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 (91–100)
The Snow PainterSakushi: Noritake Akihiko / Sakkyoku: Ando Takashi92rank/position
It uses a metaphor that snow falls and turns the world white, as if painted with white paint.
There’s an onomatopoeic expression for the falling snow, the repeatedly appearing keyword “white,” and above all, the gentle melody that you’ll want to remember and hum along to.
It’s a snow-themed song that adults should definitely listen to as well.
Adding simple choreography and dancing to it would be nice, too.
It’s fun to sing as-is, but it’s also great to let your imagination run with questions like, “What does a snow painter mean, anyway?”
rainfallsakushi: kitahara hakushū / sakkyoku: nakayama shinpei93rank/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.
Japanese bush warblerSakushi: Hayashi Ryūha / Sakkyoku: Inoue Takeshi94rank/position
This children’s song weaves the beautiful chirping of the bush warbler, which heralds the arrival of spring, into a gentle melody and story.
Created by Yanagiha Hayashi and Takeshi Inoue, it tenderly portrays the bird perched on a plum branch announcing spring, as well as its descent from snow-laden mountains to the village, in a way that resonates with children.
Its calm triple meter and phrases that imitate the warbler’s call are distinctive, offering a cheerful, singable melody line that evokes the warmth of spring.
Beloved in schools and homes alike, it has also been covered by artists such as Saori Yuki and Shoko Yasuda.
It’s a perfect song to enjoy singing with children during spring, a season rich with opportunities to connect with nature.
Summer MemoriesSakushi: Ema Akiko / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao95rank/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 jun96rank/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.
motherSakushi: Tanaka Nana / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao97rank/position
Perfect for a heartwarming springtime moment, this children’s song by Nana Tanaka and Yoshinao Nakata is presented in a conversational style where a child speaks to their mother, expressing comfort and affection through the gentle, everyday scents that drift from her.
Beloved across generations, it was also selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Its tender melody—one almost everyone has heard at least once—seems to symbolize the timeless bond between parent and child.
Why not sing it together with your little one while out for a walk or during cozy time at home? It’s sure to bring a sense of calm.
Whale ClockSakushi: Seki Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Takeshi98rank/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.