Folk songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular tunes everyone can enjoy
A showcase of Japanese folk songs, all in one go!
We’ve picked out folk songs you might want to try singing at karaoke!
From timeless classics to slightly lesser-known gems, we’ve curated a wide range.
These days, folk songs no longer sit at the forefront of the scene.
They’re part of Japan’s traditional music, but they don’t usually get a great reaction from the general public.
To share what makes these folk songs so wonderful, we’ve selected some of Japan’s most popular folk numbers this time.
Even if you’re not familiar with enka or folk music, you’ll enjoy this!
Be sure to read through to the end!
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- [2026] The Heart of Our Hometowns Carried Through Song: A Roundup of Japanese Folk Singers, Including Young Talents!
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
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- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
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- Folk Songs of the World | Hometown Songs Passed Down Abroad
Folk songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular tunes everyone can enjoy (21–30)
Chakkiri-bushiZa Pīnattsu
Chakkiri-bushi is not a traditional folk song that has been passed down in that region since old times; it is a “new folk song” with lyrics by Hakushu Kitahara and composition by Yoshiaki Machida, yet it is treated as a folk song in Shizuoka Prefecture.
This song, which comically sings about Shizuoka’s sights and customs in several dozen verses, has also become known throughout Japan.
Akita ObakoKawasaki Keiko
The singer addresses an Akita Obako—a young woman renowned for her beauty—and the song unfolds as she responds to his words.
Its gentle, unhurried tempo evokes the image of a beautiful girl raised serenely amid peaceful countryside, and as you sing, a lovely Akita Obako will surely appear before you on the screen.
Folk songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular tunes everyone can enjoy (31–40)
Donpan-bushiIshikawa Sayuri
This folk song is one of the best-known representative pieces of Akita folk music nationwide, and it is also popular as a song in which the singer can improvise the lyrics.
In addition, this song is almost always heard at Bon Odori venues as a Bon dance song.
It might be nice to try singing it as if you were dancing the Bon Odori.
Mamurogawa OndoMori Masako
Originally, this was sung by geisha in the tatami rooms of a ryotei in Mamurogawa Town to enliven banquets, and the lyrics, which invite slightly erotic imaginings, hint at that origin.
When singing it, there’s no need to be conscious of that; it’s fine to casually sing it with a crisp, lively tempo.
In conclusion
Compared to flamenco and canzone, Japanese folk songs are characterized by a higher-pitched vocal delivery. Many of the singers introduced this time fit that vocal style, didn’t they? It might be an efficient way of singing for Japanese people. Also, Takashi Hosokawa’s singing ability was in a league of its own! I’d love to see his singing showcased to the world at the Olympic opening ceremony!