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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- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
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Folk Song Popularity Ranking (91–100)
rainfallsakushi: kitahara hakushū / sakkyoku: nakayama shinpei92rank/position
Even if the title “Amefuri” doesn’t ring a bell, once you hear the tune you can probably sing along right away, don’t you think? It’s the kind of song that could make even a rainy day—when you’re really feeling blue—seem fun.
The part that imitates the sound of rain is especially memorable, isn’t it? But in fact, it seems that Hakushū Kitahara, who wrote the lyrics, embedded a sad story in this song.
If you’re curious, listen closely to the lyrics all the way through verse five.
Summer MemoriesSakushi: Ema Akiko / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao93rank/position
This work has long been cherished in Japanese music education.
The lyrics by Shoko Ema, inspired by the skunk cabbage scenery she witnessed in Oze, leave a strong impression with their evocative depiction of gazing toward the distant sky.
There is also an anecdote that Yoshinao Nakata, who composed the music, completed the melody before actually visiting Oze, showcasing his skill in weaving the images evoked by the words into sound.
Selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” it has been widely arranged for chorus as well.
It’s a song we’d love to keep singing with our families, feeling the changing seasons and the beauty of nature.
The Banana That Flew Awaysakushi: kataoka akira/sakkyoku: sakurai jun94rank/position
This song is a memorable piece with a Latin rhythm despite being a children’s song, and it was featured on NHK’s music program “Uta no Ehon” in 1962.
The percussion gives it a tropical feel, doesn’t it? There are many scenes where someone slips on a banana peel, and since bananas are a slippery fruit, the lyrics playfully use that trait to have the banana appear in various settings.
The way the scenes unfold feels like reading a picture book.
The shout at the end of the song is fun and easy to remember.
Brr, it’s so cold.Sakushi: Ishihara Wasaburō / Sakkyoku: Tamura Torazō95rank/position
Oosamu Kosamu is a song that depicts a child who can no longer bear the winter cold, crying in the mountains.
It was composed by music educator Torazo Tamura with lyrics by Wasaburo Ishihara, who wrote many children’s songs.
The lyrics evoke a scene of white snow piling up, and the melody conveys the chill of winter.
Perfect for the cold season, the song fits well with children’s hand-play and snow play.
It’s a winter-themed song beloved by a wide range of ages, from children to adults.
Whale ClockSakushi: Seki Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Takeshi96rank/position
A fantastical song that fills children with excitement.
Its soft, warm, and beautiful melody blends perfectly with lyrics rich in storytelling.
First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1983, it has remained popular, with reruns and inclusion on related albums.
The piece is also used in school music materials as a song that teaches the importance of time.
Listening to it during the rainy tsuyu season or on June 10th, Time Day, will surely put you in a gentle mood.
Singing it with choreography will further spark children’s imaginations.
Warm and leisurely strollingSakushi: Sakata Hiroo / Sakkyoku: Komori Akihiro97rank/position
The children’s song “Poka Poka Teku Teku” evokes the bright, cheerful atmosphere of spring.
The lyrics were written by Hiroo Sakata, who also penned songs like “Sacchan” and “Onaka no Heru Uta,” and they’re wonderfully upbeat, conjuring images of lively children.
The music was composed by Akihiro Komori, known for works such as “Obentobako no Uta” and “Genkotsuyama no Tanukisan,” and its marching-style, nostalgically bright melody really touches the heart.
hometownSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi98rank/position
A classic song with a warm melody that gently comforts the heart when you suddenly feel a bit lonely thinking of your hometown.
Its lyrics depict the primal landscapes of home, like the hills where we chased rabbits and the river where we caught small crucian carp.
Released to the public in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, it was performed at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving audiences around the world.
It’s a masterpiece that even overseas groups like IL DIVO continue to sing in Japanese.
It’s the perfect piece for those striving far from home, quietly reflecting on their roots while listening to the autumn insects’ song.