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[Elementary School Music] List of Popular and Nostalgic Songs That Have Appeared in Textbooks

Do you remember the songs you sang in elementary school music class or the pieces you played on the recorder?

Songs learned in childhood are deeply engraved in our memories, and sometimes a fragment of the melody pops into your head out of the blue.

In this article, we’ll introduce songs that were featured in elementary school textbooks, as well as pieces that are still included today.

From nostalgic children’s songs to recent J-pop, the genres are diverse.

Of course, you can simply listen and reminisce, but it’s also great to listen with family or friends and let the conversation bloom with memories!

[Elementary School Music] List of Popular and Nostalgic Songs That Have Appeared in Textbooks (41–50)

strollInoue Azumi

Sampo (My Neighbor Totoro) Sato no Uta Hey Let’s Go (Totoro)
strollInoue Azumi

I think many kindergartens and nursery schools use this song for their recitals.

On TV, the film My Neighbor Totoro is broadcast regularly, so it feels like people have been humming this song since they were little.

Its march-like tempo makes it a great teaching material for elementary school music classes when practicing instruments.

You often hear it as a marching piece at sports days, too—truly an all-around song.

The lyrics are by Rieko Nakagawa, and the music is by Joe Hisaishi, who composes widely for Ghibli films.

Azumi Inoue’s singing voice also fits this song perfectly!

Taki no namida pin ku
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[Elementary School Music] List of Popular and Nostalgic Songs Featured in Textbooks (51–60)

Sugarcane field

Ryoko Moriyama “Sugarcane Field” (from ‘Concert Tour 2007–2008’)
Sugarcane field

The classic song “Sugarcane Field,” which expresses the sound of the wind in words and quietly sings of searing sorrow, anger, and prayers for peace, has been passed down by many singers since its premiere at a 1967 concert.

The version recorded by Ryoko Moriyama in 2001 won the Best Vocal Performance at the 44th Japan Record Awards in 2002.

In 2003, a drama of the same title starring Sanma Akashiya, inspired by this song, was released and deeply moved many people in Japan.

If you’re interested in how Naohiko Terashima, who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, created this piece and the stories behind it, please look into it yourself.

KOH-1
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Princess MononokeMera Yoshikazu

"From Princess Mononoke" with recorder sheet music
Princess MononokeMera Yoshikazu

A film theme song distinguished by its clear, translucent high notes.

It is a gem woven from Hayao Miyazaki’s beautiful poetry and Joe Hisaishi’s grand music.

Released alongside the film in July 1997, it became a major talking point as the ending theme that colors the movie’s climax.

The lyrics brilliantly capture the story’s worldview, and Yoshikazu Mera’s pure, crystalline voice resonates deeply with listeners.

Symbolically portraying the relationship between nature and humanity and the conflicts within, this piece is recommended for moments when you want to calm your mind.

Why not immerse yourself in its magnificent world?

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The day called tomorrowSakushi: Yamamoto Yoko / Sakkyoku: Yagisawa Satoshi

Celebrating hope and the joy of living, this piece is cherished as a song that stays close to many hearts.

Through depictions of nature, it expresses the strength of vitality, and its repeatedly hopeful chorus gives courage to listeners.

After the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, footage of middle school students in the disaster area singing it in an evacuation shelter was broadcast on television, and it spread nationwide as a song supporting recovery.

Often performed at graduation ceremonies and choral competitions, this work is recommended for anyone who wants to keep hope for tomorrow.

It will surely wrap your heart in warmth.

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In conclusion

Were there any songs you remember singing, or ones included in your child’s textbook? If you’re a parent, you might find it fun just to flip through your child’s music textbook. This playlist could spark lively conversations at home—please enjoy it during your family time!