[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 Shoka] Carefully Selected Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations! (91–100)
black kite
It was released in 1958.
The lyrics featuring the onomatopoeic “pinyoro,” imitating a black kite’s call, are unique.
The song vividly portrays a black kite freely and exuberantly flying through the sky.
The composer, Tei Yanada, is also known for the piece “Donguri Korokoro.”
On the Day of Departure
The lyrics were written by Noboru Kojima, who was the principal of a junior high school in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, and the music was composed by Hiromi Sakamoto, a music teacher.
Composed in 1991, the song was initially sung in the local community and then spread, and it has now become a standard piece for graduation ceremonies nationwide.
There are numerous versions arranged by various arrangers, and it is widely beloved and sung from elementary through high school.
Moon
It was released in 1910.
Because its opening lyrics resemble those of “Tankō-bushi,” it is sometimes mistaken for that song.
In the first verse the moon appears, in the second it is hidden by clouds, and in the third it reappears.
The gentle melody evokes a beautiful moonlit night.
Harmony Traveling the Future
It was the set piece for the 71st NHK National School Music Competition in fiscal year 2004, and drew attention for being written and composed by Miwa Yoshida of Dreams Come True (DCT).
It is a rare set piece in 3/4 time.
The lyrics are easy for upper elementary school students to relate to, and the song is often featured at events such as graduation ceremonies.
Voices of Insects
Published in 1910, it was selected in 2007 as one of the “100 Japanese Songs.” In 1932, the word “kirigirisu” in the second verse was changed to “koorogiya.” The onomatopoeia imitating insect sounds is unique, making it a song that children can enjoy singing.
red dragonfly
With lyrics written by Miki Rofu in 1921 and music composed by Yamada Kōsaku in 1927, this song was born.
Its lyrics—gazing at a red dragonfly flying at dusk and sinking into memories of one’s hometown—suit the somewhat melancholy feeling of autumn.
The melody is also beautiful, making it one of Japan’s representative songs.
waiting in vainMiyamoto Tomoko
The song seems to have been created in the Taisho era, but its content is said to come from a Chinese tale.
It comically sings about a farmer who, having acquired a taste for an unexpected windfall, stops working and keeps waiting for more prey to fall into his lap.
It also seems to carry the lesson: don’t try to make easy money.