Popular Song Rankings of Monbusho Shoka [2026]

Come, fireflyMonbushō shōka29rank/position

Firefly, Come (Beginner Piano)

A classic song from the Ministry of Education’s songbook, long cherished as a children’s tune for luring gently glowing insects on summer nights.

Ever since it appeared in the March 1941 textbook “Utanohon, Volume 1,” it has been passed down across generations.

Its hallmark features are the repeated, call-and-response-like short phrases and the nostalgic sound of the Japanese pentatonic scale—making it a delightfully approachable piece even for those just starting piano.

Because the melody uses few notes and is easy to memorize, it’s simple to focus on finger movement, making it perfect as a first step into two-handed playing.

Once you’re comfortable, try performing it in a round, with the right and left hands chasing the melody in turn.

Picture a cool, serene scene and play with a gentle touch.

Bean-throwing (Mamemaki)Monbushō shōka30rank/position

[Mame-maki] [Setsubun] [Children’s song] [With choreography] Song♪ Dance♪

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.

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SAKI

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skiingMonbushō shōka31rank/position

Skiing (Monbushō Shōka)

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.

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kappamaki

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We Look Up to You with RespectMonbushō shōka32rank/position

[Graduation Ceremony] [Elementary School] [Chorus] Aogeba Totoshi (Song: 'With Deep Reverence')

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 shōka33rank/position

Daikoku-sama (Summer Songs at Home)

“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 shōka34rank/position

Tsuki (♪ Deta deta tsuki ga~) by Himawari 🌻 With Lyrics | Full Moon

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?

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miyabi

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moon; monthMonbushō shōka35rank/position

Children’s Song: The Moon

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.

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sasashina

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