[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)
autumn leaves (momiji)Sakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi
It is a gentle Japanese classic that evokes the feeling of autumn.
It has been included in elementary school textbooks since 1951 and was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs” in 2006.
The comparison of various colored leaves scattered on the water, illuminated by the autumn sunset, beautifully expresses the essence of autumn as if looking at a painting.
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.
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.
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.
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)
hazy moonlit night
This is a Ministry of Education song printed in textbooks in June 1914.
It portrays a spring evening— the setting sun over a field of rapeseed blossoms and the moon hanging along the mountain ridge—set to a gentle triple-meter melody.
The lyrics are lovely, conveying not only the visual scene but also the atmosphere of a spring night, with sounds like croaking frogs and distant temple bells.
Sung by many performers, including the sisters Saori Yuki and Shoko Yasuda, it was selected in 2006 as one of the 100 Best Japanese Songs.
As you feel the arrival of spring, try humming it together with someone dear to you.