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 masterpieces and popular tracks that give you energy in the hot summer (41–50)

sunflowerKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Sunflower (Cover by Tatsuki Fujisue / Vocals: HARAKEN) [Full/Subtitles/Lyrics Included]

Himawari Kenshi Yonezu

Himawari (Sunflower) paints a scene of sunflowers blooming under the sun with the cool, artful melodies characteristic of Kenshi Yonezu.

It’s included on the 2020 album STRAY SHEEP.

Unlike the lively image of sunflowers, the lyrics evoke a poignant farewell to someone dearly admired, making it a heartrending song.

Holding on to feelings for that person, let’s walk our own path tomorrow and the day after.

Even while carrying pain, it leaves us with a sense of hope for tomorrow.

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sunflowerKiyoshi Maekawa

[MV] Kiyoshi Maekawa / Sunflower

Kiyoshi Maekawa, Sunflower

Himawari, with its strikingly wistful piano intro phrase, is a hit single released in 2002.

The lyrics and music were written by Masaharu Fukuyama, who, like Kiyoshi Maekawa, is from Nagasaki.

It was also performed at that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, so it’s widely known and a popular choice for karaoke.

As you’ll hear, the melody development is very characteristic of Fukuyama, with no enka-style techniques, so even those who usually sing pop should be able to handle it well.

The overall key is low, so if you struggle with low notes, try adjusting the key to suit your range before singing.

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The color of sunflowersGARNET CROW

GARNET CROW – Color of the Sunflower (HIMAWARI NO IRO) Lyric

Sunflower Color GARNET CROW

Himawari no Iro (The Color of Sunflowers), included on GARNET CROW’s 2006 album THE TWILIGHT VALLEY.

Many songs about sunflowers express admiration and hope for their nature of blooming toward the sun, but I feel this one is the complete opposite.

It seems to say, just like someone on the verge of breaking before achieving their goal, “It would be fine to wither while gazing at the unreachable sun.” The sound is dark and the lyrics tackle a heavy theme, but it’s a cool track I’d love everyone to listen to at least once.

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A bouquet for the you of yesterdayforte minor

Delicate Lyric World: A skilled band recreates the unique worldview of rising singer-songwriter Fumino Ishiguro. forte minor “A Bouquet for Yesterday’s You”

A bouquet for you yesterday forte minor

The plaintive, resonant guitar tone lingers in your ears, doesn’t it? This track is by forte minor, a band centered around singer-songwriter Ayano Ishiguro.

Where there are meetings, there are farewells—of course.

But if you let the fear of parting hold you back, you won’t encounter or discover what truly matters… It’s a message song that helps you realize that.

When the sunflowers appear, images of a summer evening by a room’s window well up in your mind.

Take your time and listen closely to this nostalgic piece.

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sunflowerAmin

Amin Sunflower

Himawari Amin

Aming is a female duo consisting of Takako Okamura and Haruko Kato that had been inactive since 1983.

“Himawari” (Sunflower) is the song they released in 2007 when they resumed activities, their first new track in 25 years.

It’s a very refreshing song in which a woman—hung up on trivial things and unable to move forward—finds courage in the sunflower that keeps stretching toward the unreachable sun.

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Round Dance of the Sunflower HouseThe Breeze Adventures / Inori Hanami

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea: Rondo of the Sunflower House, performed by The Breeze Adventures

Rondo of the Sunflower House: The Breeze Adventures / Inori & Hanami

Rondo of the Sunflower House from Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

When NHK’s Professional: Shigoto no Ryugi Special—Hayao Miyazaki’s Work covered the production of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, it was said that the director listened to Rondo of the Sunflower House with tears in his eyes.

Although the lyrics never say it outright, I felt it was a poignant yet beautiful piece about an elderly person who can no longer even walk alone, wishing to “dance freely one more time” before leaving this world.

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SorlemAsako Toki

Sorlem

Sollem Toki Asako

Asako Toki, a singer who made her debut as the lead vocalist of Cymbals and has since been active across a wide range of fields including commercial jingles and narration, delivers an impressive opener for her 11th major album, “Twilight,” with the track “Solrem.” Its floating, airy vocals and nostalgic sound leave a strong impression.

The slightly shadowy lyrics—linked to a title that, in Korean, signifies fluttering excitement or an uneasy stirring—create a mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of a summer night.

With arrangements that carry a pop sensibility amid a sense of wistfulness, it’s a track you’ll want to keep listening to.

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