“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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[War Songs] Masterpieces that sing of the tragedy and folly of war (41–50)
DON’T CRY HIROSHIMATEE
DON’T CRY HIROSHIMA, sung by singer-songwriter TEE from Hiroshima City.
It’s a peaceful reggae number that vows never to forget August 6, the day an atomic bomb was dropped on his hometown, and sings of everlasting peace.
The song carries a message to ensure the sorrow of that day is never repeated and to keep passing on the peace we have now.
It also weaves in the Hiroshima dialect, conveying his love for his hometown.
It engraves in our hearts a gratitude for peace that we tend to forget in our everyday lives.
A single petal of cherry blossomMISIA
Works themed around “war,” something we must never forget in any era, offer modern people many insights.
This song, included on singer MISIA’s 2015 release Shiroi Kisetsu/Sakura Hitohira, was chosen as the theme song for the drama special Eternal Zero.
It’s a piece resonating with the beautiful tones of piano and strings.
You can also feel a sense of message in the band sound as it gradually grows more powerful.
It’s a classic ballad you’ll want to listen to in the season when cherry blossoms dance, while praying for peace.
A flower blooming atop contradictionsMONGOL800
MONGOL800 is a band from Okinawa.
Formed in 1998, they have captivated many listeners with a simple yet heartfelt sound.
In particular, the song “A Flower Blooming on Contradictions” from the album MESSAGE is, as its title suggests, a work that artistically portrays the contradictions of war.
Accompanied by its melody, the song’s poignant message resonates with listeners of all ages.
In difficult times, its powerful words underscore the importance of peace, making it well worth listening to so that even generations unfamiliar with war can feel its weight.
Listen to this song as a lesson from history that repeats, and as a wish for peace.
Heaven’s hellCocco
Cocco is a singer-songwriter from Okinawa who first drew attention with songs featuring strikingly impactful lyrics and a loud rock sound, and who is also active outside of music as a picture book author and actor.
“Heaven’s hell,” whose 2003 live version is included on The Best Album, is a number in which Cocco’s distinctive, gentle voice resonates deeply.
The lyrics, which dwell on a beloved person one can no longer meet, may convey a message that only Cocco—an artist from Okinawa, where U.S.
military bases still remain—can express.
It is a sentimental ballad that evokes the sorrow and heartache of those left behind by war.
A war broke out.Anarogu Fisshu
The song “A War Broke Out” by the three-piece band Analogfish expresses the frustration and helplessness of going about an entirely unchanged daily life even after learning that a war has broken out in another country.
While many people around the world are suffering, caught up in wars and conflicts even at this very moment, it is not easy for those of us living in peaceful, modern Japan to see this as something close to home.
Even so, paying a bit more attention, finding ways we can help, and taking action are surely not in vain.
Whenever I’m sadMatsuda Hiroyuki
The song “Itsumo Kanashii Toki wa” sung by vocalist Hiroyuki Matsuda carries feelings against war.
To ensure we never forget the many sacrifices made and the peaceful everyday life that war destroyed, we should keep listening to this song as time passes.
It’s a piece that truly makes you feel that peace is paramount.
In the midst of an endless journey…Shunsuke Kiyokiba
This is a song that powerfully appeals against the horrors of war through Shunsuke Kiyokiba’s signature strong vocals.
While empathizing that “everyone has doubts and fears,” it calls on us to keep looking forward and live on.
It’s striking how it continually conveys a message of hope, even as it depicts gunfire echoing around the world and the people who tremble in fear.
The track is included on the album ROCK&SOUL, released in November 2010.
It was also performed during the live tour held from December 2010 through April of the following year, resonating with many listeners.
When you come across news of wars and conflicts, why not listen to this song and take a moment to think about peace?