Japanese songs about horses – popular tracks. Heart dances to the galloping melodies.

lumpShibuya Subaru

Subaru Shibutani “KATAMARI” [Official Live Video]

Included on the album “2021,” released in September 2021, the song was written and composed by the artist himself.

It was specially written as the original theme song for the JRA’s “Tenno Sho (Spring) SPECIAL MOVIE.” In the special movie filmed at Hanshin Racecourse, Subaru Shibutani delivers a passionate performance against the vast backdrop of the racetrack, achieving a striking fusion of visuals and music.

The lyrics evoke a world where the burdens held deep in one’s chest are transformed into driving force, paired with a beat that relentlessly pushes forward.

It’s a track meant to reach those who keep taking on challenges and those who want to rally a heart that’s on the verge of stopping.

Horse of YouthHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 'The Horse of Youth'

Included as a B-side on the single “Sonnakotonaiyo,” released in February 2020, it was also chosen as the theme song for the drama DASADA.

The lyrics, which liken the figure sprinting full speed up a slope to a “horse,” pierce the heart as they depict overcoming moments of hesitation and comparison with others.

The lyrics are by Yasushi Akimoto, with composition and arrangement by Keiichi Kondo, and the driving beat and liberating chorus melody give listeners a strong push forward.

The choreography by TAKAHIRO features dynamic formations that really shine on stage.

Give it a listen when you’re striving toward your dreams or need the courage to take a step forward.

Run, Kotaro!Sorutī Shugā

Run, Kotaro — Showa 45 (sung by Salty Sugar), lyrics by Kenkichi Ikeda, music by Kenkichi Ikeda and Nobuo Maeda

With its innovative concept of parodying a horse-racing commentary, this track shocked the early-1970s music scene.

Released in July 1970 as Salty Sugar’s second single, it became a massive hit as a comic song that broke out of the folk framework.

The rapid-fire, live-broadcast-style narration and the crowd’s cheers come one after another, letting you feel a mounting excitement as if your heart rate were rising just by listening.

Initially spreading gradually by word of mouth, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart in January 1971.

It also won the New Artist Award at the 12th Japan Record Awards.

Riding the momentum of the song, a film starring Shunji Fujimura was released in February 1971.

Long beloved as classic background music for school sports day footraces, it’s perfect for energizing any race or competition scene!

All mothersdōyō

[Children’s Song] All the Horses / Daisuke Yokoyama

It originally has its roots in an American folk song, and in Japan it has taken hold as a nursery rhyme beloved by young children.

It’s fun how the lively onomatopoeia captures the image of a horse dashing around energetically.

The lyrics repeatedly ask why the horse is running, with no one knowing the answer, which sweetly echoes a child’s simple curiosity.

Because you can sing it while moving—clapping hands, stomping feet, or pretending to be a horse—it’s perfect for preschool and kindergarten activities.

Try raising your voices together as a family and enjoy the rhythm of a gallop.

AVALONMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – “AVALON” (from the 38th new album “Uchū Toshokan” [The Space Library])

It’s included on Yumi Matsutoya’s album “Uchū Toshokan” (The Universe Library), released in November 2016, and was written specifically for JRA’s brand campaign “a beautiful race.” Rather than depicting horse racing itself, it strikingly elevates the exhilaration of running and living as universal themes.

Co-produced with arranger Masataka Matsutoya, it achieves a cinematic sound with richly layered strings and horns.

Give it a listen when you want a push to take on a new challenge or when you want to set your heart free.

white horseTatetakako

white horse

This is a song for which Takako Tate composed the melody to lyrics by Takashi Yanase, known as the creator of Anpanman.

Released in July 2008 as the title track of a maxi single, it was produced for the project “Takashi Yanase Märchen Theater,” which adapts Yanase’s picture books into visual works.

Woven with the simplest arrangement of just piano and voice, the melody carries a gentle warmth tinged with a touch of wistfulness.

Yanase’s allegorical words overlap with Tate’s serene yet resolute vocals to create a world that quietly nestles close to the listener’s heart.

It’s a recommended track for fans of picture books and animation, or for moments when you want to calm your heart in silence.

Adorable foalTakahashi Yuko, Futaba Akiko

Cute Little Pony (Akiko Futaba · Yuko Takahashi)

This is a duet by Akiko Futaba—who was active from before the war through the postwar era—and children’s song vocalist Yuko Takahashi.

Released by Columbia Records in December 1940 and broadcast from January 1941 as a national radio song, it quickly became beloved by many.

Its bright, sprightly, march-like melody naturally conjures the image of a young foal galloping.

The lyrics are filled with warm words cherishing the foal, and chant-like calls add a lively rhythm to the song.

Featured in Studio Ghibli’s Grave of the Fireflies and in Chibi Maruko-chan: My Favorite Song, it remains a piece cherished across generations.