Popular Song Rankings of Monbusho Shoka [2026]

snowMonbushō shōka1rank/position

Children’s song “Yuki” (Key of C) completed with just 3 chords! [Home Piano Lessons]

A song familiar as a Ministry of Education shoka that you hear everywhere once winter arrives.

Since it was included in a textbook published in June 1911, it has been sung across generations for over a century.

It depicts a snowy landscape with drifting flakes, contrasting a lively dog running about outdoors with a cat warming itself inside, making it fun to play while imagining the scene.

In 2007, it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” truly a classic of the Japanese winter! With a narrow range and straightforward fingering, it’s perfect for beginners to build their fundamentals.

Ride the lively rhythm and try playing with a bounce that conveys the joy of swirling snow!

winter sceneryMonbushō shōka2rank/position

Winter Scenery (Song)

“Winter Scenery,” which was even adopted as an elementary school song in the Taisho era, depicts winter scenes from morning to evening, evoking images of watersides, farmlands, and village landscapes.

Its grand sound conveys a strong will to overcome the cold of winter.

Try listening leisurely while gazing at or imagining the rich natural scenery.

With choral work as beautiful as a hymn, it’s also recommended for group singing at recreational activities or events.

Be sure to listen to this piece that will warm the cold winter.

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mutō

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Tea PickingMonbushō shōka3rank/position

Tea Picking – Crown Girls' Choir

With its familiar and pleasant melody, “Chatsumi” (The Tea Picking Song) is a children’s song that naturally makes you want to hum along.

Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, you’ll surely recognize it once you hear the tune! Although it’s a famous song, some people may not be sure of the lyrics when they try to sing it.

The song is written with beautifully refined Japanese language and sound, making it highly poetic, so this is a great chance to take a look at the lyrics and savor them!

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Yuuki

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Spring StreamMonbushō shōka4rank/position

With Lyrics: “Spring Stream” Ministry of Education Song

Accompanied by the gentle murmur of water, this classic song unfolds a simple, tender scene before your eyes.

Among the Ministry of Education’s school songs, its melodic line is especially beautiful, and it is said that Tatsuyuki Takano wrote the lyrics infused with memories of his home in Nagano Prefecture.

The delicate flowers blooming along the shore and the fish swimming in the brook are depicted as if in a painting, superbly expressing the quintessential spring landscape of Japan.

Since its inclusion in 1912 in “Elementary School Songs for the Fourth Grade,” it has been sung across generations.

It is a recommended piece for those who wish to spend a heartwarming moment—both as a song of memories and as a tune that evokes the nostalgic scenery of spring.

We are children of the sea.Monbushō shōka5rank/position

We Are Children of the Sea [With Song] Children's Song / School Song

When it comes to classic children’s songs about the sea, “Ware wa Umi no Ko” (We Are Children of the Sea) stands out.

First published in 1910 in the Ministry of Education’s Elementary School Reader as a song for singing, it has long been loved and cherished.

Although the lyricist and composer are unknown, it is considered a masterpiece and was selected as one of Japan’s 100 best songs.

The scene it depicts is the summer sea.

The lyrics are said to portray the growth of a boy raised by the seaside.

With imagery that evokes the sound of the wind and the sight of vast seas crowned with whitecaps, it is a work of grand scale.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to sing out clearly during the summer, picturing the ocean landscape.

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nikki

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The sound of insectsMonbushō shōka6rank/position

[You can play it with code 🔰] Voices of Insects

A Ministry of Education school song that rhythmically depicts the chirping of insects on long autumn nights using onomatopoeia.

First included in 1910 in the “Elementary School Reader Songs,” it was later selected in 2006 for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and has remained a beloved classic for many years.

The distinctive calls of insects such as pine crickets, bell crickets, and field crickets overlap like an ensemble, evoking the atmosphere of autumn in the listener’s heart.

With a simple melody and a narrow range, it’s recommended as a practice piece for those just getting comfortable with the keyboard.

It’s also used in elementary school music materials, making it fun to play while singing together with your child.

Why not add this seasonally evocative piece to your autumn repertoire?

seaMonbushō shōka7rank/position

Sea | with lyrics | Ministry of Education shoka (school song) | Where the distant pine groves fade

The Ministry of Education song “Umi” (The Sea) is one of the most famous pieces among Japanese children’s songs.

Its lyrics, which praise the grandeur and beauty of the sea, are evocative enough to conjure vivid images just by listening.

The melody is gentle yet somehow powerful, making it beloved by a wide range of generations, from children to adults.

“Umi” was released in 1941 and has been cherished ever since as a classic.

In addition to being included in elementary school music textbooks, it has been chosen for collections such as Japan’s 100 Noted Songs and as a sea song to preserve for the 21st century, reflecting its high educational value.

It’s also recommended for summer recreation—try singing it together with older adults; it may bring back fond memories.