Learn Japanese with N5 Songs

Famous songs that stay simple all the way through — a good fit at N5. Each one has a section-by-section breakdown of what the lyrics mean, the grammar and vocabulary to catch, the official video, and a link to search the full lyrics.

• パプリカ

  A section-by-section breakdown of パプリカ, Kenshi Yonezu's nationwide children's hit for Foorin. Clear, sunny, and simple — what the lyrics mean, the everyday words and grammar to catch, and the official dance video.

• さんぽ

  A section-by-section walk through さんぽ, the opening song of My Neighbor Totoro: what each part means, the everyday words and grammar it teaches, and the official video to sing along to. One of the easiest famous Japanese songs there is.

• 上を向いて歩こう

  A section-by-section breakdown of 上を向いて歩こう (Sukiyaki), the 1961 classic and the only Japanese song ever to top the US charts. Slow, clear, and heartfelt — what each line means, the words and grammar to catch, and the official video.

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