[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 (1–10)
morning glory
This is a Ministry of Education school song that depicts a child’s perspective as they count the flowers that bloom each morning, feeling close to the morning glories that increase day by day—more today than yesterday, and more tomorrow than today.
It was included in The Common Elementary School Songbook (1), for First Grade, published in 1911 (Meiji 44).
In this piece, which was sung in elementary schools across the country, children count the flowers and naturally learn a sense of time: the big buds will bloom tomorrow, the small buds the day after.
Tied to summer observation diaries, the subject of morning glories evokes a sense of nostalgia that transcends generations.
Koi in the pond
This is a Ministry of Education shoka (school song) that has been sung since the Meiji era, depicting fish gathering when you clap your hands as a signal.
It first appeared in May 1911 in the publication “Elementary School Songs for the First Grade.” The lyrics, which rhythmically express the habit of living creatures to respond to sounds or bait, are especially striking.
Its simple melody is easy to remember and irresistibly singable.
This piece evokes a quintessential Japanese scene that remains fresh despite the passage of time.
Why not softly sing it the next time you see carp in a park pond, or when you want to bask in nostalgic memories?
The Four Seasons in the Countryside
This is a Ministry of Education school song that carefully depicts rural scenery and everyday life through the four seasons.
From spring’s barley fields and summer rice planting to autumn harvests and warm winter gatherings, the seasonal rhythms come vividly to mind.
Its refined, Japanese-style melody, reminiscent of koto music, carries a nostalgic resonance.
First included in a textbook published in July 1910, it has been sung for many years since.
Featured as well on NHK’s “Meikyoku Album,” this piece invites you to hum along with a calm heart as you reflect on days spent amid abundant nature.
[Japanese Children's Songs] Carefully Selected Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations! (11–20)
Snowball fight
One of the traditional children’s songs about winter play.
It depicts the scene of dividing into East and West teams on a clear morning snowfield and the vivid excitement of throwing snowballs at each other.
Its lively, march-like melody is sure to lift the spirits of children absorbed in play.
Included in the Ministry of Education’s textbooks in 1912, this piece has also been cherished as material for folk dance.
Why not enjoy this old-fashioned song together with children and make the most of snowy days?
We Look Up to You with Respect
Published in 1884 and selected in 2007 for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” it expresses students’ gratitude to their teachers and memories of school life, and continues to be loved as a classic graduation song.
Why not take this opportunity to savor once again the distinctly Japanese flavor conveyed by its classical language?
A Hazy Moonlit NightSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi
A celebrated Japanese classic that has been loved across generations since its release in 1914.
The first verse depicts the gradual fall of dusk, while the second portrays a night scene illuminated by a hazy moon.
Its melody evokes the tranquil, quintessential scenery of Japan—something that likely stirs a sense of nostalgia in every Japanese person.
Spring has come.
Published in 1910 and selected in 2007 as one of the “100 Japanese Songs,” this piece is easy to remember and familiar, repeating the phrase “~has come” in the first verse, “~bloom” in the second verse, and “~sing” in the third.
When you think of spring songs, isn’t this the one that comes to mind first for many people?