[Minna no Uta] Tear-jerking masterpiece. A moving song you want to hear again.
NHK’s Minna no Uta, which began broadcasting in 1961, features countless timeless songs.
I’m sure many of you have a tune you’ll never forget.
In this article, we’ve picked out some of the most moving songs from among those classics.
We’ve gathered many tracks—songs that warm the heart, songs you’ll relate to through your own experiences, farewell songs, and more.
These beloved classics span the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras, transcending generations.
We hope you’ll find one that resonates with you.
Listening again as an adult, you may discover worlds you never noticed as a child.
Immerse yourself in these masterpieces and let the tears flow.
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Minna no Uta: Tear-Jerking Masterpieces. Moving Songs You Want to Hear Again (1–10)
The Bento Box Song ~A Letter to You~Hanzaki Yoshiko
Despite its upbeat melody, this song brings tears to your eyes and lets you feel a mother’s love.
Written by singer-songwriter Yoshiko Hanzaki, it was aired on “Minna no Uta” in 2017.
If you ate your mom’s homemade bento every day as a student, I don’t think you can listen to it without crying.
Bentos can include foods you don’t like or leftovers, but just like the lyrics say, mothers make them with love, thinking about their children’s health.
The message from the child at the end of the song is also deeply moving.
Friend ~Time of Departure~yuzu
This is Yuzu’s song Tomo ~Tabidachi no Toki~ (Friend ~Time of Departure~), well-known as a graduation song.
It was also chosen as the required piece for the junior high division of the 80th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition (N-Con), and the choral version is very popular.
I think many people are moved to tears when they sing or listen to this song at graduation ceremonies.
The message to the friends you’ve spent time with really hits you in the heart.
Partings are lonely, but this is a song I definitely want you to listen to with your close friends.
Mom’s MarriageSakata Osamu
This song is about a child who grew up in a single-mother household, always protected by their mother, and who, upon becoming an adult, begins to wish for their mother’s happiness.
In the lyrics, the mother apologizes out of guilt for raising the child alone, but the child responds, “You’ve done enough.” Just that alone is enough to bring me to tears.
For those who grew up in similar circumstances, it may be a song you can’t listen to without crying.
I hope mothers and fathers who are raising children on their own right now will listen to it too—it’s a heartwarming parent–child song.
Minna no Uta: Tear-Jerking Masterpieces. Moving Songs You Want to Hear Again (11–20)
teddy bearYoshioka Yusuke (Tokyo Hoso Jido Gekidan)
A tear-jerking masterpiece told from a stuffed animal’s point of view: “The Teddy Bear.” Perhaps you, too, carried the same plush toy with you everywhere as a child.
When you hugged it close, when you dragged it along the floor, when you were in a bad mood and tossed it aside.
The time you spent with that stuffed animal was the time you spent growing up.
In this song, the plush bear gently recounts those moments with warmth and affection.
It’s a moving classic that will bring tears to your eyes as you remember your favorite stuffed toy.
Wish ~Hope~Fujita Maiko
The song “wish ~Kibou~,” written specifically for Minna no Uta.
Fujita Maiko’s sincere voice resonates over a beautifully delicate piano accompaniment.
The lyrics, about struggles and conflicts you can’t tell anyone, and the desperate effort to keep moving forward even when you feel on the verge of losing hope, will move many listeners to tears.
It also conveys a comforting kindness that seems to embrace you, whispering, “We’re all in this together,” “It’s okay to take it slow.” For anyone who finds life painful, this tear-jerking masterpiece is one you should listen to at least once.
Big Grandmakondō toshiki
It’s a bright, tear-jerking “Minna no Uta” song packed with love for Grandma! It’s sung by Toshiki Kondo, an active ukulele player, and it’s included on his 2018 mini-album “UKULELE DAYS.” The lyrics, which reflect his feelings for his own grandmother just as they are, will make you smile just by reading them.
But strangely enough, as you keep listening, you start picturing your own grandma’s face and get a little sentimental.
For all the grandma’s kids out there, give it a listen!
YELLikimonogakari
An encouraging song that stays close to graduations and new beginnings will seep into everyone’s hearts.
The melodies and lyrics woven by Ikimonogakari beautifully capture both hope for the future and the bittersweetness of parting.
Released in September 2009, this piece was selected as the required song for the junior high school division of NHK’s National School Music Competition and has been loved by many.
Listen to it at graduations, farewell gatherings, and other moments when you’re taking a new step forward—it’s sure to give you courage.
Why not listen to this song at the milestones in your life?