Yuki., Misu

Yuki., Misu – The Way Home – [Artistic short film]

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.