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)
Frog Chorus78rank/position
Speaking of rounds, “Frog Chorus”! Surely everyone has tried singing it as a round at least once, right? It only has a first verse, and the lyrics are very simple, so you won’t spend time memorizing them and can start enjoying the round right away—that’s one of this song’s charms.
Plus, you can come in every two measures from anywhere, which makes it easy to catch the timing.
It’s truly the perfect song for your first round! Encourage the entry with a big, “Ready, go!”
The Bento Box Song79rank/position
When it comes to classic nursery songs that parents and children can enjoy together, “Obentōbako no Uta” (The Lunchbox Song) is a top choice, isn’t it? It’s fun to learn and dance the moves with your child that match the side dishes in a lunchbox.
It might even spark their interest in food or help reduce picky eating.
You could also try packing the same side dishes mentioned in the song’s lyrics into an actual bento.
Tanuki of Fist Mountain80rank/position
As a hand-play song, the nursery rhyme “Genkotsuyama no Tanukisan” is something children can enjoy while playing.
It depicts a baby raccoon living on a mountain called Genkotsuyama, nursing from its mother and then falling asleep in her arms.
In the hand-play, matching the word “genkotsu” (fist) in “Genkotsuyama,” you start the song by alternately tapping your two fists up and down.
After that, you move your hands according to the lyrics.
At the end of the song there’s also a rock-paper-scissors part, so if your child has learned how to play, be sure to try that together too!
Popular Folk Song Rankings (81–90)
Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-cat81rank/position
This is the popular autumn hand-play song for children, “Kobuta Tanuki Kitsune Neko”! Kids imitate the animals that appear in the lyrics and copy their sounds as they play.
It’s very simple and fun to watch, so even infants can enjoy it.
When playing this song with preschoolers, try speeding it up as they get used to it.
It’s also fun to see who can keep up!
Zuizui Zukkorobashi82rank/position
It’s a traditional Japanese children’s song that has been passed down for generations.
The lyrics also use old Japanese words.
It’s often sung during games to choose “it” or to pick someone.
A mouse that comes to eat rice appears in the song.
It’s a nursery rhyme you can sing with grandparents.
School of Medaka83rank/position
This song uses the unique onomatopoeic expression “tsui-tsui” to depict medaka fish swimming leisurely.
The lyrics liken a school of medaka in the river to students and a teacher, sparking children’s imaginations.
First broadcast in March 1951 on an NHK program for young children, it has been beloved by many ever since.
In 1952, a record featuring a performance by Aiko Anzai received the Arts Festival Award.
On a hot summer day, singing it while picturing medaka gliding through a cool river is sure to refresh both body and mind.
Why not sing it together as a family and appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of living creatures?
Under the big chestnut tree84rank/position
Here is a hand-clapping song that has been famous for a very long time.
Perhaps even people in their grandparents’ generation played it when they were children.
The tune is based on an English folk song and is titled almost the same as in Japanese: “Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree.” The lyricist of the first verse in Japanese is unknown, while verses two and three were written by Hiroo Sakata.
It’s a song we hope will continue to be loved by children for years to come.
