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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Popular Ranking of Ministry of Education Shoka Songs [2026] (41–50)
Snowball fightMonbushō shōka41rank/position
This is a nursery song themed around the ever-popular traditional winter play: snowball fights.
It depicts children splitting into teams and throwing snow under a clear blue sky.
Because many lines repeat the same melody, it’s easy to memorize even for those who aren’t confident singers.
You’ll likely relate to the lyrics that capture that familiar moment when you suddenly find yourself getting seriously into the snowball fight.
It’s also recommended for February snow play, sports, and recreation.
Try singing it to a melody line that carries a touch of nostalgia.
My shoes are squeaking.Monbushō shōka42rank/position
Since its birth in 1919 (Taisho 8), this Ministry of Education shoka—celebrating children’s innocent play and their endearing bond with nature—has been a warm, gently comforting work.
It portrays children holding hands and happily spending time together, evoking images of little birds and rabbits that soothe the listener’s heart.
Selected in 2007 for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” it has continued to be loved by many.
It has been covered by numerous singers, including Satoko Yamano, Saori Yuki, and Shoko Yasuda.
How about humming it together with older adults in the warm spring sunlight? It will bring a bright, soothing moment filled with fond memories.
Close It, Open ItMonbushō shōka43rank/position
A children’s song that, despite being a foreign piece composed by the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Songs.
Did you know that the original lyricist is unknown, and in Japan the lyrics have changed over time—used as a hymn, a school song, and a military song? Its simple lyrics, with no second or third verse and the same content repeated throughout, leave interpretation to the listener, inviting various readings.
In Japan, it became established as a children’s song after World War II, while abroad it is still sung as a hymn today.
