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[Minna no Uta] Tear-jerking masterpiece. A moving song you want to hear again.
NHK’s Minna no Uta, which began broadcasting in 1961, features countless timeless songs.
I’m sure many of you have a tune you’ll never forget.
In this article, we’ve picked out some of the most moving songs from among those classics.
We’ve gathered many tracks—songs that warm the heart, songs you’ll relate to through your own experiences, farewell songs, and more.
These beloved classics span the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras, transcending generations.
We hope you’ll find one that resonates with you.
Listening again as an adult, you may discover worlds you never noticed as a child.
Immerse yourself in these masterpieces and let the tears flow.
Minna no Uta: Tear-Jerking Masterpieces. Moving Songs You Want to Hear Again (1–10)
day by dayYoshida Yamada
A song whose straightforward message resonates with people of all ages.
It was newly written for NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 2013, and NHK reportedly received a flood of inquiries and requests right after it aired.
With grandparents as its theme, the lyrics unfold as if looking back over a lifetime, seeping into the heart along with a beautiful melody.
The words feel as though they contain all of life—tears, smiles, everything—and they move anyone without fail.
Combined with the gentle harmonies of the two vocalists, it’s a track that demands tissues and emotional fortitude if you plan to really listen closely.
A Gift Without a StampKazuo Zaitsu
It’s a song written and composed by Kazuo Zaitsu of Tulip, known for classic hits like “Seishun no Kage” and “Kokoro no Tabi.” Since it’s been remade several times since its first broadcast, the version you know may differ depending on the era.
The lyrics, which express the feeling of “I love you” and deliver it as a song, are sung over a very gentle melody.
When you listen, you can’t help but picture the face of someone dear to you.
I imagine many people even find themselves shedding tears, almost mysteriously, when they hear this song.
It's okayVery Good Man
A representative cheer song from Minna no Uta that many athletes—professional baseball players, gymnasts, marathon runners, and more—explicitly name as their personal anthem.
Perhaps reflecting the experiences of member MOCA, who himself was a purehearted baseball kid, the lyrics excellently and authentically stand by those who are giving their all.
The message, “Even if things are tough right now, you’ll be okay for sure!” really pierces the heart.
The four-character idiom “桜梅桃李” (ōbai tōri) that appears in the lyrics means something like “cherry blossoms should be like cherry blossoms, plums like plums,” conveying that each should be true to its own nature.
The message “Be yourself” resonates deeply, doesn’t it?
A small nutTeruko Oba
Evoking an autumn meadow, this piece gently portrays a boy who dearly holds memories of his late father.
The small nut in the boy’s hand symbolizes the bond he shared with his father.
First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1971, it has continued to be cherished across generations.
It’s a masterpiece where a lyrical melody based on Bizet’s opera blends beautifully with Japanese lyrics.
Recommended for those who have experienced parting from a loved one or who feel drawn to autumn landscapes.
Surrender yourself to its unhurried tones and enjoy a heartwarming moment.
Thank you, goodbye.Kiichi Nakai, Naoko Yoshida
Broadcast on Minna no Uta in 1985, the classic Arigatou Sayounara has now become a staple graduation song.
The lyrics are by Takao Ide, and the music is by Wakako Fukuda.
School life was always just there.
It wasn’t all fun, and yet when graduation comes, many of us feel lonely and wish that time could last a little longer.
This song captures those bittersweet feelings, along with gratitude for the people around us who helped and nurtured us.
It’s a moving piece that resonates with everyone—those about to graduate, those already grown, and all who listen.
presentSEKAI NO OWARI
Born as a featured song for NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” this piece carries a warm message that resonates with experiences from junior high school days.
Set to gentle piano and guitar melodies, the lyrics tenderly accompany lonely hearts and seep deep into the soul.
Released in September 2015 and later chosen as an end-credit song for a Pixar film in 2024, it’s a track beloved across generations.
It’s recommended for those trying to overcome painful experiences or anyone who wants to encourage someone else.
A heartwarming song that gives you courage every time you listen.
Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu
This is Yuzu’s song Tomo ~Tabidachi no Toki~ (Friend ~Time of Departure~), well-known as a graduation song.
It was also chosen as the required piece for the junior high division of the 80th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition (N-Con), and the choral version is very popular.
I think many people are moved to tears when they sing or listen to this song at graduation ceremonies.
The message to the friends you’ve spent time with really hits you in the heart.
Partings are lonely, but this is a song I definitely want you to listen to with your close friends.