I want to play it on the recorder! Carefully selected classic pieces and popular songs recommended

strong wind slicked-back hairyukopi

Yukopi – Strong Wind Slicked-back Hair (feat. Kaai Yuki)

A song whose YouTube video posted by Yukopi surpassed 10 million views in about six months.

It was also featured in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial, sending its popularity skyrocketing! Many creators followed suit by posting videos that mimic the MV’s animation—skipping along with a recorder while wearing a school backpack.

With lyrics everyone can relate to and a pop, comical sound, it’s so impactful you can’t get it out of your head after just one listen! Why not enjoy playing the recorder while picturing those chuckle-worthy lyrics?

strollHisaishi Joe

Sampo (from My Neighbor Totoro) [Recorder] with sheet music

This song, used in the 1988 animated film My Neighbor Totoro, has lyrics by Rieko Nakagawa and music by Joe Hisaishi.

It’s easier to remember and cuter than the film’s main theme, so it’s likely very popular among children.

The tone of the recorder is a perfect match for this simple song and melody, so performing it on the recorder is recommended.

A recorder with piano accompaniment, or even adding accompaniment using only recorders, would be lovely as well.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Always With MeKimura Yumi

Always With Me (Recorder)

This is the theme song of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, sung by soprano Yumi Kimura.

The gentle melody that softly embraces the philosophical lyrics, together with Kimura’s voice, is so soothing, isn’t it? Why not try playing that tone on the recorder? The tempo is slow, there aren’t too many notes, and best of all, there’s only one flat, so even those who feel the recorder is difficult can play it easily! If you harmonize with friends, the recorder’s simple timbre becomes more attractive and expansive.

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SAKI

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Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Glorious Bridge [Recorder] Yuzu – With Do-Re-Mi Sheet Music

The warm tone of the recorder may be especially well-suited to moving, inspirational songs.

This is one of the signature tracks by Yuzu, a musical duo that has long been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene, released in 2004 as their 21st single.

It became a major hit after being selected as the official theme song for NHK’s coverage of the Athens Olympics.

The lyrics are appealing for their strong resolve—believing in who you’ve been up to now and moving forward.

As a ballad, the melody is relaxed, which should make it easier for recorder beginners to follow.

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Araki Jakkan

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100% CourageNYC

100% Courage [Recorder] – Theme song of the anime “Nintama Rantarō” with Do-Re-Mi sheet music

If you want to play a song on the recorder that kids will love, this is a must! It probably needs no introduction—the opening theme of the popular anime Nintama Rantaro.

This song, passed down through generations of Johnny’s idols, is packed with charm that can lift the spirits of adults too.

The lyrics, with a message like “It’s okay, a new morning will come,” are encouraging.

Try expressing this uplifting, pick-you-up anthem on your own recorder!

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Araki Jakkan

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idolYOASOBI

[Easy Recorder] Idol / YOASOBI “Oshi no Ko” OP (Soprano Recorder)

A song by YOASOBI, widely supported especially among young people, that serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oshi no Ko.” Written specifically for YOASOBI by Aka Akasaka, the original manga author, it’s a pop track that faithfully captures the anime’s worldview.

Released digitally in April 2023, it generated major buzz both in Japan and abroad, becoming the first Japanese song to reach No.

1 on the Billboard Global Excl.

U.S.

chart.

When playing it on a recorder, try to keep the performance light so as not to lose the hip-hop rhythm.

swallowYOASOBI with Midorīzu

Swallow (from “Everyone’s Recorder”)

A heartwarming piece by YOASOBI sung together with children about the importance of small acts of kindness.

Released in October 2021 as the theme song for NHK’s children’s SDGs program “Hirogare! Irotoridori,” the work came to life through a collaboration with Midories, a group featuring children aged 6 to 19.

While retaining YOASOBI’s signature pop elements, it beautifully blends a classical, expansive sound with the pure vocals of Midories.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to feel hope for the future or gently warm your heart.