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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Popular Folk Song Rankings (81–90)
Under the big chestnut tree85rank/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.
Wish Upon a Star86rank/position
We would like to introduce “When You Wish Upon a Star,” a song used in Disney’s film Pinocchio.
As one of the world’s most beloved classics, “When You Wish Upon a Star” is likely a tune everyone has heard at least once.
Try adding simple hand motions to the relaxed rhythm and beautiful melody.
The choreography follows the lyrics, making it easy for both children and adults to learn.
Consider incorporating “When You Wish Upon a Star” as this month’s featured song or as the theme song for your Tanabata event.
Snow KobōzuSakkyoku: Fushō87rank/position
This is a Japanese children’s song sung to the same melody as “The Spool Song.” The melody uses a traditional tune that is loved around the world, and when lyrics are set to this melody overseas, it is often sung as a song about spools or spinning thread.
In contrast, it seems that only Japan has set lyrics about snow to this melody.
Stroll MarchSakushi/Sakkyoku: Tsujibayashi Miho88rank/position
On sunny spring days, it’s so much fun to play outside, isn’t it? “Osanpo March,” the song featured as this month’s tune on Okaasan to Issho, is a wonderful piece that’s perfect for this refreshing season.
Just hearing the marching rhythm might make you want to head out with a spring in your step, even on a chilly day when the crispness of winter still lingers in the air! Singing it while you stroll is highly recommended, too.
Yokai Shiritorisakushi: okuhara yume/sakkyoku: tane tomoko89rank/position
Speaking of summer, it’s the perfect season for ghosts and yokai.
Haunted houses and ghost stories are also a quintessential part of summer.
Chilling ghost tales are nice for the hot season, but this song, “Yokai Shiritori,” is a cute tune that even kids who don’t like scary things can enjoy.
It’s performed on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho.” In the lyrics, various yokai like the Rokurokubi and Zashiki-warashi visit a yokai professor and challenge him to play “yokai shiritori,” but he ends up losing.
Be sure to pay attention to the names of the yokai that appear in the shiritori!
Cute Hide and SeekSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao90rank/position
Just imagining little chicks, sparrows, and puppies playing in the yard or on the roof is heartwarming, isn’t it? Even when they think they’re hiding, you can glimpse a bit of a yellow foot or a brown head—this nursery song depicts such charming scenes.
With lyrics by Hachiro Sato and music by Yoshinao Nakata, its rhythmic flow captivates children and doesn’t let go.
After it was broadcast on an NHK radio program in January 1951, it spread across the country in no time.
Its contributions through record production and more were recognized with the Minister of Education Award at the 1952 Art Encouragement Prizes, showing just how big the response was at the time.
It’s also a staple as a hand-play song where you move your body along with the lyrics.
On a warm spring day, try singing it with your child, as if you’re playing hide-and-seek.
Folk Song Popularity Ranking (91–100)
Let’s draw a picture in the blue sky.Sakushi: Kazumi Kazuki / Sakkyoku: Hajime Kamishiba91rank/position
When you look at the clouds billowing in the bright blue summer sky, don’t they start to look like all kinds of pictures? From those clouds floating in the sky begins the heart-pounding, exciting adventure of the children’s song “Let’s Draw on the Blue Sky.” The lyrics are packed with the thrill of traveling around the world on a ship drawn by the clouds.
The lively shouts that appear in the song are sure to make kids want to imitate them! Look up at the sky and the clouds, let your dreams grow, and sing your heart out.
