“No Music No Peace” by Shinji Kaneko is a Song About the Barrier Transcending Power of Music

ShinjiKaneko1_crop — Shinji Kaneko, photo courtesy the artist

Shinji Kaneko’s lyric video for “No Music No Peace” works so well in its simple charm and explicit spelling out of its message of how music connects and bonds people. Kaneko also talks about how at the root of human psychology and well-being and international understanding is that bond of music that can transcend the usual barriers of language, politics and culture. Kaneko is based in Japan but the lyrics are in English and not the awkward variety one sees on t-shirts in markets in the Ginza. Rather, the kind of language that may seem quaint to some but which speaks to universal truths in a relatable way that requires no knowledge of hip references or familiarity with the rich American and Japanese folk traditions to grasp. It’s simply a refreshingly earnest and catchy pop song aimed at bringing people together through a shared appreciation for music. Watch the video below and follow Kaneko at the links provided.