“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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- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
[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.
Where Have All the Flowers Gone?Katō Tokiko
In 2022, Tokiko Kato released the album “On the Endless Earth,” imbued with her hopes for peace and her anti-war convictions.
The song “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” included on this album, can rightly be called one of the world’s most famous anti-war songs.
Written by American singer Pete Seeger, it has been covered in Japan by numerous artists, including YMO and Kiyoshiro Imawano.
Some may feel that war is something that happens far away and has nothing to do with them.
But after listening to this song, will you still feel the same? It’s a piece you’ll want to hear while imagining yourself and your family in its place.
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.
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.
