[Minna no Uta] Beloved Across Generations: Nostalgic Classics and Popular Songs

Let's Dance in a Circle ~Ire Aie~

"Let's Form a Circle and Dance ~Ire Aie~" AGHARTA

A heart-thumping track packed with rhythmic music and positive messages.

Released in May 1997, it premiered the same year on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” True to its lyrics, “Let’s all dance and have fun,” it became a beloved song across generations.

It was chosen as the theme song for the official Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics characters, the “Snowlets,” and was performed live at the closing ceremony.

It’s a perfect pick when you want to dance and get excited with family and friends.

Once you hear it, you’ll find yourself moving to the beat.

YELLIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

An encouraging song that accompanies graduations and new beginnings will seep into everyone’s heart.

The melody and lyrics woven by Ikimonogakari beautifully capture both hope for the future and the poignancy of farewell.

Released in September 2009, this work was selected as the mandatory piece for the junior high school division of NHK’s National School Music Competition and has been loved by many.

Listening to it at moments of taking a new step—such as graduation ceremonies or farewell parties—will surely give you courage.

Why not revisit this song at the milestones of your life?

Mountain MusiciansNEW!German folk song

[Children’s Song] Yama no Ongakuka / Daisuke Yokoyama

An endearing, picture book-like piece in which the animals of the forest become musicians and hold a concert.

In this song, mountain friends like squirrels and little birds appear one after another, each showing off their favorite instrument.

With a structure that layers on words imitating the timbre of the instruments, it carries a lively joy that makes your body start moving all on its own.

It became widely known in Japan after being featured in April 1964 on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” sung by Dark Ducks.

Since then, it has been sung for many years on educational programs and the like.

Part of its charm is that you can enjoy it with gestures and hand motions, too.

There's no such thing as ghosts.Lyrics by Minori Maki / Music by Akira Mine

There’s No Such Thing as Ghosts | Kiyoe Yoshioka

This work features memorable lyrics that teach us the courage to laugh off our fears and the joy of embracing the unknown.

Its light, poppy melody is easy for anyone—from children to adults—to hum along to.

Beloved for more than half a century since its broadcast in July 1966, it was even selected as a practical skills test piece for nursery teachers in 2016, underscoring its high educational value.

When everyone sings it together, it might just transform how children picture the mysterious “ghosts” they’re afraid of!

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

“Friend ~A Time to Depart~” by Yuzu is well known as a graduation song.

Since it was the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 80th NHK National School Music Contest (N-Con), it’s also beloved as a choral piece.

Many people have probably shed tears singing or listening to this song at their graduation.

The message to friends who have spent so much time together really hits home.

Partings are sad, but this is a song you’ll definitely want to listen to with your dear friends.

day by dayYoshida Yamada

Hibi / Yoshida Yamada [MUSIC VIDEO]

A song whose straightforward message moves people of all ages.

It was written in 2013 for “Minna no Uta,” and apparently NHK received a flood of inquiries and requests right after it aired.

With grandparents as its theme, the lyrics read like a reflection on a life lived, seeping into the heart alongside a beautiful melody.

Coupled with the gentle harmonies of the two vocalists, it’s a track that demands careful listening—and one that may well have your tears flowing.

Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Angela Aki

Angela Aki “Letter: To You, Fifteen” Music Video (HD)

It’s also a classic graduation song, isn’t it? This piece is one of singer-songwriter Angela Aki’s signature works, released in 2008 as her eighth single.

That same year it was featured on the program “Minna no Uta” and selected as the compulsory piece for the junior high division of the NHK National School Music Competition.

Its lyrical world—writing a reply to a letter from one’s 15-year-old self—has the power to move anyone’s heart.

It’s an inspiring anthem that fills you with courage and hope to “do your best again tomorrow.”