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

Big GrandmaToshiki Kondo

Bright yet moving to tears. “Big Grandma” Music Video [NHK “Minna no Uta”]

It’s a bright yet tear-jerking “Minna no Uta” song packed with love for Grandma! It’s sung by Toshiki Kondo, who’s active as a ukulele player, and it’s included on his 2018 mini-album “UKULELE DAYS.” The lyrics, which directly reflect his feelings for his own grandmother, will make you smile just by reading them.

And yet, strangely enough, as you keep listening, your own grandma’s face comes to mind and you can’t help but feel a little sentimental.

If you’re a grandma’s kid, don’t miss it!

Computer Grandma

Ryuichi Sakamoto + Syuko Sakai – Computer Grandma

At first glance, “computers and Grandma” might seem like a mismatch, but in fact this grandmother was incredible! She wasn’t a grandma who used computers—she was a grandma who knew as much as a computer about everything! Born in the Meiji era, she was erudite, knowledgeable about all sorts of things, and academically talented.

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It also includes a warm message from her grandchild that conveys deep love for such a remarkable grandmother.

A Gift Without a Stamp

A Gift Without a Stamp # Kazuo Zaitsu

A song written and composed by Kazuo Zaitsu of Tulip, the band that pioneered New Music.

It has also been performed by artists such as Saori Minami and Ryoko Moriyama.

With a catchy, pop melody rather than the distinctive feel of a traditional children’s song, it’s easy to listen to and sing.

Widely covered by many artists and used in commercials, it remains beloved by many people today.

King Kamehameha of the Southern IslandsLyrics by Akira Ito / Music by Koichi Morita

King Kamehameha of the Southern Islands

This is a heartwarming song that lightens the spirit, depicting the laid-back daily life of King Hamehameha and his family on a southern island.

The unique premise is that everyone on the island shares the same name, and their relaxed tropical lifestyle is sung over a warm melody.

It was first broadcast in 1976 on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” performed by Ado Mizumori and Top Gallant.

The accompanying puppet-show visuals also drew attention, and the song was released that June as a double A-side single.

Sing it with the whole family and you’re sure to enjoy a delightful time!

A small nut

Small Nuts by Himawari 🌻×3 Chorus (♪ One in a little palm ~) With Lyrics | Children's Song | Small Nuts |

Clutching a small nut in his hand, the boy runs off.

This song is about a child who lives on with memories that are no longer there.

I remember feeling fear and sorrow, even as a child.

Only after losing it do I recall the important things my father and mother used to say.

It’s a heart-wrenching song that conveys, from a child’s perspective, the foolishness of humans who only realize things after they’re gone.

Tsutomu from the Yamaguchi family

Kozue Saito – Tsutomu-kun from the Yamaguchi Family

A song with a striking title that boldly features a full personal name: Tsutomu Yamaguchi.

It portrays the feelings of a girl who’s thinking about Tsutomu, who’s feeling down because his mom has gone back to the countryside.

While the impactful title and the child-friendly melody naturally draw your eyes and ears, a closer look at the lyrics reveals a gentle, compassionate heart that cares for others.

Sugarcane field

Ryoko Moriyama “Sugarcane Field” (from ‘Concert Tour 2007–2008’)

It’s a song sung by Ryoko Moriyama that depicts scenes of Okinawa.

It conveys the horrors of war and shocked many people.

Songs like this are often turned into parodies, but when you listen to it as an adult, you realize, “That’s not something we should do.” It’s a song that reminds us once again that we must never go to war again.