[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 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 are children of the sea.
Published in 1910, it was also selected for the “100 Japanese Songs” in 2007.
This piece has a historical background in which the seventh verse, featuring warships and the like, was removed after Japan’s defeat in the war.
Since 1947, it has often been sung up to the third verse.
Perhaps it’s a good opportunity to listen while carefully looking over the lyrics once again.
snail
This is a Ministry of Education children’s song published in 1911.
Snails were called by various names across Japan, but after this song was released, the term “katatsumuri” (snail) became established.
With its lively melody, it is also used as a hand-play song.
hometownSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi
Blue mountains, pure waters, and memories of childhood play.
The gentle melody that embraces the nostalgic scenery of one’s hometown and feelings for family and friends living far away possesses a universal charm that resonates with everyone.
First released in 1914 as a Ministry of Education song, this work was created by Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano, and it vividly reflects the rural landscapes and lifestyles of Japan at the time.
It was sung at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving many people.
It can truly be called a song that symbolizes the heart of Japan, offering comfort to all who live away from their hometowns.
tea picking
A celebrated song that carries Japan’s traditional culture into the present.
Released in 1912, it was selected in 2007 for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” The lyrics depict tea picking, which takes place around early summer.
It’s also well known as a hand-clapping game song played by two children facing each other.
koinobori (carp streamers)
Even today, as Children’s Day approaches, this classic song is sung all over Japan.
It was released in 1913.
The lyrics express the wish for children to grow up splendidly and magnificently, like carp streamers swimming in the sky.
Because it contains difficult words, the song “Koinobori,” which begins with “Yane yori,” seems to be more familiar in recent years.
[Japanese Children's Songs] Carefully Selected Masterpieces Loved Across Generations! (21–30)
Summer Memorieshaida shouko
I feel like I learned both the name of the place Oze and the flower skunk cabbage from this song.
The piece itself seems to be quite old, but I think I got to know it through “Minna no Uta.” The lyrics, which sing of memories of Oze, bring to mind a serene and beautiful landscape.