Dog song: A masterpiece about a beloved dog.

Plu the PuppyHonda Rutsuko

Puppy Ploo (with lyrics) / Rutsuko Honda — NHK Minna no Uta

Here’s a song that was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1972.

It sings about the meeting and parting of a lonely boy and a little dog named Plu.

It begins with a lively major-key intro, but when the vocals come in it suddenly shifts to minor; in the chorus it even changes from 4/4 to 3/4, making for a quite intricate construction and a strikingly dramatic development.

Plu must have left a deep impression on people’s hearts, because a sequel that could be called an epilogue, “Boku no Plu,” was aired in 1977.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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HoneyOtsuka Ai

Honey / Ai Otsuka cover

This is a song by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, known for hits like “Sakuranbo” and “Kingyo Hanabi.” It’s included on her first album, LOVE PUNCH, released in 2004.

In plain, unadorned words, she sings about her pet dog, who’s adorable no matter what it does.

Even if you can’t exchange words, many people probably want to express their gratitude to their dogs just like in this song.

If you’re one of them, listening to it will surely seep deep into your heart.

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Araki Jakkan

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Dog Policeman

Dog Policeman – The Little Lost Kitten [Japanese Children's Song]

The children’s song “The Policeman Dog,” released in 1960, is beloved across generations as a tune everyone knows.

In this charming and comical song that anthropomorphizes animals, a lost kitten is crying so much that even the dog policeman ends up barking “woof-woof” in confusion.

The lyrics were written by Yoshimi Sato and the music composed by Megumi Ohnaka.

It’s a song that evokes scenes from the Showa era.

Chosen in 2007 as one of the 100 Best Japanese Songs, it will likely continue to be cherished and sung for years to come.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Like a dogLeyona

Leyona “Like a puppy,” Zushi Beach surfers 2013

This is a song included on the 2006 album “Clappin’.” It expresses the desire to stay and play forever with a beloved person, like a pet dog would.

The lyrics mention examples such as Shibuya’s Hachiko and the dog used in Victor’s logo.

Through the windKobukuro

Kobukuro - In the Wind (Ver. Noriyuki Makihara).mp4

This song was included on the 2007 album “5296.” It portrays a pet dog that becomes a stray and learns to live with resilience.

It can also be heard as a fight song for those taking on adventures into the unknown.

Notably, the lyrics were written by Shunsuke Kuroda and the music was composed by Kentaro Kobuchi—marking the first time they split these roles in the nine years since forming the group.

I Love My DogCat Stevens

Cat Stevens “I Love My Dog”

A song Cat Stevens wrote when he was young, after encountering a dachshund that had been left tied to a post.

He took the dog home and started living with it.

This song was his first single, and its success on England’s pirate radio stations launched his career.

I want to be your wind.kami fuusen

Paper balloon, I want to become your wind.

Here is a song released in 2003 as part of the Assistance Dog Trio by Kamifusen, a Japanese folk group formed in 1974 and known for hits like “Before Winter Comes.” It’s a support song for the enforcement of the Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons.

The heartwarming lyrics liken you—whose movements have become difficult because you cannot see—to a boat, while the guide dog Cynthia becomes the wind that carries you to many places.

It’s also rare to find a song about dogs that specifically sings about guide dogs.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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