Popular Song Rankings of Monbusho Shoka [2026]

black kiteMonbushō shōka29rank/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.

Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri/Girls’ Day)Monbushō shōka30rank/position

Hinamatsuri (Ministry of Education school song) ♪ With red felt spread out, the Emperor Doll sits on the upper tier. Lyrics by Yanagiha Hayashi, music by Kozaburo Hirai. Japanese Doll Festival Song.

While the so-called “yo-na-nuki” pentatonic scale-based ‘Ureshii Hinamatsuri’ has a somewhat wistful melody, this ‘Hinamatsuri’ features a bright tone that lets you easily imagine children singing joyfully—a hallmark of a Hinamatsuri song.

It’s not a widely known piece, and many readers may be learning of its existence for the first time through this article.

It’s well known that the lyrics of ‘Ureshii Hinamatsuri’ were written with a mistaken understanding of the ‘O-dairi-sama,’ but please also note that the ‘Hinamatsuri’ discussed here follows the arrangement of the traditional hina display in its lyrics.

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KOH-1

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Come, fireflyMonbushō shōka31rank/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 shōka32rank/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 shōka33rank/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 shōka34rank/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 shōka35rank/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.