Popular Song Rankings of Monbusho Shoka [2026]

Koi in the pondMonbushō shōka22rank/position

Children’s song / school song: Carp in the Pond (Ike no Koi) – Ministry of Education Song

This is a Ministry of Education school song that can be enjoyed while picturing the refreshing scenery of the season.

The gentle way it addresses the carp swimming in the pond brings a sense of calm and warmth.

Included in May 1911 in “Elementary School Songs for the First Grade,” this piece has been loved for many years for its bright, friendly melody and soothing lyrics.

It has appeared in music textbooks and has been passed down through school education.

It will surely resonate in your heart along with nostalgic memories.

Singing it with older adults may revive happy memories from the past and naturally spark conversation.

It’s an ideal song for music activities in care facilities.

tea pickingMonbushō shōka23rank/position

Picking Tea (Ministry of Education Song) with Piano Sheet Music

This piece from the Ministry of Education’s song collection—also widely loved as a hand-play song—features an easy-to-remember, simple melody and rhythm, making it perfect for beginners just starting piano! Since it was included in an elementary school textbook published in March 1912, this song has continued to depict the tea-picking scenes of the 88th night of spring, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” With a narrow vocal range and minimal finger movement, it’s ideal not only as a practice piece for small children, but also for adult learners who want to enjoy performing while feeling Japan’s beautiful changing seasons.

Experiencing the joy of playing this nostalgic melody—one that everyone has heard at least once—will surely boost your motivation for daily practice!

Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival / Girls’ Day)Monbushō shōka24rank/position

Happy Hinamatsuri -♪ Let’s light the lanterns (bonbori) - Children’s song/Japanese song/with lyrics/Yukano

When you see the title written in kanji as “雛祭,” you might think it’s a difficult song, but that’s not the case at all! Unlike the slightly more mature-sounding melody of “Ureshii Hinamatsuri,” this song has a bright tune and introduces the Hina dolls arranged on the tiered stand and the surrounding decorations.

After the introductions, it sings that looking at the neatly arranged dolls and the splendid ornaments is like gazing into a fairy tale or a dream world.

By listening to this song, you can both feel that dreamlike world and learn about the Hina dolls you display and the items you decorate around them!

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SAKI

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rabbitMonbushō shōka25rank/position

♪Rabbit, Rabbit – Usagi Usagi | ♪Rabbit, rabbit, what do you see as you hop? [Japanese song/children’s song]

A song from the Ministry of Education’s collection that sings of rabbits hopping as they gaze up at the harvest moon.

Since its inclusion in Elementary School Songs, Volume 2 in 1892, it has been cherished by many as a children’s song.

It is characterized by short phrases that convey the atmosphere of moon-viewing culture, and despite its simplicity, it features a melody that lingers in the heart.

This piece is also used as a practice tune for shamisen and koto, and has been recorded in various arrangements, such as King Records’ collection of seasonal school songs and Teichiku’s album “Heart and Mind: The Breeze of Ryukyu Played on the Sanshin.” On long autumn nights, why not line up some dumplings, gaze at the moon, and hum along? The melody is easy to remember, so you can enjoy singing it together with everyone.

snailMonbushō shōka26rank/position

With Singing: Snail – Children's Nursery Rhyme

Many people can’t help but hum a tune when they spot a snail on the roadside after the rain, struggling earnestly to move forward.

Some listened to it as children and now sing it with their own kids.

This piece captures a child’s pure curiosity as they call out to the snail, asking, “Where is your head?” It was included in 1911 as a Ministry of Education shoka in Elementary School Songs (Volume 1).

Despite its relaxed image, its light and rhythmic melody is part of its charm.

Beloved across generations, this classic song also offers a chance for parents and children to engage with nature together.

carp streamerMonbushō shōka27rank/position

Koinobori Easy Piano Sheet Music (Helper Squad for Nursery Teachers)

As May approaches, you can hear the children’s song “Koinobori” in many places.

It was a set piece for the 2017 Nursery Teacher Examination.

Since the song depicts carp streamers swimming leisurely in the sky, you’ll want your singing and playing to have a relaxed feel as well! The melody stays within a single octave and there are few chord changes, so with an easy arrangement, even those who feel unsure about piano performance should be able to tackle it without difficulty.

If you’re looking to strengthen your singing-and-playing practice, why not start by trying a simple arrangement of “Koinobori”?

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yuri

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black kiteMonbushō shōka28rank/position

Ministry of Education Shoka (School Song) — Tombi (Black Kite)

This children’s song, which begins with the opening line “Tobe tobe tonbi,” is likely familiar to many who remember learning it in music class.

The “pii-hyoro” cry of the black kite in the lyrics vividly conveys the lively image of the bird.