A Tiny Bit of CourageFUNKY MONKEY BABYS1rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 'A Tiny Bit of Courage'

Released in 2007, “Chippoke na Yuuki” was a milestone song for FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, achieving their then-highest position of No.

8 on the Oricon chart.

Many people in their 30s will fondly remember Tomohiro Waki being featured on the cover and in the music video, and for those who’ve spent a fair number of years in the working world, the lyrics that unexpectedly stir the heart are sure to make you want to belt it out at karaoke.

True to FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ straightforward melodies, there’s nothing particularly difficult, but the fast sections that incorporate rap-like vocals typical of 2000s J-pop can be sung smoothly if you memorize the lyrics well beforehand.

One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS2rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “One More”

Released in August 2010 as the 14th single, this song was chosen as the cheer anthem for the 92nd National High School Baseball Championship.

Many of you will fondly remember Masahiro Tanaka appearing on the cover and in the music video.

The hopeful message—“If you can just hang on one more step, your dream will come true”—overlaps with the image of high school players striving toward their goals and resonates deeply when you hit a wall in work or life.

With a structure typical of Funky Monkeys, alternating rap and catchy melodies, it peaked at No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and remained on the charts for 47 weeks, becoming a long-running hit.

It’s a tear-jerking support song that we especially want those who are giving their all—or on the verge of giving up—to hear.

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS3rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

This is a song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS that expresses gratitude as straightforwardly as possible.

Its warm melody, which gently envelops the listener’s heart, is also memorable, and it continues to be loved as a track that prompts us to reflect on our feelings for those who have supported us.

Released in February 2013, the song was chosen as the theme for MBS and GAORA’s broadcast of the 85th Senbatsu High School Baseball Tournament, as well as for Nippon TV’s “Akamru! Scoop Koshien.” The music video features Sanma Akashiya, which drew significant attention.

It’s a song to play when you want to convey your gratitude to someone important or to mark a milestone in life.

confessionFUNKY MONKEY BABYS4rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Confession”

There must be plenty of people in their thirties today who can’t help but squint with nostalgia at the sight of Eiichiro Funakoshi’s jacket with an umbrella.

“Kokuhaku” (Confession) is a hit song released in 2008, a masterpiece that belts out incredibly straightforward, honest lyrics with all its might.

True to their style, the lyrics are packed with words and delivered at a slightly rapid pace, but it’s quintessential 2000s J‑POP, and for those who were in their teens to twenties back then and are now in their thirties, it likely feels like the melody of their youth—something they can sing with ease.

Just a heads-up: the final chorus modulates up by a half step!

cherry blossomFUNKY MONKEY BABYS5rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Sakura”

A lot of people like to warm up with an easy-to-sing song for the first track, right? Definitions vary by person, but a ballad with a steady pitch and no high notes is probably easier to sing.

A perfect fit for that is FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S “Sakura.” It’s a passionate song about bonds with friends or a partner.

Although it’s a ballad, it carries an uplifting message, so it won’t bring down the mood—that’s a plus.

It’s also great for harmonizing with multiple people.

DepartureFUNKY MONKEY BABYS6rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Departure”

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ seventh single, “Tabidachi” (“Departure”).

Released in 2008, it didn’t become an explosive hit, but it still enjoyed moderate success: it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Bokutachi to Chuzaishan no 700 Nichi Sensō” (The 700 Days’ War: Us and the Police Officer) and reached No.

10 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Men in their early 30s may find it familiar.

In short, the song features a fairly simple, uniform vocal line with very gentle pitch movement.

However, it contains a fair number of long notes and the overall range is somewhat high, so it’s necessary to set the key so you can sustain long tones at a relatively high pitch.

You're no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS7rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "You’re Not Here Anymore"

This is a gem of a ballad that sings of the sweet, aching pain of heartbreak.

The farewell scene on the station platform and the memories the two shared are delicately portrayed and delivered with a melody that pierces the heart.

Among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ works, it stands out for its rich emotional expression.

Released in October 2007, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Otona no Shikaku,” earning broad support across generations.

The song is also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 2,” and has been covered by Mariko Takahashi.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays by your side when you sense the end of a romance or go through a farewell with someone dear.