Popular Song Rankings of Monbusho Shoka [2026]
It seems that “Monbushō shōka” refers to the collective name for songs included in elementary school music textbooks compiled by the Ministry of Education from the Meiji era through the Showa era.
They’re all famous tunes that everyone has hummed at some point, and some people might be surprised to find, “Wait, this song is a Monbushō shōka too?”
Many of these pieces will probably feel fresh and new to those born in the Heisei era.
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Monbusho Shōka Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (31–40)
Bean-throwing (Mamemaki)Monbushō shōka31rank/position
When it comes to Setsubun in February, it’s all about the bean-throwing to drive away demons and invite good fortune! There’s even a song all about bean-throwing, aptly titled “Mamemaki.” The lyrics depict demons fleeing and the god of good fortune being summoned through the act of throwing beans.
Choreography matching the lyrics is available on video sites, so it’s also recommended to dance along to the song while you throw beans! The song portrays playful, pop images like beans scattering and falling, making it easy for young children to get into it.
skiingMonbushō shōka32rank/position
The season for New Year’s parties falls right in the middle of winter, and in some regions the snow may be piled high.
This is a children’s song that takes skiing—an emblematic snow sport—as its theme.
It conveys the beautiful scenery of snowy mountains spreading out before your eyes and the exhilarating speed of slicing through the wind on skis.
The lively, brisk tempo of the music is memorable, and you can sense the joyful spirit of someone taking on the slopes.
For those who have skied before, the landscapes they once saw may come vividly to mind.
We Look Up to You with RespectMonbushō shōka33rank/position
It is one of the songs first popularized in Japan in the Shogaku Shoka Collection, Volume 3, published in 1884.
Under the guidance of the American music educator Lowell Mason, melodies from existing Western music that would be familiar to Japanese people were selected, Japanese lyrics were added to them, and they were created as teaching materials for Japan’s music education known as “shoka.”
Daikoku-samaMonbushō shōka34rank/position
“Daikok sama” is a traditional folk song that’s perfect for the New Year.
Its rhythmic, auspicious feel is a distinctive feature.
The lyrics convey Daikoku-sama’s kindness and warmth, bringing a sense of calm.
With a melody steeped in the charm of old Japan, it can make time spent with music even richer.
Through this Shizuoka-born piece, older listeners, too, can enjoy a heartwarming moment.
Singing it at the start of the year is sure to lift the spirit, and if everyone sings together, it will be even more enjoyable.
Moon (The moon has come out, the moon has come out)Monbushō shōka35rank/position
The nursery rhyme “Tsuki” (The Moon), with its familiar opening that everyone recognizes, is well known.
It was included in the “Elementary School Songs” compiled by the Ministry of Education in 1911.
The moon carries a mysterious air and has long been said to influence the human mind, but this song is a pleasant piece that simply describes the round moon rising and then being hidden by clouds.
Beloved by children and adults alike, why not try singing it while gazing at the moon?
moon; monthMonbushō shōka36rank/position
The famous children’s song “Tsuki” (Moon), still sung today in childcare settings and at moon-viewing events, is a Ministry of Education school song that appeared in the 1911 publication “Elementary School Songs.” It describes gazing at the moon and the way it slips behind clouds and reappears, making it a perfect piece for tsukimi (moon viewing).
If you’re planning a moon-viewing gathering in September, why not sing this song together? It’s a very short, slow tune, so even children can easily learn and sing it.
village festivalMonbushō shōka37rank/position
This piece, which portrays the joy of a village festival celebrating a bountiful autumn harvest, is loved by people of all ages, from children to adults.
The lyrics that depict the sounds of flutes and drums as “don-don hyarara” leave a strong impression.
Since it was included in an elementary school textbook in 1912, the lyrics have gradually changed over time, but it continues to be sung today as an important song that conveys Japanese traditions and culture.
When singing with older adults, it’s also recommended to clap along or move your body in time with the lyrics.
It seems like a fun way to exercise while reminiscing about the past.
scarecrowMonbushō shōka38rank/position
It seems that this song is actually a Ministry of Education school song published in 1911 (Meiji 44) in the Elementary School Songbook for the second grade.
The theme of the song is the scarecrow used to drive away pests like crows from rice fields and vegetable patches.
Thanks to this song, there are probably quite a few people named Yamada who ended up with the nickname “Scarecrow.” These days, there may even be children who don’t know what a scarecrow is.
Plum blossoms and nightingalesMonbushō shōka39rank/position
Here is a Ministry of Education song that was published in 1911 for the second grade of elementary school.
It’s a cute and simple piece depicting a bush warbler coming to the plum tree in the garden.
Speaking of plums and bush warblers, you might recall the motif from hanafuda playing cards.
By the way, while plum blossoms and bush warblers often appear together as a metaphor for things that go well together, the “bush warbler” in this context is actually a Japanese white-eye.
It isn’t green, but rather a brownish or grayish color.
Knowing this little bit of trivia can make listening to the song even more enjoyable.
Urashima TaroMonbushō shōka40rank/position
This is a Ministry of Education school song based on a folktale everyone knows—so catchy you’ll find yourself humming along.
Guided by the turtle he rescued, the hero sets off for the Dragon Palace under the sea, and the wondrous journey is portrayed to a friendly melody, all the way to the moment he opens the jeweled treasure box.
Published in June 1911 in the second-year volume of the textbook ‘Standard Elementary School Songs,’ this piece has been sung for over a century since the end of the Meiji era.
It spread nationwide through school lessons and has a history of deep ties to education, even being used as an interlude song in school plays.
The lyrics follow the story so clearly that vivid scenes come to mind, and singing it with your child will draw you both into the world of the folktale.
On Children’s Day, why not spend some cozy family time with this song, beloved across generations?