“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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[Songs of War] Masterpieces that sing of the tragedy and folly of war (81–90)
The sky of Hiroshimasadamasashi
Created in 1987 and included on commemorative albums such as “Gekko,” this work is imbued with a prayer for peace.
Masashi Sada, a native of Nagasaki, composed the song based on his aunt’s experience as a Hiroshima bombing survivor, rendering the tragedy through quiet acoustic sounds and a poignantly transparent vocal that leaves a strong impression.
It is performed without fail at the annual concert held in Nagasaki on August 6.
You can sense Sada’s characteristic sense of mission to pass historical truth on to future generations.
Precisely because memories of war are fading in the present day, this is a masterpiece to which we should listen closely.
Take a moment to reflect quietly on the preciousness of peace.
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.
HanahikariRīgaru Rirī
What this floating alternative rock sound depicts is a desperate plea to hold back a loved one heading to war.
Words like “fighter jet” and “soldier” thrust the brutal reality that borders our peaceful everyday life before us, powerfully shaking the listener’s heart.
Released in September 2019, this song is Regal Lily’s milestone debut single, written as the theme for the film The Flowers of Evil.
When we long for a world without conflict, its quietly prayerful vocals are sure to resonate deeply within you.
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.
decoy (sacrificial pawn)THE BLUE HEARTS
This classic song powerfully portrays the absurdity of war—where individuals are discarded by those in power—set against a driving punk sound.
Released by THE BLUE HEARTS in February 1993, it opens the album “STICK OUT,” which topped the Oricon charts.
Hiroto Kōmoto, who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, is said to have expressed his discomfort with a society that treats voiceless individuals as expendable “pawns” for a larger cause.
The perspective of a victim who can do nothing but cry—so at odds with brave-sounding rhetoric—strikes listeners to the core.
When you find yourself questioning social structures and the “justice” being proclaimed, this song may give voice to the cry in your heart.
Blowin’ in the WindBob Dylan
Bob Dylan is a world-famous American musician who has been active since the 1960s.
His 1963 release “Blowin’ in the Wind” is a song themed around the American civil rights movement.
Its simple acoustic guitar tones and harmonica playing are striking.
The lyrics pose questions about conflict, and together with the warm melody, they resonate deeply.
Be sure to pay attention to the refrain repeated at the end of the track.
[War Songs] Masterpieces that sing of the tragedy and folly of war (91–100)
Cross of SorrowHAWAIIAN 6
Whether far away or close to home, in any era, war never comes to an end.
Why can’t the world become a place where war disappears completely? With that unbearable feeling set to an intense punk sound, we pour our hearts into expressing it.
It’s a popular song at festivals and live shows.
Although it’s in English, its powerful message fires up the audience, and it sometimes turns into a massive sing-along.
Perhaps this kind of contagion is our mission as people born in a peaceful country.
