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)
Whale ClockSakushi: Seki Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Takeshi99rank/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.
hometownSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi100rank/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.