Ranking of Popular Folk Songs
That nostalgic melody, passed down through generations—the heart of our hometowns.
We’ve researched a wide range of folk songs from past to present, from East to West! In this article, we’ve selected popular tracks based on reliable feedback from music fans who’ve contributed to our site so far.
Among them, we’ll introduce the most acclaimed ones in a ranked format.
Please take a look.
We also researched children’s songs like nursery rhymes and lullabies, as well as work songs and songs for ceremonies and events.
In recent years, new ways of listening to folk music—championed by acts like Minyo Crusaders and Riyō Sanmyaku—have been attracting a fresh audience.
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Folk Song Popularity Ranking (71–80)
Bountiful Harvest Dance71rank/position
Hounen Ondo has an upbeat ondo rhythm that feels great.
This song is a Ryukyuan folk tune in the “kachaashii” genre, meant to be danced at a fast tempo while shaking your wrists side to side.
Along with Tinsagu nu Hana’s famous counterpart “Tōshin Dōi,” it’s extremely popular in Okinawa! The drum phrases that emphasize the off-beats here and there are striking, giving it a vibe like a rock ’n’ roll version of Okinawan folk music.
It’ll make you want to jump into an Eisa dance!
Snow (Yuki ya Konko)Sakkyokusha: Fushō72rank/position
When it snows, many people probably think of this song first! One of the most iconic children’s songs about snow, “Yuki” (Snow).
It warmly portrays the scene of snow piling up and how dogs and cats react differently when it snows.
Even though it’s cold outside, it somehow makes you feel cozy inside.
Snow can be a hassle for adults, but for children it’s fun even in the cold! It would be nice to sing this song and then go play in the snow when it piles up.
A Town Where It SnowsSakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao73rank/position
Yuki no Furu Machi o is a slightly melancholic children’s song that depicts a town where cold snow falls.
First introduced in 1951 as an insert song for the radio drama Eriko to Tomo ni broadcast on NHK Radio, it has a long history.
It was later featured on Minna no Uta, which helped it gain wider recognition.
Winter’s chill has a way of making us feel lonelier and more desolate than in other seasons, stirring a bittersweet mood.
This subtly mature children’s song expresses the hope that such feelings will drift away with the cold winter wind as we move toward the warmth of spring.
Red sky at duskSakushi: Nakamura Ukō / Sakkyoku: Kusakawa Shin74rank/position
In autumn, sunsets look especially beautiful, don’t they? It depends on the region, but in November the sun usually sets around 5 p.m., so if you’re out for an evening walk with a little child, there’s a good chance you’ll catch the sunset.
At times like that, how about singing this song together with your child? Parents will certainly know it, and since it’s a classic children’s song, your child has probably learned it somewhere too.
It may seem like an ordinary moment, but it’s sure to become a scene that remains in your child’s heart as a lasting memory of autumn.
King Kamehameha of the Southern Islandssakushi: itō akira / sakkyoku: morita kōichi75rank/position
This is a heartwarming song that lightens the spirit, depicting the laid-back daily life of King Hamehameha and his family on a southern island.
The unique premise is that everyone on the island shares the same name, and their relaxed tropical lifestyle is sung over a warm melody.
It was first broadcast in 1976 on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” performed by Ado Mizumori and Top Gallant.
The accompanying puppet-show visuals also drew attention, and the song was released that June as a double A-side single.
Sing it with the whole family and you’re sure to enjoy a delightful time!
FlowerSakushi: Takeshima Hane / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentarō76rank/position
The spring classic “Hana” was composed by Rentaro Taki.
Its rhythmic melody conveys the buoyant feeling of spring! The lyrics depict the colorful, splendid scenes typical of the season.
Simply listening to the song while taking in the lyrics brings vivid springtime images to mind.
Because the Sumida River appears in the lyrics, Tokyo’s Sumida City has adopted the song as a beloved community anthem.
There is also a monument inscribed with the lyrics in Sumida Park along the Sumida River.
Take a cheerful stroll along a springtime path and sing along!
We are children of the sea.Monbushō shōka77rank/position
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.
