Songs from Ponkickies: A roundup of nostalgic classics and popular tracks
Don’t you ever find yourself humming the songs that played on the “Ponkikki/ Ponkikkids” series even now? Spanning from the 1970s to the 2010s, the music from the Ponkikki series has been beloved for decades—children’s songs that still leave a deep impression on adults’ hearts.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of tracks from “Ponkikkids” that are sure to stir up a wave of nostalgia.
Be sure to find your new favorite tune!
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Songs from Ponkikkies: A collection of nostalgic classics and popular tracks (31–40)
aiueo staruraimisako
Overflowing with emotion and rich in melody, the song “Aiueo Hoshisama” is truly beautiful.
Set to a flowing tune, it lets you hear all 50 Japanese syllables of the “a-i-u-e-o” sequence.
The melody is gentle, making it feel like you could learn the 50 sounds as you sing along.
They say learning through song makes it harder to forget, so I think it’s perfect for children who don’t know the 50 sounds yet or who are just starting to take an interest in them.
Because the song softly and smoothly sings through the 50 sounds, kids will likely find themselves listening, completely absorbed.
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.
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.
Goro-chansupepe
Beloved by children, this song features adorable lyrics depicting the romance between Goro the black cat and a calico cat.
Set to a lively rhythm, the calico’s unrequited love for Goro is expressed comically, and you’ll find yourself humming along before you know it.
Released in February 1990, the track was not only used on the TV show “Hirake! Ponkikki” but also featured as an insert song in the film “Cats on Park Avenue.” Cherished by a wide range of ages from kids to adults, it’s a tune the whole family can enjoy.
Swim! Taiyaki-kunbakkudoroppu shinderera
This is a cover by Backdrop Cinderella of Masato Shimon’s Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun, a song that’s symbolic of the Ponkikki series.
It aired on the program in 2017.
As you’d expect from a rock band arrangement, the thick, full band sound is striking, yet it also incorporates the original’s melancholic mood.
The structure—gradually ramping up the tempo and power—is unique as well.
It’s a fun track that showcases the band’s personality while conveying clear respect for the original.
Songs from Ponkickies: A collection of nostalgic classics and popular tracks (41–50)
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.
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.