Classic Japanese songs about Earth: songs that include the word “Earth” in their lyrics
Our birthplace, the planet Earth.
Here, we’ll introduce songs that turn this planet—where people live—into music, as well as tracks whose lyrics include the word “Earth.”
A variety of artists express “Earth” through their own interpretations.
You can sense from the lyrics how they perceive this Earth we live on, so try listening while thinking about the intended meaning and the feelings behind it.
We’ll showcase expressions of love for Earth and lyrical portrayals that transcend genres—from rock and folk to idol music.
Masterpieces of Japanese songs about Earth. Songs that include the word “Earth” in the lyrics (1–10)
EarthIkimonogakari
This is a gem-like ballad themed around parting and reunion, imbued with a deep affection for our living planet.
It’s a cherished song that has been carefully passed down since their indie days, and a memorable piece written and composed by Hotaka Yamashita when he was 16.
Included on the album “NEWTRAL,” it features an arrangement notable for the distinctive timbre of the jaw harp.
It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to when thinking of someone dear who’s far away, or when standing at a crossroads in life.
Carrying YouAzumi Inoue
It’s the theme song from Studio Ghibli’s classic animated film Castle in the Sky.
The music was composed by Joe Hisaishi, with lyrics by Hayao Miyazaki.
Since its release, it has remained a beloved song that has been covered many times.
In the chorus, the word “earth” appears frequently.
It’s a wonderful piece that ties in with the film’s story.
In 2002, an answer song to this track, titled “Carrying You II (Kimi o Tsurete),” was created.
Lapis-Lazuli EarthSeiko Matsuda
This is a grand piece that sings of deep love and hope for the Earth.
Released by Seiko Matsuda on her 1986 June album “SUPREME,” the work features lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Natsumi Hirai, depicting the story of people traveling around the Earth as if aboard a spaceship.
The image of a beautifully gleaming lapis-lazuli Earth and the feelings for the people living upon it unfold alongside a sweeping melody that resonates deeply with listeners.
It also carries wishes for world peace and environmental protection, and it has been included in high school music textbooks and embraced as a choral piece.
In April 2010, it was used as a wake-up call on the International Space Station, coloring the moment of gazing at the Earth from space.
It is a moving song that speaks to the heart when you want to feel the Earth’s beauty and the preciousness of life.
Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS
This is a single released by RADWIMPS in July 2006, a song that captures the emotions of individuals living on Earth through the scenes of people passing by in the city.
While portraying the complex human feeling of trying to dislike someone first out of fear of being disliked, it also expresses how, even after experiencing relationships and partings with loved ones, that person’s presence continues to live on within oneself.
Included on the album “RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan,” it is known as one of the band’s signature songs, having reached No.
13 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Winner of BEST ART DIRECTION VIDEO at Space Shower TV’s MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS 07, this work deeply resonates with those struggling to face themselves or who have experienced parting with someone important.
Miracle EarthKeisuke Kuwata & Mr.Children
A socially conscious rock piece carrying a grand message themed around global environmental issues and the future of humanity.
Rock and ballad elements blend exquisitely, and together with profound lyrics, the song powerfully resonates with listeners.
The collaboration by Keisuke Kuwata & Mr.
Children was released in January 1995 as a single available for six months, and as a charity project for AIDS awareness, all proceeds were donated to AIDS countermeasures.
In December of the same year, it was performed at the Nippon Budokan and received a tremendous response, topping the Oricon charts.
Imbued with love for our beautiful Earth and hopes for the future of humankind, this work is a perfect song for those who wish for peace and are interested in social issues.
globeKenshi Yonezu
A song crafted by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme for Hayao Miyazaki’s film “The Boy and the Heron,” which delicately portrays life from birth and growth to parting.
Released in July 2023, the film is accompanied by a warm, gentle melody that feels as if it tenderly watches over the growth of a human being born with infinite potential.
After receiving direct guidance from Director Miyazaki and working from five books’ worth of storyboards, Yonezu created this painstaking work whose lyrics, offering a panoramic view of the world and probing the meaning of life, harmonize beautifully with the film’s themes.
Both the piece itself and its creation process convey Yonezu’s deep respect for Miyazaki.
It’s a recommended song for those at a crossroads in life or anyone wishing to reflect on their own way of living.
The music video was filmed on Yakushima, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, and its striking visuals brim with lush nature and the vitality of life.
Blue EarthHY
This is a song by HY, a band from Okinawa.
It sings about wars happening somewhere on Earth and the children who are forced to take part in them.
The song calls for and wishes for a happy future for children in harsh circumstances and for peace on Earth.