“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)
BeginnersSogabe Keiichi
A song by singer-songwriter Keiichi Sokabe, who is also energetically active in numerous bands such as Keiichi Sokabe BAND, which bears his own name, and Sunny Day Service.
Released on Sunny Day Service’s YouTube channel in February 2022, the track delivers shockingly vivid lyrics that make scenes often regarded in Japan as distant, foreign events feel real.
Its floating melody and subtly rhymed, suggestive lyrics may leave you with an indescribable sensation, as if suspended between dream and reality.
With few words, it precisely sketches the landscapes revealed by conflict—a song that makes it impossible to listen without wishing for peace.
[War Songs] Masterpieces that sing of the tragedy and folly of war (51–60)
DAYBREAK’S BELLL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This is the 32nd single by L’Arc~en~Ciel, a four-member rock band whose members have all written hit songs and are popular both in Japan and abroad.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00, the track was released as part of a five-month consecutive rollout that included singles, albums, and DVDs.
Its rock sound, incorporating a wistful piano, merges with lyrics that sing of the folly of conflict and a sense of powerlessness, expressing the heartlessness of war in a way that resonates with the anime.
It is an anti-war song filled with a message—one that only a Japanese artist could convey—wishing for an end to the wars occurring around the world.
Down by the RiversideMahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer who also took part in movements calling for the elimination of racial discrimination, performed “Down by the Riverside.” Known as the “Queen of Gospel,” she sings in this song with a powerful conviction: I don’t want war, not at all! Its lively gospel melody and her passionate vocals deliver a message that is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Calling on people to lay down their weapons, change their clothes, and come together to pray for peace, the song sends a strong message to a world that never seems free of conflict.
Relay of Lifesango
This is a moving song that expresses the bonds and value of life, and a wish for peace.
Released in May 2015, it was chosen as the theme song for NHK Okinawa’s 70 Years After the War project.
Sung by Sango, a unit consisting of Kiroro’s Chiharu Tamashiro and Ayano Kinjo, and HY’s Izumi Nakasone, the piece features a chorus of 40 Okinawan elementary school students, giving it a strong regional character.
With a touching melody, it conveys the importance of living with hope for the future so as not to repeat past tragedies—a song that stands with all who long for peace.
8.6HUSKING BEE
At 8:15 a.m.
on August 6, the first atomic bomb in human history was dropped on Hiroshima.
“8.6” appeals to us never to repeat that tragedy.
It’s sung by HUSKING BEE, a band led by vocalist Masafumi Isobe from Hiroshima Prefecture.
People once said that no plants would grow for 70 years after the atomic bombing, yet this punk song conveys pride in and love for the city of Hiroshima, which rose again.
May this work, together with the number “8.6,” be etched deeply in our hearts so that we never repeat such a mistake.
Outdated Rock ’n’ Roll BandKuwata Keisuke feat. Sano Motoharu, Sera Masanori, Char, Noguchi Goro
A digital-only single by musicians who are hailed as legends in today’s J-pop scene: Keisuke Kuwata, Motoharu Sano, Masanori Sera, Char, and Goro Noguchi.
It’s a charity song that prays for peace in a world shaken by natural disasters, pandemics, and war, and the dream collaboration between top artists of the same generation became a major talking point.
The ensemble, which evokes the charm of classic J-pop, connects with the universal theme of peace—a shared hope of humanity in any era.
It’s a timeless masterpiece that, precisely in our age of constant grim news, we hope will reach the hearts of many.
War & PeaceSakamoto Ryuichi
In March 2023, Ryuichi Sakamoto sadly passed away, leaving many mourning his loss.
Even during his lifetime, Sakamoto was involved in various initiatives, especially those aimed at environmental conservation and peace—many of you have likely heard his words on these themes.
The track “War & Peace,” whose title strikingly juxtaposes the opposing concepts of war and peace, is included on his 2004 album Chasm.
The lyrics pose heartfelt questions about peace and war, speaking from the depths of the soul.
Please listen while referring to the Japanese translation.
