Take flight like a bird! A song with a bird motif. A track for the Year of the Rooster.
Like a bird soaring high in the sky, doesn’t everyone dream of freedom in their hearts? From Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,”
Taking off like a bird! A song inspired by birds. Songs for the Year of the Rooster (1–10)
Black BirdAimer
This is a song by Aimer that overlays feelings of envy and a longing to be loved onto the image of a single black bird.
Released as a single in September 2018, it was later included on the acclaimed album “Penny Rain.” It was also chosen as the theme song for the live-action film “KASANE -Beauty and Fate-,” starring Tao Tsuchiya and Kyoko Yoshine in dual leads, capturing a mysterious and weighty atmosphere.
The way it gives voice to darker emotions like inferiority and impatience through a dramatic blend of strings and band sound is truly breathtaking.
It’s the kind of song that will surely stay close to your complicated heart on nights when you want to confront your own weaknesses and jealousy.
FlamingoYonezu Kenshi
This is a highly original number that fuses enka-like melodic inflections with a funky sound.
While it sings of a yearning love for someone out of reach, it also overlays that figure with a flamingo, portraying Kenshi Yonezu’s own duality as something beautiful yet somehow grotesque.
Released as a single in October 2018, the song was also featured in a Sony wireless earphones commercial.
Created deliberately free from constraints after a massive hit, this work is one to hear when you want to express yourself without being bound by convention.
It’s sure to give you the courage to open a new door.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
It’s the 10th single by the popular band [Alexandros], and it was also used as a movie’s theme song.
The imagery of a migratory bird taking flight into a new world overlaps with the self, vividly portraying a fresh, lively world.
The music video is a must-watch all the way through, even after the song ends.
This track is one that symbolizes the band, making it a perfect fit for this article.
The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko
This is Machiko Watanabe’s second single and signature song, which made her an instant hit as a singer-songwriter.
In the lyrics, set by the seaside, the male love interest is likened to a seagull, and she delivers the song with a captivating performance featuring rich vocal power and a resonant low register.
It has been covered by various artists, and more recently drew attention when it was used by the dance team Avantgardey.
Bluebirdikimonogakari
As an opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden, this song enjoys overwhelming popularity overseas as well.
When people hear the word “bird,” many probably think of this track.
In 2009, it was reportedly used by Chunichi Dragons player Masahiko Morino as his walk-up song at Nagoya Dome.
Released in July 2008, its powerful, determined lyrics match the anime perfectly, contributing to its strong popularity.
A bird that cannot flyyuzu
This is a classic song by Yuzu that layers the inner struggle of a broken spirit over the image of a bird that has forgotten how to fly.
The helpless feelings of stumbling once, losing confidence, and losing sight of the path forward resonate deeply with its wistful, mellow sound.
But this piece isn’t just a song of despair.
It portrays a story of recovery—setting out once more, guided by the gentle words received from someone important.
Released in October 2000, it colored the story as the theme song of the TV drama “Wipe Your Tears” and was also included on the acclaimed album “Tobira.” When you hit a major wall, it will give you the courage to take the next step.
Blue BirdKobukuro
Set to a refreshing melody, this heartwarming number by Kobukuro paints the small joys hidden in everyday life.
It gently sings, likening them to the bluebird of happiness, that the true bliss we often lose sight of while chasing our dreams is the bond with the ones we hold dear.
Created to mark the 10th anniversary of their debut, it was released in February 2011 as their 20th single and was also chosen as the opening theme for NHK Educational TV’s anime Bakuman.
When you’re working hard toward your goals but feeling a little worn out, give this song a listen.
It will surely make you notice the warm light right beside you and give you the courage to spread your wings toward the future once again!