[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 (21–30)
Magical Cooking ~From You to You~BUMP OF CHICKEN
This is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s 17th single, broadcast from April to May 2010.
The song was created with the concept of vocalist Motoo Fujiwara speaking to his younger self.
The lyric booklet features a photo of a stuffed animal he actually received from his grandfather when he was a child, and it’s said that all the episodes in the lyrics are based on real experiences.
“The memories of worn-out toys and the many moments with family—each and every one will become a treasure.” Now that we’re adults, isn’t this something anyone can relate to?
I won’t forget.D-51
A number with a reggae-tinged rhythm and lyrics packed tight with little everyday joys that make your heart skip a beat.
The words seem to speak on behalf of parents raising children, and parents currently in the thick of childrearing will likely find it especially moving.
From a child’s perspective, too, it’s a song that reminds you of the gratitude toward your parents that’s easy to forget amid the busyness of daily life.
With its simple, familiar melody and message of love, it might be a great listen at life’s milestones.
The Boy and the Magical RobotGUMI（40㍍）
This is the first Vocaloid song ever broadcast on Minna no Uta, aired in 2013.
The lyrics and music are by 40mP, known for popular songs like “Karakuri Pierrot” and “Love Trial.” The vocals are performed by the VOCALOID GUMI.
The song tells the story of a boy who lacks confidence in his singing, helped by a robot girl who can sing.
Even those who aren’t fond of VOCALOID might find their image changing after listening to this track.
You’ll surely feel a warm affection for VOCALOID, which continues to sing people’s feelings forever.
The Tale of Footwear and UmbrellasAKB48
A song by AKB48 that was broadcast on “Minna no Uta” in 2015.
The video set to the music portrays the story of two elderly women living alone.
They each run their own shop and are very close friends.
However, both of them pass away, and their relatives come to handle the arrangements.
What is revealed about the two women’s feelings is deeply moving.
It might be considered a sad song, but it’s a tear-jerking masterpiece you should listen to at least once—one that conveys inexpressible human kindness and the strength of grandmothers who have lived long lives.
somewhere youanzenchitai
Broadcast as a new song from June to July 2022, this track drew an overwhelming response thanks to Koji Tamaki’s warm vocals.
It was provided as the centennial commemorative song for Asahikawa City in Hokkaido, the hometown of the members of Anzen Chitai.
With messages like “I’m always watching over you” and “I’m by your side, so don’t feel lonely,” the song gently unravels the loneliness that many people—children and adults alike—tend to carry in today’s world, where the pursuit of convenience has thinned human-to-human communication.
It’s a work overflowing with warmth.
Adorable foalSakushi: Satō Hachirō / Sakkyoku: Niki Takio
This song warmly portrays the life of a foal and a child, while carrying a curious, poignant sense of the times quietly creeping in.
You dry the foal’s wet mane, run together, and eventually part ways.
Such scenes unfold alongside rhythmic calls and responses.
The lyricist, Hachirō Satō, was active across a wide range from children’s songs to popular music, and the composer, Takio Niki, was a seasoned talent also known for film scores.
The work was released in December 1940 and broadcast nationwide the following January 1941 on NHK’s “National Songs.” It is closely connected to the film “Uma” (Horse), and has long been loved, later even featured in animated films.
Singing it as a family invites reflections on life in earlier times, and in early childhood settings it can be enjoyed as a play activity by imitating a foal’s movements.
In conclusion
I’ve introduced some tear-jerking masterpieces—how did you like them? Although Many Favorites (Minna no Uta) is often seen as a children’s program, when you listen, you’ll find many songs that deeply resonate with adults too, moving you to tears before you know it. When you’re worn out from work or relationships, raising kids, or heading into a new chapter, discovering a song that stays close to your feelings becomes a treasure you’ll carry in your heart. Please take this opportunity to listen to the timeless masterpieces of Minna no Uta.