[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)
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.
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.
young fox (kit)
The original song is a German children’s song, and the version with Japanese lyrics was released in 1947.
The original lyrics are somewhat menacing, threatening a fox that stole a goose.
In the Japanese version, the lyrics describe an adorable little fox.