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
- [April 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 (31–40)
To the most important personTonneruzu
It’s the 19th single by the comedy duo Tunnels, with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto.
“The most important person” refers to the Prime Minister of Japan, and the song’s theme is how Japan ought to be.
Among Tunnels’ singles, it is one of the few message-oriented songs.
In the country where Hiroshima isYamamoto Satoshi
This is an anti-war song by Satoshi Yamamoto, a singer-songwriter from Fukushima Prefecture.
Its melancholy tone resonates deeply.
The lyrics express reflections on war, delivering a powerful message that makes you consider the importance of extinguishing the sparks that lead to conflict.
Hong Kong, SayonaraKAN
This is a really great song by KAN, the singer-songwriter known for “Ai wa Katsu,” that depicts Hong Kong before its sovereignty was returned from the United Kingdom to the People’s Republic of China.
It’s said he wrote the song after visiting Hong Kong in 1992, when a local female coordinator told him, “Five years from now, when Hong Kong is handed back to China, the lights will go out.”
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.
blood-soaked doveItsutsu no akai fūsen
The third single by the folk group The Five Red Balloons, who emerged during the dawn of Japanese folk.
It is a song that wishes for peace, but its expressive power is so strong that it leaves you feeling terribly depressed.
It’s an exceptionally heavy and dark folk song.
Japanese masterpieces that delve into various social issues such as war and environmental problems (41–50)
Rainbow-Colored WarSEKAI NO OWARI
In contrast to its pop, slightly fantastical sound, this song by SEKAI NO OWARI pierces with a biting message.
From the perspective of small creatures like flowers and insects, the work exposes the deceit behind the “peace” and “freedom” proclaimed by humans.
The theme of the “invisible war” we join without noticing—or pretend not to notice—is quintessentially SEKAI NO OWARI.
The track appears on EARTH, a landmark indie-era album released in April 2010.
It’s a song that makes you realize that our ordinary, everyday lives may be built upon someone else’s sacrifice.
THE WAR SONGYamashita Tatsuro
This is a track by Tatsuro Yamashita that sings a prayer for a world without conflict, set to an uplifting blend of funk and soul.
Released in April 1986, it appears on the masterpiece “POCKET MUSIC,” which won the Excellence Album Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.
While it takes on the heavy theme of “war,” what comes through is not a narrow focus on national interest, but a powerful wish for a future of coexistence for the entire planet.
Rather than sorrow or despair, it radiates a hopeful, vigorous energy that stirs the listener’s heart.
It may prompt us to reflect anew on just how precious our ordinary, peaceful daily lives truly are.