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)
School of Medaka85rank/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?
Vegetable Song86rank/position
As the title suggests, “Yasai no Uta” (The Vegetable Song) features a variety of vegetables appearing one after another, letting you enjoy hand motions and gestures tailored to each one.
It’s a great educational song that helps children learn words to a catchy rhythm.
It has been loved for many years, including being recorded with vocals by Satoko Yamano on the album “Minna Daisuki Ekaki-uta • Asobi-uta,” released in May 2012.
Even on rainy days when you can’t play outside, let’s get everyone excited with this song at home or in preschool!
snow angel87rank/position
This song has a dreamy atmosphere, likening the gentle descent of snow from the sky to angels coming down to earth.
It portrays how the soft-falling snow and the beautiful scenery after it settles can soothe winter’s cold heart.
It also conveys a sense of gratitude toward the snow that brings warmth to the heart.
While expressing the quiet of winter, the lyrics evoke an image of singing with a smile, conveying a positive feeling toward the season.
Under the big chestnut tree88rank/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 Star89rank/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.
Stroll MarchSakushi/Sakkyoku: Tsujibayashi Miho90rank/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.
Folk Song Popularity Ranking (91–100)
Yokai Shiritorisakushi: okuhara yume/sakkyoku: tane tomoko91rank/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!
