[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 Masterpieces Loved Across Generations (41–50)
Flower
Composed by Rentaro Taki, a representative musician of the Meiji era.
In Tokyo’s Sumida Ward, it has been designated as the “Residents’ Favorite Song.” The lively melody is accompanied by lyrics depicting the bustling, glamorous springtime scene along the Sumida River.
[Japanese Children's Songs] Carefully selected timeless classics loved across generations! (51–60)
snow
It was published in 1911, and the lyricist and composer are unknown.
In 2007, it was also selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” The exact meaning and origin of the word “konko” in the lyrics are unclear, but it is thought to probably mean “come, come,” that is, “fall, fall.”
pigeon
It was published in 1911.
In 1941, the lyrics were revised and the title was changed to “Hatopoppo.” Both the lyricist and composer are unknown.
The lyrics describe feeding beans to pigeons, making it a rhythmic and fun song.
COSMOS
Lyrics and music by Mimas.
In 2000, an arrangement for three-part mixed chorus by Yutaka Tomizawa spread through schools.
Hearing only the title “Cosmos,” one might think of the flower, but it refers to the “universe.” The piece features a beautiful melodic line that flows with a grand sense of motion.
The Bell of Peace
The song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Yukihiro Nakazato and was released in 2000.
That same year, it was featured at the Kyushu-Okinawa Summit and drew attention.
Today, it is widely sung from elementary through high school.
The lyrics focus on the theme of war in Okinawa.
Tomorrow
Composed and written by Ryuichi Sugimoto, it was released in 1992 as the ending theme for NHK’s “Ikimono Chikyū Kikō” (A Journey Through the Living Earth).
Because the lyrics include many keywords such as “departure,” “wings,” “tomorrow,” and “bird,” it is often chosen as a graduation song in schools.
There’s no such thing as ghosts.
With lyrics by Minori Maki and music by Akira Mine, this charming song for lower elementary school children was released in 1966.
It depicts the feelings of a child who, while pretending to be brave by saying “There’s no such thing as ghosts,” is still a little scared.
In 2015, Kaela Kimura also covered the song.