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!”
oden (Japanese simmered hot pot dish)79rank/position
When you think of a family gathered around the table on a cold winter day, oden instantly comes to mind! Here’s a fingerplay song themed around that heart- and body-warming hot pot.
It shows choosing ingredients to match shapes like circles, triangles, and squares, then putting them into the pot.
Just miming the motions of chopping to the rhythm and simmering and eating makes you feel like you’re playing pretend cooking.
There’s no fixed release date, but it’s a widely loved children’s song that was featured by early childhood education media around July 2020 as a winter activity.
In the second verse, the song shifts to making a big pot, and the actions become more dynamic—that’s part of the fun! It’s the perfect tune for moving and playing with your child when it’s too cold to go outside.
The Bento Box Song80rank/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.
Popular Folk Song Rankings (81–90)
Tanuki of Fist Mountain81rank/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!
Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-cat82rank/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 Zukkorobashi83rank/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 Medaka84rank/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?