“Song of War”: A classic that sings of the tragedy and folly of war
Songs of war that are etched deeply into the human heart.
Within those voices lie prayers for peace, love for family, and memories that should be passed down across generations.
Living in the present, we can reflect anew on the horrors of war and the preciousness of peace through these songs.
In this article, we introduce moving songs themed around “war” that have left their mark on the history of Japanese music.
Shall we take a fresh look—through music—at the importance of a peaceful, conflict-free everyday life that we must protect?
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[Song of War] Masterpieces that sing of the tragedy and folly of war (71–80)
We must not forgive the atomic bomb.Kinoshita Koji
Every August, many people reflect on war and the atomic bombings and renew their commitment to peace.
This piece, a choral work with the forthright title “We Shall Not Forgive the Atomic Bomb,” is sung almost entirely in unison.
The many voices of the mixed choir resonate like the cries of those who perished in the bombings, powerfully conveying that such a tragedy must never be allowed to happen again.
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.
Far from Kyivsadamasashi
Many people are shocked by the devastation in Ukraine shown on television.
Masashi Sada’s “Far from Kyiv” is a song that pours that pain into music.
While many artists tend to shy away from political themes, Sada entrusted his anti-war message to song.
The lyrics, depicting the horrors of war and the regeneration of life, resonate deeply with us.
Why not listen to this piece and take a moment to reflect anew on war and peace?
Silent AfghanistanNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
The song that addresses the Afghanistan conflict following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States is Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s “Shizuka Naru Afghan” (“Silent Afghan”).
Nagabuchi is one of the few musicians known for using the power of music to voice opinions about his country and politics.
Released as a single in 2002, “Shizuka Naru Afghan” features the kind of frank and uncompromising lyrics characteristic of Nagabuchi.
Unfortunately, the lyrics were considered too direct, which led to the song being banned from television and radio broadcasts, but it’s an anti-war song I really hope you’ll listen to at least once.
Poem of the Frontier Guardssadamasashi
This is a moving song that portrays the eternity of nature and the fragility of human existence, questioning the very roots of life.
Inspired by the Manyoshu, its lyrics philosophically express the suffering and sorrow of living, as well as the pain of losing what we love.
Released in July 1980 as the theme song for the film “The Battle of Port Arthur (203 Kōchi),” it reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
Precisely because it depicts the impermanence of life fading away amid the tragedy of war, it brings the preciousness of peace all the more powerfully to the fore.
It is a soul-stirring work that we hope everyone will listen to—so that we do not forget a sorrowful history, and so that we can more deeply cherish the lives we have now.
No.9ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
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.
NO ~The Flower That Bloomed in the Aftermath of Life~sutoreitenaa
Straightener, a four-piece rock band whose name means “one who makes things straight,” was formed mainly by childhood friends from junior high school.
Their 19th single, “NO ~The Flower That Bloomed in the Wake of Life~,” the second installment in their 2015 “Emotional Trilogy,” is a lyrical rock tune that reaffirms a break from war on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Even the beautiful scenery we see has a story of how it came to be, and the message that we must not repeat the mistakes of the past reminds us of history that fades with time.
It’s a dramatic number that teaches us the importance of leaving a peaceful world for the future.
