Take flight like a bird! A song with a bird motif. A track for the Year of the Rooster.
Like a bird soaring high in the sky, doesn’t everyone dream of freedom in their hearts? From Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,”
Taking off like a bird! A song inspired by birds. Songs for the Year of the Rooster (1–10)
FlamingoKenshi Yonezu
This is a highly original number that fuses enka-like melodic inflections with a funky sound.
While it sings of a yearning love for someone out of reach, it also overlays that figure with a flamingo, portraying Kenshi Yonezu’s own duality as something beautiful yet somehow grotesque.
Released as a single in October 2018, the song was also featured in a Sony wireless earphones commercial.
Created deliberately free from constraints after a massive hit, this work is one to hear when you want to express yourself without being bound by convention.
It’s sure to give you the courage to open a new door.
swallowYOASOBI with Midories
A song by YOASOBI with Midories, created for NHK’s SDGs campaign and based on a story written by a 15-year-old girl.
Singing about the importance of living together and the hope that small actions can change the world, this track is truly a song for the children who will shape the future.
YOASOBI’s bright, poppy sound and Midories’ clear vocals make for a gentle piece that adds a warm touch to the heart.
Released in October 2021, it was chosen as the theme song for the NHK program “Hirogare! Irotoridori.” It’s perfect as an anthem to cheer you on when taking a new step, and as a song to unite everyone’s hearts at recitals or events.
When you feel that “my power is small,” this work is sure to give you great courage.
Black BirdAimer
This is a song by Aimer that overlays feelings of envy and a longing to be loved onto the image of a single black bird.
Released as a single in September 2018, it was later included on the acclaimed album “Penny Rain.” It was also chosen as the theme song for the live-action film “KASANE -Beauty and Fate-,” starring Tao Tsuchiya and Kyoko Yoshine in dual leads, capturing a mysterious and weighty atmosphere.
The way it gives voice to darker emotions like inferiority and impatience through a dramatic blend of strings and band sound is truly breathtaking.
It’s the kind of song that will surely stay close to your complicated heart on nights when you want to confront your own weaknesses and jealousy.
A bird that cannot flyyuzu
This is a classic song by Yuzu that layers the inner struggle of a broken spirit over the image of a bird that has forgotten how to fly.
The helpless feelings of stumbling once, losing confidence, and losing sight of the path forward resonate deeply with its wistful, mellow sound.
But this piece isn’t just a song of despair.
It portrays a story of recovery—setting out once more, guided by the gentle words received from someone important.
Released in October 2000, it colored the story as the theme song of the TV drama “Wipe Your Tears” and was also included on the acclaimed album “Tobira.” When you hit a major wall, it will give you the courage to take the next step.
Blue BirdKobukuro
Set to a refreshing melody, this heartwarming number by Kobukuro paints the small joys hidden in everyday life.
It gently sings, likening them to the bluebird of happiness, that the true bliss we often lose sight of while chasing our dreams is the bond with the ones we hold dear.
Created to mark the 10th anniversary of their debut, it was released in February 2011 as their 20th single and was also chosen as the opening theme for NHK Educational TV’s anime Bakuman.
When you’re working hard toward your goals but feeling a little worn out, give this song a listen.
It will surely make you notice the warm light right beside you and give you the courage to spread your wings toward the future once again!
canaryKenshi Yonezu
Released in August 2020, this gentle, heartwarming ballad closes out the landmark album STRAY SHEEP, which set the record of selling over two million copies.
It affirms the distance that unexpectedly came between people and the bewilderment of a changing everyday life, while portraying the resolve to keep moving forward through the image of birds letting their songs ring out.
The song was also chosen as the theme for NHK’s documentary program “Futari no Distance” (Two People’s Distance).
When you find yourself feeling a vague anxiety—wondering, “What’s going to happen from here?”—give it a listen.
It will surely wrap your heart in a softly glowing warmth.
MockingbirdSeiko Matsuda
A song that imitates birds chirping, it conjures up scenes of a storybook girl before your eyes.
Seiko Matsuda’s crystal-clear “candy voice” blends beautifully with the whimsical world crafted by lyricist Takashi Matsumoto and composer Yoshitaka Minami.
Many listeners may find their hearts naturally soothed by this charming singing.
The piece was released as a single in November 1982.
Remarkably, she is said to have delivered this level of expressiveness even though the song was handed to her for the first time on the day of recording.
When you want to step away from busy days and immerse yourself in a tale, or when you seek a calm night, listening to it may gently warm your heart.