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
Japanese masterpieces that delve into various social issues such as war and environmental problems (41–50)
Hiroshima, River of LoveSakushi: Nakazawa Keiji sakushi / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Katsuhiko
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.
Masterpieces of Japanese music that delve into various social issues such as war and environmental problems (51–60)
Muddy up to the waistHajime Chitose
A single, quiet yet piercingly poignant song, like a short story.
This piece was written in 1966 by American folk singer Pete Seeger.
It tells a sorrowful tale based on a real incident in the United States, in which subordinates were sacrificed due to a leader’s misguided judgment.
The voice of Chitose Hajime—whose roots lie in the Amami “Shima-uta” tradition—conveys a deep, quiet anger, blending beautifully with the lyrics that calmly recount the irrationality of war.
Included on the acclaimed album Heiwa Gannen (Year One of Peace), released in July 2015, this song may prompt listeners to once again reflect on the preciousness of peace in the face of the unjust reality depicted in the story.
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.
The way homeYūki., Misu
Conceived under the theme “A Reiwa anti-war song created by those born in the 2000s,” this grand piece was crafted by singer Yuki and composer Misu.
The work portrays the folly of war and the preciousness of peace as seen through everyday, ordinary scenes.
It’s striking how the song gives voice to the complex emotions of today’s generation—the guilt surrounding a peace that rests on someone else’s sacrifice, and the helplessness of feeling unable to change anything.
The track was released in October 2024 as part of a music project.
If you listen when you want to rediscover the value of the everyday, it’s sure to resonate deeply with your heart.
Camphor Tree — Blown by 500 Years of Wind —Fukuyama Masaharu
This work centers on a camphor tree in Nagasaki that survived the atomic bombing and continues to live today.
Spanning 500 years, it embodies the resilience of life that has endured a harsh history, expressed through Masaharu Fukuyama’s steadfast, resonant vocals.
The piece is a rearrangement of a track included on the album “HUMAN,” released in April 2014, newly orchestrated with chorus after roughly eleven years.
Its majestic sonority evokes an even deeper prayer for peace.
It’s also wonderful to feel the power of music in the fact that a portion of the proceeds from this work will be donated to a fund for preserving A-bombed trees.
It is a masterpiece that stirs thoughts of history, gives us strength to face tomorrow, and leaves a lasting mark on the heart.
world peaceSEKAI NO OWARI
This is a scathing message song that SEKAI NO OWARI released during their indie days.
It sharply portrays, with a fantastical yet dark worldview, the selfishness and hypocrisy of humanity that lurk behind the beautiful word “peace.” While wishing for peace, we repeat conflicts and sacrifice other lives for a version of “peace” that suits our own convenience.
The contradiction of humanity depicted here is suffocating.
Included on their landmark album EARTH, released in April 2010, this track is packed with the band’s early impulses.
It may leave you with a profound sense of being shaken to the core, questioning whether the “justice” and “peace” we believe in are truly right.
Younger Brother of the Vast SkyFukurai Suzuko
A song that delicately portrays a family’s feelings during wartime was featured on NHK’s morning drama series Boogie Woogie.
Sung by Suzuko Fukurai, the piece expresses her thoughts for her brother on the battlefield as well as the anxieties and worries of everyday life.
Included on the album Suzuko Fukurai Masterpieces released in December 2023, it can be enjoyed alongside six cover tracks of Shizuko Kasagi’s songs.
Imbued with the sentiments of those who lived through war, this work calls attention to the importance of peace.
It’s a song we especially recommend to those who want to feel the bonds of family and a wish for peace.