“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!
- A big hit with kids! A collection of songs that gets everyone pumped for childcare and recreation
- Pocky commercial songs: a comprehensive introduction to the CM tracks through the years
- Get pumped with kids’ favorite songs! A memorable collection of classics that will make you want to sing along
- [Minna no Uta] Beloved Across Generations: Nostalgic Classics and Popular Songs
- Get pumped with popular songs from “Okaasan to Issho”! A collection of timeless tunes everyone will want to sing together
- Recommended dance music for children. Kid-friendly dance tunes that make you want to move.
- Theme songs from “Tensai TV-kun”: A roundup of popular tracks
- [Showa Classics] A Collection of Nostalgic 70s Anime Songs
- Nostalgic yet fresh!? Classic masterpieces of Japanese rock from the 1970s and 1980s
- Fun to dance! A roundup of recommended dance songs for young children, perfect for daycare and sports days
- A collection of classic songs about friends: friendship songs for children
- Recommended for sports days and recreational events! Easy-to-dance Disney classics and popular dance songs
- Kids will love it! A collection of dance song ideas with easy-to-follow rhythms
Songs from Ponkickies: A roundup of nostalgic classics and popular tracks (1–10)
I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi
Not only is it used as the opening theme for Ponkikki’s, but it’s also featured in many commercials, so I imagine many people know it.
True to the impression you get from the title, it’s a breezy track that makes you want to head out for a walk.
The lyrics, which seem to question whether it’s really okay for the city to keep rushing along like that, are striking.
It has a cheerful yet gentle atmosphere, as if reminding us that it’s important to spend our time calmly now and then.
Summer ResolutionŌe Senri
When it comes to Senri Oe, many people probably think of this song first.
It’s a classic summer tune from the TV show Ponkikkies.
The song has a refreshing feel that evokes sunshine, as if it were capturing children’s excitement for summer vacation.
It portrays both the anticipation of imagining all the things they want to do and the lament that the break is too short to accomplish everything.
The way they’re already short on time even at the planning stage is adorable and relatable, making this a song many can empathize with.
Hone Hone RockShimon Masato
It’s one of the signature songs from the era of “Hirake! Ponkikki.” As a single, it was included as the B-side to “Pata Pata Mama.” Although it has a unique worldview in which various bones start dancing to the beat of drums, it’s a song that feels fun.
It features many eerie words, yet the tone of the electric guitar and the overall sound keep it from feeling scary—another charm of the piece.
It also feels like a song that calls on everyone to have fun together, regardless of species.
Now, an adventure!Wada Akiko
With lyrics by Chisato Moritaka and composition by Tatsuya Ishii of Kome Kome Club, this song was created by a star-studded team.
When you hear the word “adventure,” you might imagine something grand, but this track mainly portrays everyday scenes.
It seems to tell us that even small, ordinary moments can become the greatest adventures when they lead to new encounters.
The song evokes childhood, a time brimming with new discoveries, and conveys a sense of hope and anticipation for the future.
A Bath Counting SongChikura Hito
Some of you may have grown up being told to count to ten before getting out of the bath.
This song features the numbers one through ten set to a techno-like beat.
Its distinctive, mysterious melody makes it surprisingly catchy after just one listen.
With characters that look like little steam ghosts and playful, humorous counting, humming this tune in the bath is sure to warm you up nicely.
Even with just one, it’s a carrot.nagira kenichi
This is a well-known song, also famous for being included on the B-side of the smash hit “Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun.” It follows the traditional style of a counting song with wordplay, incorporating familiar and easy-to-understand items in the lyrics, making it easy for children to memorize.
It’s not just a song for learning numbers—the words that appear all require different counters, so children can learn how to count various things along with the numbers.
With its relaxed feel, it’s perfect for helping kids gain a solid understanding of numbers.
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.