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

From classic folk dance staples to hidden gems. Introducing recommended tracks!

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Folk dancing, a familiar sight at school events and recreational activities.There are many nostalgic tunes that make your body start moving the moment the music begins!When it comes to folk dance songs, there’s an incredible variety—from timeless standards everyone has danced to at least once, to pieces that let you enjoy traditional rhythms from around the world.You might have suddenly wondered, “What was the name of that song again?”In this article, we’ll present a broad list of folk dance tracks.Whether you’re unsure what to pick for an event or searching for a song filled with memories, we hope you’ll find this helpful!

From classic folk dance tunes to hidden gems. Introducing recommended tracks! (71–80)

Let KissRauno Retinen

Jenka

Let KissRauno Retinen

One of the classic folk dances in Japan, also affectionately known as Jenka.

It’s also famous for being covered by Kyu Sakamoto.

The title means “Let’s dance in a line.” As the title suggests, the people in back lightly hold the waist or shoulders of the person in front and dance in a line.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Polyanka

Polyanka

Polyanka

Polyanka is a folk dance that represents Ukraine and is also presented as a Russian folk dance.

Compared with other Russian folk songs, the melody of this piece doesn’t feel particularly Russian; it appears to have been composed in the United States.

It features many sections for solo dancing, offering numerous opportunities to showcase individual skill.

Raise the rankinglower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Cuckoo WaltzYohanemanueru Yonāson

Cuckoo Waltz (Angel Concert Orchestra) Cosmos Festival in Kamo Town, Kyoto Prefecture

Cuckoo WaltzYohanemanueru Yonāson

It features a lively rhythm reminiscent of a cuckoo’s call.

Composed in an andante, waltz-like style, the piece includes melodies that imitate the cuckoo’s cry and trills on A that seem to mimic birdsong.

It’s also popular as a beginner piano étude.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

Folk dance music has a mysterious power to bring people together in a single circle across generations and borders. If you find a song that catches your interest among the classic folk dance tunes, be sure to try dancing to it. Letting yourself go to the music, joining hands, and stepping to the rhythm will surely add a warm splash of color to your everyday life. We hope this list helps you find your favorite songs.