“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)
Only One,Only YouGLAY
GLAY’s 60th single, “Only One, Only You,” released in 2022.
The lyrics draw you in with a powerful message against modern warfare.
While depicting the shocking realities we witness in our daily lives, the song also conveys both a longing for peace and a sense of despair.
Doesn’t it evoke a strong desire for peace not just for oneself, but for all people? It’s a track that clearly reflects GLAY’s deep commitment to peace.
War and MeSambomasutā
Sambomaster is a three-piece rock band that has won popularity with a one-of-a-kind sound blending straight punk rock with diverse musical influences.
Their song “War and Me,” included on their major-label third album, “Let’s Call Everything About You and Me Rock ’n’ Roll,” paints a vivid picture through its message that captures the raw emotions of heading into war.
Even while understanding that war involves both oneself and the opponent, the mindset of closing one’s eyes to injustice for the sake of one’s own sense of justice or the things one wants to protect is a timeless conflict faced by warriors, past and present.
It’s a melancholic number that calls to mind the tragedy of lives and futures derailed by war.
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.
[Songs of War] Masterpieces that sing of the tragedy and folly of war (81–90)
The War SongCulture Club
The song that loudly proclaims the feeling that war is absurd and wrong is “The War Song” by the British band Culture Club.
Of course war itself is unacceptable, but the song goes further to say that the people who wage it are the real problem, evoking the heartless nature of those who engage in conflict.
The poppy melody, in contrast to the lyrics, is also striking.
In the end, it appeals to all who wish for peace: war must never be waged—so let’s all raise our voices and say so clearly.
CHILDREN IN THE WARGLAY
A song that poignantly expresses the tragedy of war and the feelings of the people.
GLAY’s leader, TAKURO, composed it in response to the Iraq War in 2003.
From the perspective of a flower blooming in the desert, it questions the meaning of peace and portrays the inner conflict of soldiers gripping their guns on the battlefield.
GLAY first performed the song during their “HIGHCOMMUNICATIONS TOUR 2003.” Its sound, infused with acoustic elements, resonates deeply.
As the number of people who have never experienced war increases, this is a vital message song that conveys the preciousness of peace—one that many should hear.
NO WAR in the futureKeyakizaka 46
“NO WAR in the future,” included on Keyakizaka46’s debut album “Hashiridasu Shunkan” released in 2018, is also well known as the walk-up song for Tokyo Yakult Swallows pitcher Hiroki Hasegawa.
Why must we fight? If we had just a bit of kindness and love, conflict wouldn’t arise—this song embodies that universally held wish for peace.
It’s a track that makes you want to start with what’s close to you: to be gentle and to be willing to yield to others.
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.