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 Ponkickies: A collection of nostalgic classics and popular tracks (41–50)
Kung Fu LadyTakada Tomoko
From the title and the sound, you can kind of tell it’s a track inspired by Chinese action films.
The tempo is very relaxed, so it brings to mind tai chi among Chinese martial arts.
The lyrics also seem to prioritize atmosphere, and they even sound like introductions of characters in an action movie.
Toward the end, there’s a section where four-character idioms are read aloud in Chinese over a gentle, Chinese-style sound, making the track come across as distinctly playful.
completely baldFujimoto Fusako
Some of you might be wondering, “What on earth is tsuntsurutenn?” Tsuntsurutenn refers to clothes that have become too short—like when a sweater that fit perfectly this year ends up too small next year and turns into tsuntsurutenn.
It’s a fun song that adorably portrays children’s rapid growth with a comical melody and lyrics.
The story is about knitting a beloved outfit from yarn—only to grow by next year and have it become tsuntsurutenn! It’s a slightly bittersweet yet humorous tune.
Kokoro-kun, Kokoro-sanOotake Shinobu
This charming song, which also features illustrations by the famous picture book author Taro Gomi, is called “Kokoro-kun, Kokoro-san.” It’s sung by the actress Shinobu Otake—some of you might be surprised to hear that.
The song asks what Kokoro-kun and Kokoro-san—who live in everyone’s hearts—really are.
While the vocals are warm and the lyrics are cute, their content is quite profound, expressing the invisible movements of the heart and our emotions.
It’s definitely a song I’d love children to hear.
The Song of the Twelve Zodiac Animalskurappu
It’s a very bright and fun song where the animals of the twelve zodiac signs make lively, energetic appearances to a comical tune.
As your child listens, they might even find they’ve memorized all twelve signs before you know it.
Ready, set, go!Mr.Children
This is a song that was used as the ending theme in fiscal year 2005.
It is included on Mr.Children’s single “Yon-Jigen Four Dimensions.” While the sound alone gives a refreshing impression, a closer look at the lyrics reveals emotions akin to the poignancy of contemplating the transition from childhood to adulthood.
With words that symbolize childlike qualities appearing throughout, the song also seems to portray the confusion of someone in the midst of growing up, bewildered by their own changes.
It carries a mysterious atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and bittersweet.
baby raccoon dogKashima Hideya
This song, “Tanuki Baby,” starring Pon-chan the baby raccoon dog, is a delightful piece where each of Pon-chan’s actions in the lyrics is so adorable that you can’t help but smile as you listen.
With the tanuki’s signature shapeshifting, Pon-chan turns into a human baby or child to try things a tanuki wants to do—such a unique concept, isn’t it? In the end, even without transforming into a human, Pon-chan simply cuddles up to his mom whenever he wants affection, which leaves you with a warm, comforting feeling.
Kon kon kon, little foxmukku
A cute little fox sets out into the snow to buy medicine for its mother, who has caught a cold… It’s a story-like song that makes you want to hear what happens next.
The little fox transforms into a human to try to buy the medicine, but will everything go smoothly? The playful, word-game-like lyrics and the storytelling tone are delightful, and as you listen, you’ll find yourself wanting to sing along.
The exchange between the human doctor and the little fox is sure to warm your heart, too.