“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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
