[Japanese Children's Songs] Carefully selected timeless masterpieces loved across generations!
Japanese shoka—songs everyone has hummed at least once—include classics like “Furusato,” “Haru no Ogawa,” and “Momiji.” The nostalgic melodies we learned in music class or sang with friends in childhood stay with us no matter how much time passes.
These works, which sing of seasonal landscapes and everyday scenes, are filled with the sensibilities of the Japanese people.
In this article, we introduce a selection of shoka that have been sung across generations.
Just seeing the titles will make you want to start singing—be sure to check out these beloved Japanese classics.
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[Japanese Songs] Carefully Selected Masterpieces Loved Across Generations! (81–90)
Sakura, sakuraSuginami Jidō Gasshōdan
While they bloom magnificently across the entire sky, perhaps thanks to the children’s chorus, there’s also a sense of simple beauty.
The charm of cherry blossoms—the kind that somehow makes you want to go see them, whether they’re the ones in your neighborhood or the famous spots—was clearly conveyed.
I often hear it performed on the koto, but apparently there are electric guitar arrangements as well, which is another idea unique to cherry blossoms.
Flower TownToukyou Tama Shounen Shoujo Gasshoudan
The lyrics were written by Akiko Ema, and the music was composed by Ikuma Dan; the song was created in 1947, after the war.
It spread nationwide through a radio program.
It is still widely sung today, and in 2006 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Verses 1 and 2 are bright, but the lyrics of verse 3 evoke a slight sense of loneliness.
The dolphin goes splish-splash.Tōkyō Hōsō Jidō Gasshōdan
Lyrics by Tatsuo Azuma, music by Shoji Wakamatsu.
It’s a fun waltz in 3/4 time suitable for lower elementary grades.
The lyrics include puns and are amusing.
Since animals like dolphins and grasshoppers appear, children quickly warm up to it and can sing along.
There are also activities that combine this song with bamboo dance to help children physically experience the triple meter.
Whispers of HopeTōkyō Konsei Gasshōdan
The composer is Hawthorne from the United States.
There are two versions of the Japanese lyrics, but this time we chose the translation by Ryoko Morozono.
It has been sung as a women’s chorus since before the war, with colloquial lyrics set to a flowing melody.
It has also been performed by Saori Yuki and Shoko Yasuda.
Early Spring OdeYuki Saori, Yasuda Shoko
It seems this song was also selected as one of the “100 Japanese Songs.” Befitting that honor, it makes me once again appreciate the charms of Japan—its four seasons, the beauty of its scenery, and the feelings they evoke.
Through the sisters’ beautiful singing, you can feel the longing as spring is still far off, and the beauty of the slightly chilly, quiet landscapes of this delicate time of year.
maple leaves
It was published in 1911.
In 2007, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Composed as a choral piece, the first half is in canon form, while the second half features beautiful harmonies between the lower and higher voices.
The lyrics, which depict autumn scenery, are also beautiful.
[Japanese Shoka] Carefully Selected Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations! (91–100)
Happy HinamatsuriSatoko Yamano · Mori no Ki Children’s Choir
It’s a heartwarming song that cherishes Japan’s seasonal events.
Just like Jingle Bells at Christmas, this song naturally appears during the Doll Festival (Hina Matsuri).
It depicts each aspect of the hina dolls, letting you feel the joy of the girls.
Many people have sung it, but I was surprised to learn that Akihiro Miwa also recorded it.