Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Sunflower Songs] A selection of classic and popular tracks that give you energy in the hot summer

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Under the blazing summer sun, the sunflower gazes straight up at the sky.

Many of us have surely been moved by its powerful presence.

In this article, we’ll introduce recommended masterpieces and popular songs from among the many tracks themed around sunflowers.

We’ve gathered everything from songs that perfectly match the fresh, summery image of the flower to bittersweet pieces that completely transform how you think about sunflowers.

If you’re curious about “What songs feature sunflowers?”, be sure to read to the end!

[Sunflower Songs] A selection of classic and popular tracks that give you energy in the hot summer (31–40)

sunflowerNoriyuki Makihara

Himawari Noriyuki Makihara

Himawari by Noriyuki Makihara

A track included on the album “With Whom Do You Share a Happy Yawn?” It’s a lovely song featuring Makki’s distinctive, gently tapping flow of rhythm and tender vocals.

Along with a photo taken against a backdrop of sunflowers, it portrays a slightly wistful relationship between two people.

Whether it’s a song about parting or a tune about joyful moments, this piece is Makki’s slightly mysterious and slightly bittersweet sunflower song that paints a variety of scenes.

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sunflowerTaro Hakase

Taro Hakase - Sunflower [OFFICIAL]

Sunflower Taro Hakase

This is Taro Hakase’s piece “Himawari” (Sunflower).

It has a summery, refreshing feel to it.

The song is very famous, so many of you have probably heard it before.

The violin’s soaring tone really shines—it’s a wonderful track.

Once you hear it, it sticks in your head.

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Somewhere in the summerWANIMA

WANIMA "Somewhere in the Summer" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

WANIMA Somewhere in the Summer

It’s a song brimming with WANIMA’s positive energy, perfect for kicking off a refreshing summer.

It portrays the determination to keep moving forward despite hesitation and the desire to cast off sorrow and shine like the sun, all carried by a powerful sound.

Included on the single “Summer Trap!!” released in July 2019, it was also featured as the CM song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ “Mitsuya Cider 2019.” Together with a music video that evokes scenes of summer festivals, the track is embraced as an uplifting anthem that gives you a push at the start of summer.

Highly recommended for anyone about to take on something new.

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sunflowerMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sunflower (Full ver.)

Himawari Masaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama has done a self-cover of “Himawari,” a song he originally wrote for Kiyoshi Maekawa in 2002.

The opportunity arose when Maekawa appeared as a guest on Fukuyama’s radio show, “Masaharu Fukuyama’s All Night Nippon Saturday Special: Soul Radio,” and asked him to write a song.

The piece reflects on memories of someone who resembles a straight, earnest sunflower—someone preserved in cherished recollections.

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sunflowerYusuke

Yusuke “Himawari” (Sunflower)

Himawari Yusuke

A track sung under the stage name Yusuke by Yusuke Kamiji, an actor who is also active on variety shows.

The lively vibe of Yusuke perfectly embodies a sunflower.

It was used as the theme song for the drama adaptation of Yusuke Kamiji’s photo-essay “The Yusuke Kamiji Story,” titled “Yusuke Kamiji Sunflower Story ~ Family, Best Friends, Girlfriend… Revealing a Side No One Knows!” If I laugh together with you, my precious sunflower, we can become smiling sunflowers! The lyrics feature Yusuke’s uniquely gentle turns of phrase.

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[Sunflower Songs] A selection of masterpieces and popular tracks that give you energy in the hot summer (41–50)

Song of the SunKaoru Amaoto

Kaoru Amane Erika Sawajiri - Song of the Sun

Midnight Sun — Kaoru Amane

A song featured in the drama “A Song to the Sun.” It’s sung by Kaoru Amane, played by Erika Sawajiri.

In the drama, Kaoru Amane is portrayed as a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum, so she cannot spend time under the sun.

Therefore, the lyrics of “A Song to the Sun” express a longing for sunflowers swaying beneath the sunlight.

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HimAWArINamie Amuro

HimAWArI / (Live Edit)

HimAWArI Namie Amuro

Even in retirement, Namie Amuro continues to shine, and her song “HimAWArI” is included on “break the rules,” the last album produced for her by Tetsuya Komuro.

Although it’s a song, it somehow feels like Namie Amuro is speaking directly to you, with a charming melody.

Perhaps the sunflower Namie Amuro envisions is “cute.”

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