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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Ranking of Popular Folk Songs (1–10)
Bright Red Autumnsakushi: satsuma tadashi / sakkyoku: kobayashi hideo8rank/position
This song, vividly depicting the colors of autumn, expresses the season’s beauty through the eyes of children.
Scenes of nature turning red—ivy, maple leaves, and snake gourds—appear one after another, conveying the pure joy of children who discover them.
First introduced in October 1963 on NHK’s “Tanoshii Uta,” it has since remained beloved through “Minna no Uta.” The lyrics, which fully embody Tadashi Satsuma’s poetic worldview, allow children to feel the beauty and vitality of autumn’s nature.
It’s a perfect piece for autumn events at nurseries and kindergartens, or for family strolls.
Why not sing it together and joyfully welcome the arrival of autumn?
The flower smiled.Sakushi: Hotomi Kōgo / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira9rank/position
Akira Yuyama, a composer who created numerous children’s songs and choral pieces, wrote “The Flowers Laughed.” In spring, a variety of flowers bloom in vivid colors, and just looking at them in the cheerful weather can make you feel warm and relaxed.
This song is packed with that cozy feeling—perhaps, from a child’s point of view, the flowers looked as if they were smiling.
Just imagining that scene is heartwarming, isn’t it? It’s a spring song that even very young children can sing easily.
bonfireSakushi: Tatsumi Seika / Sakkyoku: Watanabe Shigeru10rank/position
Characterized by vivid scenes that evoke the chill of winter, this song depicts the warm interactions of people gathered around a bonfire, and its lyrics are filled with many winter traditions.
First broadcast in December 1941 on NHK’s radio program “Time for Young Children,” it has since been widely loved in kindergartens, nursery schools, and elementary schools.
From 1952, it was also included in first-grade music textbooks, making it a classic cherished across generations.
It’s the perfect song to sing with family and friends during the cold season when you want to feel warm at heart.
Folk Song Popularity Ranking (11–20)
Yakiimo goo-choki-pasakushi: sakata hiroo / sakkyoku: yamamoto naozumi11rank/position
When the season comes that makes you crave piping-hot roasted sweet potatoes, this is the classic fingerplay song to enjoy with children.
With lyrics by Hiroo Sakata and music by Naosumi Yamamoto, it’s a children’s song full of humor and warmth.
Included on a CD released in February 2006, it has long been loved as a winter staple.
It’s also been sung on TV programs such as NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” and its playful structure that incorporates rock-paper-scissors movements is part of its charm.
Perfect for chilly days when you can’t play outside or as a fun moment before snack time.
Why not get everyone moving with energy while miming the gestures of eating tasty sweet potatoes? If you face off with the teacher or friends in the final round, the whole classroom will be filled with smiles!
red dragonflySakushi: Miki Rofū / Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku12rank/position
When it comes to Japanese evening songs, I think many people immediately think of Akatonbo (Red Dragonfly).
It’s a dusk song loved across generations and regions.
Listening to it brings back fond memories of childhood, when I felt I had to go home for dinner.
It’s a song we definitely want to keep passing down to our children.
Above all, its gentle melody and lyrics that unfold such rich imagery make it perfect as a lullaby.
It’s also great for nap time.
LullabySakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Kusakawa Shin13rank/position
Cradle Song, sung by Rimi Natsukawa, is perfect for lulling a baby to sleep.
Released in 2011, this song is a beloved lullaby from the Taisho era with lyrics by Hakushu Kitahara and music by Shin Kusakawa.
In 1967, the male vocal group The Bonny Jacks performed it on the program Minna no Uta.
The song paints a gentle scene around a cradle, helping babies drift off peacefully.
In Natsukawa’s version, the melody is woven together with the soft tones of the Okinawan sanshin, reflecting her roots.
Be sure to give it a listen during those tender moments as your baby falls asleep.
The Song of the Twelve Zodiac Animals14rank/position
Here is a song that was broadcast for 20 years, from 1973 to 1993, on the popular children’s TV program “Hirake! Ponkikki,” which most kids have probably seen at least once.
Since it aired for such a long time, some of you may have heard it when you were children.
It can be hard for kids to memorize the twelve zodiac signs, so turning it into a catchy pop song makes it easier to remember.
The lyrics and music were written by Michiko Yoshida, who also served as a vocal trainer for the famous Hideki Saijo.
