[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.
- [Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan, Brimming with Local Pride
- [For Seniors] Spring Songs You'll Want to Hum: Feel the Season with Nostalgic Classics
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- A nostalgic song—a timeless classic that somehow feels familiar and touches the heart.
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- A masterpiece of the pastoral. A roundup of representative works that delve into the charm of the pastoral (pastorale).
- Nostalgic enka. A collection of classic enka hits from the Showa era.
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- Recommended enka set in autumn: a collection of heart-touching masterpieces
- Children’s Song Medley: A playlist of classic and popular hits everyone knows
- Folk Songs of the World | Hometown Songs Passed Down Abroad
- For Seniors: Festive Attractions to Liven Up Festivals—Games and Recreational Activities
[Japanese Children's Songs] Carefully selected timeless classics loved across generations! (51–60)
Sugarcane field
Written and composed by Naohiko Terashima, this song was created in 1964, inspired by a visit to Okinawa.
It expresses feelings for the war dead who rest in the sugarcane fields swaying in the wind.
Because it has lyrics stretching to eleven verses, only portions are usually performed.
Famous renditions include those by Naomi Chiaki and Ryoko Moriyama, and it has also been arranged as a choral piece and widely sung.
Green Green
A song performed in 1963 by the American folk group The New Christy Minstrels.
The Japanese translation is by Akira Kataoka, and the lyrics run through seven verses, forming a single story.
While the lyrics carry a sense of melancholy, the song itself is up-tempo and gives a refreshing impression.
My Ballad
This was the debut work of Takao Matsui, a popular composer and arranger of choral pieces for students, published in 1987.
It is notable for its sustained triplets at the climax, and is often used in junior high school choral competitions.
Although the continuous notes make it challenging to sing in tight unison, both the lyrics and the melody are very appealing.
I found the first star
It was published in 1932.
The lyricist was the first principal of Akashi Girls’ High School (now Akashi Minami High School), and a monument inscribed with the song “I Found the First Star” stands at the Akashi Municipal Planetarium.
With its simple melody and charming lyrics, it is a song that children can enjoy.
[Japanese Songs] Carefully Selected Masterpieces Loved Across Generations (61–70)
Kantarō the North Wind Kid
The lyrics were written by Takao Ide and the music composed by Wakako Fukuda in 1972.
It was created with the concept of an enka song for children.
With features like the call of “Kantarō~” and onomatopoeic whistling, it’s a song packed with elements that would delight lower-grade elementary school children.
Harvest Moon
I had never thought about the lyrics of this song before, but when I listened closely, I realized it was a sad song.
The way it speaks to the harvest moon about how the mother has passed away and the younger sister has been separated is so sorrowful yet tender.
Is this also a song that reflects its era?
King Kamehameha of the Southern Islands
Lyrics by Akira Ito, music by Koichi Morita.
It’s a cheerful song that warmly portrays the king and the people of a southern island, suitable for lower elementary school children.
It was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1976.
The poem’s theme—that everyone on the southern island has the same name—is delightful and makes you sing along with a smile.