Are you familiar with “polka,” a Czech folk music genre with a simple, friendly melody and a fast tempo that makes you want to move your body? Even if you don’t know the name of the genre, many people will recognize it when they hear a famous polka tune.
In Japan, it has even been featured for children on the TV program Minna no Uta, and interestingly, some polka songs became well-known in the 2000s through Flash animations and performances by Hatsune Miku.
This article is a collection of delightful polka classics—please enjoy them together with your children!
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Polka masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
Säkkijärvi Polka
Säkkijärven Polkka, whose very title already sounds rhythmic and fun, is a Finnish folk song that enjoys nationwide popularity in its home country.
It’s characterized by a bright, cheerful polka melody and a fast tempo played on the accordion.
However, the place name in the title, Säkkijärvi, actually has a tragic history, and the lyrics reflect that sorrow.
The song wasn’t very well known in Japan, but when the hit anime Girls und Panzer had its 2015 theatrical release, there was a scene where characters perform the piece on a kantele as the theme for a high school modeled on Finland.
This boosted the song’s recognition mainly among anime fans.
As an aside, despite that scene, the piece is quite fast as mentioned, and it’s said that it’s rarely performed on the kantele in practice.
tourist train
A piece by Johann Strauss II, known for his polkas.
With a railroad theme, it features a sense of exhilarating speed, as if a train were cutting through the wind.
It is said to have been inspired by the opening ceremony of the Austrian Southern Railway, which ran through provinces of the Austrian Empire.
It is often performed by orchestra, with the triangle signaling departures and arrivals, and the horns evoking the motion of the train.
Its lively, cheerful rhythm from beginning to end makes it enjoyable to listen to with children!
without sorrow
A polka composed by Josef Strauss, the younger brother of Johann Strauss II.
At the time he wrote this piece, Josef was in poor health and is said to have sent letters of lament to his wife.
In the midst of this, he composed Without a Care with a weary heart.
Its light, cheerful tone—hard to believe it was written while he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown—surely reflects Josef’s hope.
The playful staging, including the laughter of the musicians during the performance, is another highlight.
It’s a perfect pick-me-up when you need a boost.
Ievan Polkka
A traditional polka beloved in Finland.
In Japan, it became a hot topic online thanks to a Flash animation that collaborated with the hugely popular 2006 anime BLEACH and to Hatsune Miku’s 2007 rendition.
You might have heard it, as it’s often used as a commercial jingle or background music.
In 2016, Erika Ikuta from Nogizaka46 performed it during the internet-streamed “Nogizaka46 4th Anniversary Nogizaka 46-Hour TV.” The tongue-twisting, rapid-fire Finnish lyrics are a lot of fun, so try listening to it together with your child.
Let’s dance, the fun Porečeke!
“Odorou Tanoshii Pōre-chike” is a song that sets Japanese lyrics to the original tune of a Polish folk polka.
The lyrics were written by Kanji Kobayashi, who has penned many children’s songs such as “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” (Yukai na Bokujō) and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” On NHK’s Minna no Uta, it is performed by the Tokyo Broadcasting Children’s Choir.
Its repeating lyrics are humorous, making it popular among childcare workers and kindergarten teachers.
Why not have fun singing and dancing to it together at daycare or kindergarten? It’s also recommended for parents and children to enjoy together!
Hunting
A polka composed by Johann Strauss II, inspired by “Oh, My Steed” from the operetta Cagliostro in Vienna, written in 1875.
Although this operetta has nothing to do with hunting, it’s said that music with a hunting character was created using motifs that appear in the work.
The horns and trumpets signal the hunting calls, and the expressions of whip cracks and gunshots are key features of the piece.
Its brisk rhythm makes it catchy and a great recommendation for children to listen to!
Clarinet Polka
One of the polkas said to have its origins in a Polish folk song.
A distinctive feature of this piece is that there are various accounts of when and by whom it was composed.
As the title suggests, it is often performed as a clarinet solo or ensemble, but there appear to be many performance formats, such as collaborations with accordion or yodeling.
The clarinet’s rapid arpeggios are beautiful, and it stays lively and enjoyable right to the end! It’s also a great piece for children to learn the names of instruments and their timbres.