“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)
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.
[War Songs] Masterpieces that sing of the tragedy and folly of war (51–60)
Children Who Don’t Know WarJirōzu
Here’s a song released in 1970, with lyrics by Osamu Kitayama and music by Jiro Sugita.
It was reportedly performed for the first time at a concert during the Osaka Expo.
Though it represents the postwar generation, it also reads like an anti–Vietnam War song, and its lyrics include references to trends among young people at the time, such as long hair.
I can only pray that the number of children who know war will never increase.
The crested ibis cries.Porunogurafiti
This song, “Avi ga Naku,” released in 2023 by the duo Porno Graffitti—popular across a wide audience—carries special significance.
Hiroshima is known in Japan as a place where war relics remain.
Hailing from Hiroshima, Porno Graffitti created this work as a collaboration project with the city, imbued with prayers for peace, and it was chosen as a support song for the Hiroshima Summit held there in 2023.
The lyrics, which ensure we never forget what happened in the past and pass the stories on to lead us toward peace, are deeply moving.
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.
Muddy up to the waistHajime Chitose
A single, quiet yet piercingly poignant song, like a short story.
This piece was written in 1966 by American folk singer Pete Seeger.
It tells a sorrowful tale based on a real incident in the United States, in which subordinates were sacrificed due to a leader’s misguided judgment.
The voice of Chitose Hajime—whose roots lie in the Amami “Shima-uta” tradition—conveys a deep, quiet anger, blending beautifully with the lyrics that calmly recount the irrationality of war.
Included on the acclaimed album Heiwa Gannen (Year One of Peace), released in July 2015, this song may prompt listeners to once again reflect on the preciousness of peace in the face of the unjust reality depicted in the story.
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.
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.
