WakabaNEW!Sakushi: Matsunaga Miyao / Sakkyoku: Hiraoka Hitoshi

Wakaba | With Lyrics | Ministry of Education School Song | O vivid green

Wakaba (Young Leaves) is a cherished song often sung in May, when the fresh green foliage dazzles.

With lyrics by Miyao Matsunaga and music by Kinshi Hiraoka, it was included in the National School textbook Elementary Music II published in February 1942.

Evoking vistas filled with beautiful greenery and the scent of a refreshing breeze, the piece lets you savor the arrival of early summer even indoors.

The key is to hum it gently to a relaxed rhythm while picturing Japan’s nostalgic rural landscapes—rice fields, farms, and wooded hills.

It’s a song that lets you enjoy the resonance of the Japanese language and brings a calm, peaceful feeling.

Why not join voices and sing this work—filled with the vibrant air of the season—together during a recreational moment?

Flowers of the trifoliate orangeNEW!Sakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku

Karatachi no Hana (Spring Children's Song)

A song that can be called a representative work of Japanese art songs, themed around a plant that blooms with white flowers at the end of spring.

Through images of white flowers, blue thorns, and golden fruit ripening in autumn, it portrays the pains of childhood and warm memories.

The lyrics are by Hakushū Kitahara, and the music is by Kōsaku Yamada.

It was published in the magazine Josei in May 1925 and later spread in sheet music form.

In April 1958, a TV program bearing the song’s title aired in the Yomiuri TV drama slot “Yamaichi Masterpiece Theater.” Imbued with Kōsaku Yamada’s memories of his boyhood, it deeply resonates with listeners.

Its melody grows more flavorful the more you sing it, so why not hum along with older adults and let your thoughts drift to each person’s hometown and childhood?

Journey of the HeartNEW!chūrippu

Kokoro no Tabi / Tulip (with lyrics)

This is the song that you can’t help but hum during the season of departures.

It’s a signature work by Tulip, a band formed in Fukuoka Prefecture, and a classic released in April 1973 as their third single.

Its melody, which evokes the poignant feelings for a lover far away and the scene of setting off by train, truly resonates.

In fact, just before release, the lead vocal was changed from Kazuo Zaitsū to Tatsuya Himeno, and the structure was altered to start with the chorus—changes that led to a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Beloved as a TV drama theme and in commercials, this piece has been cherished across generations.

As you reminisce about youthful journeys together, raise your voices and sing “Kokoro no Tabi.”

Red bird, little birdNEW!Sakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Narita Tamezō

Red little bird by Himawari 🌻 / with lyrics | Children's song | Akaitori kotori

A children’s song that delights with its vivid colors and rhythmic wordplay.

The lyrics were written by Hakushu Kitahara, and the music was composed by Tamezo Narita.

It depicts a charming little bird pecking at red and white berries, and simply listening conjures up a warm, gentle scene.

Its simple repetition is pleasing, making it a piece you’ll find yourself humming along to, perfect for enjoying the rhythm of the words.

It has long appeared in textbooks and music materials and has been sung across generations.

It’s recommended to sing it together in unison and add hand claps for extra fun.

Try singing this nostalgic melody at recreational gatherings for older adults.

MotherNEW!Mori Shinichi

Shinichi Mori — Ofukuro-san

Ofukuro-san, one of Shinichi Mori’s signature hit songs, was released as a single on May 5, 1971.

With lyrics by Yasukazu Kawauchi and music by Kosho Inomata, it is also well known for winning the Best Vocal Performance at the 13th Japan Record Awards.

Included on the album Tabiji, the song’s unadorned lyrics, expressing gratitude to one’s mother and portraying her as a source of comfort, resonate deeply.

Many older listeners may find themselves warmed by his conversational singing style, seeing reflections of their own mothers.

Performed on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen and beloved across generations, this kayōkyoku classic is perfect to hum along to in May for Mother’s Day or during the refreshing season, bringing back fond memories.

KintaroNEW!Sakushi: Ishihara Wasaburō / Sakkyoku: Tamura Torazō

Kintarō - Children's Song

When the season of Boys’ Festival comes around, you can hear from somewhere the lively song of the boy from Mount Ashigara.

You can just picture his sturdy figure, a big axe slung over his shoulder as he plays riding on a bear’s back.

Created by Wasaburō Ishihara and Torazō Tamura, this piece was published to the world in June 1900 in “Shōnen Shōka, First Collection, Upper Volume.” It quickly became a big hit among children of the time and has been sung and loved ever since.

Its strong duple-time rhythm is perfect for recreational sing-alongs with hand clapping! Why not join your voices together, recalling the story of pitting strength against the animals? Enjoy a nostalgic moment as you share memories of the festival days from your childhood.

Muen-zakaNEW!sadamasashi

Muen-zaka Masashi Sada

There is a masterpiece with a melancholy melody that evokes the memory of a mother’s back, resonating deeply in the heart.

“Muen-zaka,” written and composed by Masashi Sada, is a gem that overlays life’s hardships with the image of a slope and portrays profound feelings for one’s mother.

Released in November 1975 as Grape’s final single, it also became familiar to households as the theme song for the drama “Himawari no Uta.” With a conversational tone, it’s easy to sing with feeling even if you’re not confident in your high notes.

Rather than flashy dynamics, the key is to savor each and every word of the lyrics as you sing.

In this season when the fresh green breeze feels pleasant, why not gently hum along together while recalling your nostalgic hometown and the faces of your dear family?