Learning a new language can be a daunting task, but incorporating music into your language-learning journey can make it a lot more enjoyable and effective. Music is an excellent tool for language learning as it not only helps you expand your vocabulary but also provides a great way to practice pronunciation, listening skills, and understanding the culture of the language you are learning. In this article, we will introduce you to ten inspiring Japanese songs that can help you expand your Japanese vocabulary.
1.Ue wo Muite Arukou (Sukiyaki) by Kyu Sakamoto
“Ue wo Muite Arukou” is a classic Japanese song from the 1960s that was later popularized in the west under the title “Sukiyaki”. The song is a beautiful ballad that tells a story of a man who is walking and looking up at the sky while hiding his tears from the people around him. This song is an excellent choice for Japanese learners as it is easy to follow along with its slow tempo and simple lyrics. You can learn words like “sora” (sky), “namida” (tears), and “tachidomaru” (to stop and stand still) from this song.
2.Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana by SMAP
“Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana” is a popular song by the Japanese boy band SMAP. This song is about a flower that stands out from the rest, and it encourages people to be themselves and not follow the crowd. This song is an excellent choice for learners who want to practice their listening skills as it has a fast tempo and includes many words that are commonly used in daily conversation, such as “kokoro” (heart), “tatoe” (even if), and “sugiru” (to exceed).
3.Uchiage Hanabi by DAOKO x Kenshi Yonezu
“Uchiage Hanabi” is a song that was used as the theme song for the animated movie “Fireworks”. The song is a duet between two of Japan’s most popular singers, DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu, and it is about the emotions of a young couple who are watching fireworks together. This song is an excellent choice for learners who want to expand their vocabulary related to emotions as it includes words such as “kanashimi” (sadness), “yasashii” (kind), and “koi” (love).
4.Lemon by Kenshi Yonezu
“Lemon” is one of the most popular Japanese songs of the last decade. The song is a beautiful ballad that tells the story of a man who is looking back on his past love. This song is an excellent choice for learners who want to practice their listening skills as it includes many words that are commonly used in daily conversation, such as “omoidasu” (to remember), “kimi” (you), and “ima” (now).
5.Ai no Uta by Fukui Mai
“Ai no Uta” is a song that was used as the theme song for the Japanese movie “Koi Suru Vampire”. The song is a sweet love song that tells the story of a girl who is in love with a vampire. This song is an excellent choice for learners who want to expand their vocabulary related to love as it includes words such as “ai” (love), “tsumetai” (cold), and “yasashii” (kind).
6.Sakura Nagashi by Utada Hikaru
“Sakura Nagashi” is a song that was used as the theme song for the animated movie “Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo”. The song is a beautiful ballad that tells the story of a girl who is facing a difficult situation but is determined to keep moving forward. This song is an excellent choice for learners who want to expand their vocabulary related to perseverance and determination as it includes words such as “tsugi” (next), “taeru” (to endure), and “yume” (dream).
7.Himawari no Yakusoku by Motohiro Hata
“Himawari no Yakusoku” is a song that was used as the theme song for the Japanese movie “Stand by Me Doraemon”. The song is about the promise that two friends make to each other to always be there for each other, no matter what. This song is an excellent choice for learners who want to expand their vocabulary related to friendship and loyalty as it includes words such as “tomodachi” (friend), “yakusoku” (promise), and “shinjiru” (to believe).
8.Shima Uta by The Boom
“Shima Uta” is a classic Japanese song that is often played at festivals and events in Okinawa. The song is about the beauty of the Okinawan islands and the simplicity of life there. This song is an excellent choice for learners who want to expand their vocabulary related to nature and simplicity as it includes words such as “umi” (ocean), “shimauta” (island song), and “kotoba” (words).
9.Sayonara no Natsu by Matsutoya Yumi
“Sayonara no Natsu” is a song that was used as the theme song for the Japanese drama “Summer Nude”. The song is about the end of summer and the sadness that comes with saying goodbye. This song is an excellent choice for learners who want to expand their vocabulary related to sadness and farewell as it includes words such as “kanashimi” (sadness), “wakare” (farewell), and “tsurai” (painful).
10.Aozora no Rhapsody by fhána
“Aozora no Rhapsody” is a song that was used as the opening theme for the animated series “Dragon Maid”. The song is a catchy and upbeat tune that tells the story of a girl who dreams of flying in the blue sky. This song is an excellent choice for learners who want to expand their vocabulary related to dreams and imagination as it includes words such as “yume” (dream), “sora” (sky), and “kagayaku” (to shine).
In conclusion, music is a fun and effective way to learn Japanese and expand your vocabulary. The ten inspiring songs we have introduced in this article are just a small sample of the many great Japanese songs out there that can help you on your language-learning journey. So put on your headphones, sing along, and have fun while learning Japanese through music!
