Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

Take flight like a bird! A song with a bird motif. A track for the Year of the Rooster.

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.

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,”

From [Alexandros]'s "Wataridori" to Spitz's "8823," great artists across eras and borders have created moving songs inspired by birds. Ranging from laid-back jazz to energetic rock, their diverse musical styles and profound lyrics invite our hearts to soar into the open sky. Shall we take off together into a world of gem-like songs that resonate with the soul?

Taking off like a bird! A song inspired by birds. Songs for the Year of the Rooster (1–10)

The Little Bird That Forgot How to FlyMISIA

The Little Bird That Forgot How to Fly

The Little Bird MISIA Who Forgot How to Fly

MISIA’s song overlays the image of a bird so wounded it has forgotten how to fly with the hidden fragility everyone carries in their hearts.

It is said to embody the artist’s own belief that no matter how strong we pretend to be, inside we are as vulnerable as a little bird that has lost its way.

Beginning with a quiet piano and unfolding into majestic strings, the sound itself traces the journey of a heart finding light amid confusion.

The track is included on the million-selling album “KISS IN THE SKY,” released in September 2002, and is widely loved as the theme song for the RPG “Star Ocean: Till the End of Time.” It’s a tale of renewal that, when listened to on nights you feel crushed by your own powerlessness, inspires you to cherish the warm happiness that lies beyond the pain.

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Stormbound Pair of BirdsMacaroni Enpitsu

Arashinotsugaidori

Storm pair-birds Macaroni Enpitsu

This is a playful duet that evokes the mood-kayō style of the Showa era, showcasing the wide musical range of Macaroni Enpitsu.

The song features poignant lyrics that liken the uncertain fate of a difficult love to a pair of birds trapped and unable to move in the midst of a storm.

The interplay between vocalist Hattori and the guest vocalist—including spoken lines—creates a dramatic atmosphere, as if watching a short film.

This track is included on the acclaimed album “Otona no Namida,” released in August 2023.

For anyone who has suffered through an intractable love and found themselves frozen in place, listening might bring a bit of solace, as if the song understands that helpless feeling.

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Like a birdohashiTrio

Like a bird

Ohashi Trio, like a bird

This is a gentle number by ohashiTrio, selected in October 2017 as the theme song for TBS’s “The World Heritage.” Later included on the best album “ohashiTrio best Too,” the piece is notable for its warm piano and sweeping strings.

The sound seems to mirror birds soaring across vast landscapes, inviting listeners’ hearts to a sky of freedom.

When you want to step away from daily life for a refresh, or when you’re filled with a longing to travel, listening to it will surely make your heart feel lighter.

Why not experience the sensation of being enveloped by majestic nature?

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Take flight like a bird! A song themed around birds. Songs for the Year of the Rooster (11–20)

The Day the Seagulls FlewMachiko Watanabe

The Day the Seagull Flew / Machiko Watanabe (cover)

The Day the Seagulls Flew by Machiko Watanabe

This is Machiko Watanabe’s second single and signature song, which made her an instant hit as a singer-songwriter.

In the lyrics, set by the seaside, the male love interest is likened to a seagull, and she delivers the song with a captivating performance featuring rich vocal power and a resonant low register.

It has been covered by various artists, and more recently drew attention when it was used by the dance team Avantgardey.

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BluebirdIkimonogakari

Blue Bird – Ikimonogakari (Full)

Blue Bird Ikimono-gakari

As an opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden, this song enjoys overwhelming popularity overseas as well.

When people hear the word “bird,” many probably think of this track.

In 2009, it was reportedly used by Chunichi Dragons player Masahiko Morino as his walk-up song at Nagoya Dome.

Released in July 2008, its powerful, determined lyrics match the anime perfectly, contributing to its strong popularity.

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migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

Wataridori [Alexandros]

It’s the 10th single by the popular band [Alexandros], and it was also used as a movie’s theme song.

The imagery of a migratory bird taking flight into a new world overlaps with the self, vividly portraying a fresh, lively world.

The music video is a must-watch all the way through, even after the song ends.

This track is one that symbolizes the band, making it a perfect fit for this article.

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crowONE OK ROCK

[HD] ONE OK ROCK – Karasu “Life × You =” Tour Live

Crow ONE OK ROCK

They project themselves onto a jet-black crow and express hatred and anger from the crow’s perspective.

It’s the B-side track to ONE OK ROCK’s second single.

The high-pitched vocals and the band’s sound—full of speed and tension—are so cool that you can’t help but be drawn in.

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