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

GOD Bless XmexxxxPIERROT

PIERROT － GOD Bless Xmexxxx

A powerful message song by the five-member visual kei rock band PIERROT.

It’s said to be an anti-war piece that expresses the feelings they had in response to the outbreak of the Iraq War.

It’s a cool yet weighty song, with words like “dictator” and “GOD” flying about.

The North Korea I admireZa Taimāzu

North Korea of My Longing by THE TIMERS

A song by the masked band The Timers, led by “ZERRY,” a figure who closely resembles Kiyoshiro Imawano.

It’s a lighthearted, poppy, fun number that features North Korea—a subject considered taboo in the media.

Beyond this track, they also sang many songs that seemed to foretell crises in Japan’s future, such as nuclear power issues.

In the country where Hiroshima isYamamoto Satoshi

Satoshi Yamamoto, “In the Country That Has Hiroshima”

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

“Hong Kong SAYONARA” KAN from “TOKYOMAN”

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.”

No.9ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

Asian Kung Fu Generation No.9 Fansubbed

With a title that evokes Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, this ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION song carries a powerful message for peace.

Its exhilarating sound seems to voice dissent against the folly and absurdity of war.

The rapid shifts between stillness and intensity evoke both the anxiety of a peaceful everyday life being shattered and a heartfelt cry to hold on to ideals nonetheless.

The album that features this track, World World World, was released in March 2008 and reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a song that makes you reflect on how precious ordinary life truly is—and what we can do to protect it.

Rainbow-Colored WarSEKAI NO OWARI

End of the World / Rainbow-Colored War

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.

About happinesssadamasashi

On Happiness / Theme Song of the Himeyuri Monument # Masashi Sada

An introspective ballad by Masashi Sada imbued with a fervent prayer for peace.

The quiet piano and solemn strings leave a strong impression.

The question “Are you happy?” posed again and again pierces deeply into the hearts of those of us living in peaceful times.

Released in May 1982 as the theme song for the film “The Tower of Himeyuri,” which depicts the tragedy of the Battle of Okinawa, the song also became familiar as a commercial jingle for Duskin, spreading its universal message widely.

It’s a work that makes us reconsider just how precious our ordinary, everyday lives truly are.