Popularity Ranking of Takeshi Hei Yoshikuni’s Songs [2026]

Midnight Fire FestivalHirayoshi Takeshu1rank/position

[Rehearsal] Jeans Hall just before the recital (Takekuni Hirayoshi: The Midnight Fire Festival) [Kojima Civic Exchange Center]

This is a solo piano piece by the passionate Japanese composer Tokiyuki Hirayoshi, evoking scenes of blazing flames.

Its dynamic, intense sonorities and meticulously crafted articulation are beautifully balanced, depicting sparks of fire soaring into the night sky.

The unique irregular meters create a compelling sense of motion, while rhythm patterns reminiscent of Spanish dance elevate the listener’s spirit.

Selected as a required piece for the 2024 PTNA Piano Competition, it is increasingly recognized as a work that supports technical development for piano learners.

Though cast in a minor key, it conveys a vigorous energy without darkness, offering a refreshing exhilaration—like a dance of the heart—when heard on a hot summer night.

Midnight Fire Festival from ‘Rhythm of the Rainbow’Hirayoshi Takeshu2rank/position

The Midnight Fire Festival Piano by Kiyoshi Hiraishi [Recommended for Recitals] Pianist Yuki Kondo / The Midnight Fire Festival Piano, Yuki Kondo

This passionate miniature, woven from a powerful rhythm and brilliant melody, is an ambitious work featured on the album “Rhythm of the Rainbow.” Its use of the rhythmic device known as hemiola—alternating between 6/8 and 3/4 time—creates a wild, driving energy reminiscent of Spanish music and flamenco.

Selected as a required piece for the 2024 PTNA Piano Competition, Grade C, it has captivated many young pianists.

The exciting interplay between the right and left hands, along with the nuanced expressions of slurs, staccatos, and accents, shape a sound world that brings out the performer’s full ability.

Challenging yet performable in under three minutes, it’s an ideal choice for recitals and competitions.

Line Dance of TulipsHirayoshi Takeshu3rank/position

All Japan Piano Competition 2022, Preschool Division, Silver Prize, Yuki Ninomiya

This piece by Takeshi Hykkyoku* captures the heart with a buoyant melody, as if colorful tulips were stepping in unison.

It is included in the piano collection for children, “Niji no Rhythm” (Rainbow Rhythm).

Though the performance time is short—about one minute and thirty seconds—it’s packed with rewarding elements to practice, such as major seventh chords and left-hand techniques.

Start by securing a solid sense of rhythm at a slow tempo.

With steady practice, aim for a light, lively performance that will captivate both audience and judges!

The Field Day of the House MiceHirayoshi Takeshu4rank/position

[Piano Recital Recommendation] A Field Day for White Mice ♪ Takekuni Hirayoshi / Hatsu-kanezumi no Undōkai

Takayasu Hirayoshi is known for his gentle musicality that resonates with children’s hearts.

Born in 1936, Hirayoshi studied composition at Tokyo University of the Arts and left many choral works and piano pieces for children.

This work is a short piece of about one minute, included in Hirayoshi’s piano collection “Niji no Rhythm” (Rainbow Rhythm), with a lively and cheerful atmosphere.

Depicting a fun sports day of little white mice, the music features a rhythmic, bright melody.

It sparks children’s imaginations and lets performers feel the joy of playing.

It’s a recommended piece for beginners at the piano or anyone looking for a light, upbeat tune.

Habanera on a Summer NightHirayoshi Takeshu5rank/position

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Summer Night Habanera ♪ Takekuni Hirayoshi / Summer Night Habanera, Takekuni Hirayoshi

This captivating piece weaves passionate traditional Cuban rhythms with striking melodies.

Over a quietly pulsing, heartbeat-like rhythm in the bass, a brilliant melody unfolds at a relaxed pace.

Like moonlight floating in the night, it carries a beautiful, mysterious aura, offering performers ample room to showcase their sensitivity and expressive range.

Premiered in 1996, it is written for advanced players yet possesses a rich resonance that enchants audiences.

Its graceful melody and dynamic development leave a strong impression, lending it the dignity and brilliance befitting the finale of a recital.

As a work that fully draws out the piano’s expressive potential, it is recommended for upper elementary students who are confident in their performance technique.

Mysteries of the Seasakushi: Kawasaki Hiroshi / sakkyoku: Hirayoshi Takushu6rank/position

[National Gold Prize] 'Mysteries of the Sea' ♪ The sea is vast and boundless~ (Hachinohe City Nejo Junior High School Choir) #NCon

This choral piece brilliantly captures the vastness and mystery of the sea.

Its wave-like, undulating melodies and harmonies are striking, and the lyrics—woven with references to the coelacanth, the Mariana Trench, and Ryukyuan legends—invite listeners into the ocean’s wondrous realm.

Selected as the set piece for the 1989 NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (Junior High Division), it continues to be featured in choral competitions nationwide as a “high-difficulty” work.

Let’s practice together and bring to life a grand drama of the sea.

Riding a hot-air balloon, anywhere and everywhereSakushi: Azuma Tatsuo / Sakkyoku: Hirayoshi Takeyasu7rank/position

Riding a Hot-Air Balloon, Anywhere We Go [Tokyo Mixed Chorus]

Well-known as a children’s chorus piece, this song celebrates dreams and hopes of setting off toward unknown worlds in a balloon traveling across the vast sky.

Since being selected as the set piece for the NHK National School Music Competition in 1974, it has remained a beloved classic for many years.

It’s also included in elementary school music textbooks and is a popular choice often sung at school chorus contests.

Its lyrics and melody evoke the act of dreaming, making it a great crowd-pleaser for culture festivals and school fairs.

It’s recommended to sing it energetically with hand claps.

The song was also used as the ending theme for the anime “Nichijou,” so it’s familiar to anime fans as well.