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[Minna no Uta] Beloved Across Generations: Nostalgic Classics and Popular Songs
We’re introducing some nostalgic songs from Minna no Uta, a program that has continued to produce countless classics.
I’m sure each of you has that one song that makes you think, “When it comes to Minna no Uta, it has to be this one!”
The pieces that stick in your memory may vary by generation, but in this article we’ve focused on songs that everyone knows.
They’re all tunes that feel nostalgic to anyone—just seeing the title will have you humming along before you know it.
If you’re thinking, “I want to listen to the classics from Minna no Uta,” be sure to check these out.
Let’s listen to these timeless favorites, loved across generations, with family and friends, and keep passing them down through song.
[Minna no Uta] Beloved Across Generations: Nostalgic Classics and Popular Songs (1–10)
Goodbye for today.Ryoko Moriyama
A song that awakens memories of youth, woven from a heartwarming melody and lyrics filled with poignant feelings about parting.
Released in August 1967, it moved the hearts of young people at the time.
Many were surely encouraged by the lyrics, which convey hope for the future and the importance of friendship.
Frequently sung at memorable moments like graduations and the end of camp, this piece envelops you in Ryoko Moriyama’s gentle, clear voice, giving you the courage to move forward while cherishing farewells with those you hold dear.
Tango of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre
A song beloved for its fantastical worldview and playful rhythm.
It aired on “Minna no Uta” from December 1977 to January 1978, unfolding a humorous tale of a red ogre and a blue ogre living deep in the mountains who dance a tango under the moonlight.
The chanson-like pop style blends exquisitely with a tango beat, creating a unique atmosphere.
Coupled with Isao Bito’s light, lively vocals, it’s a track that puts listeners in a cheerful mood.
The piece has been rebroadcast many times and covered by numerous artists, remaining popular for many years.
paprikaKenshi Yonezu
A bright, catchy song that sings of children’s smiles and hopes.
Released in August 2018, it drew major attention as a cheer song for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” becoming beloved across generations.
Kenshi Yonezu wrote, composed, and produced the track, brilliantly capturing children’s innocence and their anticipation for the future.
Its brisk rhythm and heartfelt lyrics uplift listeners, making it a hope-filled anthem.
The railroad tracks go on forever.American folk song
A timeless classic that resonates with people in any era, inviting listeners on a journey.
Born in late-19th-century America, this song began as a folk tune that voiced the feelings of railroad construction workers.
In Japan, it gained popularity during the 1950s and 60s, drawing attention through NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and as a TV drama theme.
In Toshishi Sagi’s Japanese version, the theme of harsh labor disappeared, and it was reborn as a children’s song depicting a joyful trip.
It’s a track brimming with excitement and hope for adventures woven by the railroad.
swallowYOASOBI with Midories
A song by YOASOBI with Midories filled with hopes for a bright future.
Created for NHK’s children’s SDGs program, it was released in October 2021 and also aired on “Minna no Uta.” Its lively rhythm and refreshing melody are striking, and the children’s clear voices add sparkle to the track.
Carrying the message that “small actions can create big change,” it conveys the spirit of the SDGs in an accessible way.
It’s a perfect song to sing at events where children gather, such as sports days and school performances.
When everyone sings together, it might just spark thoughts about building a better future.
Album of Memories
A classic children’s song that sings of the treasures of childhood, turning one fond page after another.
Familiar from NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it debuted in 1977 and was released as a single in 1980.
With a gentle, warm melody, it paints memories that change color with the seasons.
Beloved as a graduation song, it is often sung at graduation ceremonies and farewell events for graduates.
It has also been adopted as the departure melody at Keio Line Tsutsujigaoka Station, making it a tune you might hear around town.
It’s a song that stays close to your heart during farewells with loved ones and new beginnings.
I broke the clarinet.
A children’s song based on a French folk tune, beloved around the world.
It humorously portrays a child struggling to get sound out of a clarinet.
The Japanese version sung by Dark Ducks in 1959 became a major hit.
From the 1970s to the 1980s, it was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” becoming a familiar favorite.
It features a lively, rhythmic melody and memorable phrases that uniquely imitate the timbre of instruments.
Carrying an encouraging message of “Let’s do our best together,” this piece continues to be cherished across generations, from children to adults.