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

Wings nowLyrics: Kata Tooyama / Music: Shoroku Morimoto

Wings now

Broadcast from February to March 2009, this work carries a bright, forward-looking message celebrating new beginnings.

With lyrics by Kao Tooyama and music by Shoroku Morimoto, the song features a gentle and moving melody centered on piano and strings.

It was aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” through which it became widely beloved.

Today, it is often sung at graduation ceremonies and cherished as a classic symbol of setting off on a new journey.

As a song of encouragement for those graduating or embarking on a new chapter in life, it resonates deeply with many people.

I accidentally broke the clarinet.NEW!

♪I Broke My Clarinet – My beloved clarinet〜♪ (with gestures)

This song conjures up an endearing scene of a child troubled because the instrument they got from their dad won’t make a sound—a familiar classic among children’s songs, isn’t it? It’s based on a French children’s tune and depicts a situation where the instrument “doesn’t make a sound,” rather than being “broken.” Even the famous chorus phrase is actually a gentle encouragement in French meaning “Let’s keep in step together.” This version was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in February 1963, and became widely loved through Yoshiko Ishii’s Japanese lyrics and the vocals of Dark Ducks.

It’s perfect for singing together as a family, and if you listen with a child just starting to practice an instrument, it’s sure to encourage them not to fear making mistakes!

The Bento Box Song ~A Letter to You~Yoshiko Hanzaki

NHK Minna no Uta YOSHIKO HANZAKI “The Lunchbox Song ~A Letter to You~” Live Video (with Lyrics)

Despite its upbeat melody, this is a song that brings you to tears, filled with a mother’s love.

Written by singer-songwriter Yoshiko Hanzaki, it was broadcast on “Minna no Uta” in 2017.

If you ate your mom’s homemade bento every day as a student, you probably won’t be able to listen without crying.

Bentos sometimes include things you don’t like or leftovers, but just like the lyrics say, mothers make them with love, thinking of their children’s health.

The message from the child at the end of the song is also deeply moving.

Magical Cooking ~From You to You~BUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Magic Cooking ~From You to You~”

This is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s 17th single, which aired from April to May 2010.

The song was created with the concept of vocalist Motoo Fujiwara speaking to his younger self.

The lyric booklet features a photo of a stuffed toy he actually received as a gift from his grandfather when he was a child, and the episodes that appear in the lyrics are said to be entirely based on real experiences.

The line, “Memories of worn-out toys and countless moments with family—each and every one will become a treasure,” is something that, now that we’re adults, anyone can relate to, isn’t it?

somewhere youSafe zone

Anzen Chitai “Anata ga Dokoka de” Official Lyric Video

Broadcast as a new song from June to July 2022, this track drew an overwhelming response thanks to Koji Tamaki’s warm vocals.

It was provided as the centennial commemorative song for Asahikawa City in Hokkaido, the hometown of the members of Anzen Chitai.

With messages like “I’m always watching over you” and “I’m by your side, so don’t feel lonely,” the song gently unravels the loneliness that many people—children and adults alike—tend to carry in today’s world, where the pursuit of convenience has thinned human-to-human communication.

It’s a work overflowing with warmth.

Thank you, goodbye.Kiichi Nakai, Naoko Yoshida

Thank you, goodbye / Kiichi Nakai, Naoko Yoshida

Broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta in 1985, the now-classic graduation song “Arigatou Sayonara” features lyrics by Takao Ide and music by Wakako Fukuda.

School life used to feel like a given.

It wasn’t all fun, and yet when graduation comes, many people feel a pang of loneliness and wish that time could last a little longer.

This song captures those bittersweet feelings and expresses gratitude to the people around us who helped and encouraged our growth.

It’s a moving piece that will resonate with everyone—those about to graduate and those who have long since become adults alike.

Grandfather's Clock

Ken Hirai 'Grandfather's Clock' MUSIC VIDEO

“Grandfather’s Clock,” which is occasionally covered by well-known artists and is beloved as a choral piece, has a special place in many hearts.

In particular, Ken Hirai’s moving rendition captivated listeners across generations.

While its distinctive rhythm creates a cheerful atmosphere, the lyrics tell a story in which the grandfather departs for heaven and the clock stops as well.

This juxtaposition of somber words with the sound of the clock expresses the feelings for the grandfather and the bittersweet emotions held within.