Songs from Ponkickies: A roundup of nostalgic classics and popular tracks
“Hirake! Ponkikki,” which aired from 1973 to 1993, and its revamped version “Ponkikies,” which began airing in 1993, are among the most popular children’s programs.
The songs performed on the shows were especially popular, and if you watched them back then, there are probably quite a few tunes you still remember today.
In this article, we introduce nostalgic and popular songs that were featured on Ponkikies.
Even if you’ve forgotten the titles, you’ll likely find many songs that you’ll start humming along to as soon as you hear them!
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Songs from Ponkikkies: A collection of nostalgic classics and popular tracks (31–40)
When you want to run awayAdachi Yumi
Beloved by a wide range of ages from children to adults, this song is a heartwarming message tune sung by Yumi Adachi.
While portraying the desire to escape from everyday life, its lyrics—which encourage the courage to take a new step—leave a strong impression.
Released in December 1995, it also drew attention as a tie-in with the CX program Ponkikkies.
For many, it’s a nostalgic song they heard in childhood, and when you listen to it again as an adult, it can take on new meaning.
Highly recommended for listeners of all ages.
A dinosaur came to townUwakasa Tsunehiko
Dinosaurs are ancient creatures that kids absolutely love, right? If those dinosaurs came to our town…
it might be a little scary, but just imagining it while you listen makes this a really fun song.
Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, and other dinosaurs that are hugely popular with children make one appearance after another, so it’s a great pick for kids who love dinosaurs.
Tsunehiko Kamishino’s powerful voice fits the song perfectly, and the dinosaur roars in the middle are super cool too! Definitely give it a listen!
Last night’s dream was Treasure Island.Ishikawa Susumu
The song I’m introducing this time features a singer with a distinctive vocal flourish, letting you feel the charm of Showa-era arrangements.
The rolled r’s that appear in the vocals give the track an extra punch.
Another fun point is how it turns bed-wetting—something that often makes kids feel sad—into laughter with its playful lyrics.
Despite being a humorous song, it’s delivered in a cool, old-school style, making it incredibly impactful.
It’s a classic that draws you into its flavorful world more and more each time you listen.
Please don’t get it wrong.Kunikuni Takeharu
The piece composed by rokyoku performer Takeharu Kunimoto belongs to an innovative genre called “shamisen hip-hop,” overflowing with a unique appeal that fuses tradition and the contemporary.
The lyrics by Seiko Ito take up the theme of what’s right and wrong in the world, laced with irony toward misunderstandings and misconceptions in modern society.
The track was included on the 1995 album Kunimoto-zukushi and was also used on Fuji TV’s children’s program Ponkikkies.
It’s a song packed with Kunimoto’s bold attempt to go beyond the bounds of traditional performing arts, recommended for anyone who wants to reflect on everyday misunderstandings and prejudice.
Lose weight! Charles the Pig IIINakamura Seiichi
Featured on the 1980s children’s TV show “Hirake! Ponkikki,” this song is characterized by a bright, lighthearted style that incorporates elements of Charleston kayō (Charleston-influenced Japanese pop).
Its humorous lyrics depict a gluttonous little pig embarking on a diet, tickling children’s imaginations.
With rhythms that include touches of Dixieland jazz, it puts listeners in a cheerful mood.
Widely beloved by children at the time, it became an emblematic track of 1980s pop culture.
Conveying both the joy of eating and the importance of a healthy lifestyle through an adorable character, it’s a song recommended for parents and kids to enjoy together.
Songs from Ponkickies: A collection of nostalgic classics and popular tracks (41–50)
Birthday PartyGonna be fun
A song by the special unit Gonna Be Fun, featuring vocals by Rie Tomosaka.
The lyrics and music are by Toshiyuki Tachikawa of Daiji MAN Brothers Band, and it’s based on their song “Birthday Time.” Since it’s rooted in a band track and includes members who usually perform with other bands—Takaaki Kaneko of RIZE and Takumi Sameshima, who plays support guitar for rock-leaning artists—the result is a pop song with a strong band sound: bright and refreshing, yet powerful.
spring, summer, autumn, winterYoshida Michiko
Children are full of energy in every season and love playing outdoors, don’t they? I’d like to introduce a wonderful song that portrays children’s lively, expressive faces.
The song is sung in sections for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and as you listen, each season comes to life in the background.
By experiencing many seasonal games, children nurture their minds and bodies in a healthy way.
It’s a lovely piece that lets you fondly remember the seasons that have passed and look forward to the ones to come.