“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)
Upon the boundless earthKatō Tokiko
Tokiko Kato’s “On the Boundless Earth” is an anti-war song that single-mindedly raises a chorus of longing for peace.
The poem is woven with deep empathy and hopes for people exposed to lands where the fires of war never cease, and its words carry a persuasive power that is enough to make one tremble.
I cannot help but wish that the message carried by her voice will reach people’s hearts directly.
By each of us drawing our hearts close to the world of the song and facing its truth, we can once again recognize the importance of remembering the mistakes that must never be repeated.
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.
What’s Going OnMarvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s 1971 release “What’s Going On” was created based on stories from his brother, who had been in the Vietnam War.
Because it’s rooted in real experiences, it conveys a vivid, heartfelt pain toward war.
Fighting is wrong—so why do we have to do something like this…? No matter the reason, war is a mistake; this song makes you feel that anew.
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.
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.