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 (41–50)
Ice Cream SongSakushi: Satou Yoshimi / Sakkyoku: Hattori Kouichi50rank/position
“Ice Cream Song” is a Japanese children’s song with lyrics by Yoshimi Sato and music by Koichi Hattori.
Originally written in 1960 for the radio program ABC Kodomo no Uta (ABC Children’s Songs), it was broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta in 1962 and became well known.
True to its title, it has also been used as a commercial jingle for ice cream.
Folk Song Popularity Rankings (51–60)
To the Sun in the Palm of Your HandSakushi: Yanase Takashi / Sakkyoku: Izumi Taku51rank/position
Created by the duo of Takashi Yanase and Taku Izumi, this children’s song was first broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962.
Its warm lyrics, which sing about how small creatures like earthworms and water striders are our fellow living beings, leave a lasting impression.
Yanase’s experience of holding his hand up to the sun, feeling the flow of blood, and thus reflecting anew on the preciousness of life is woven into the words.
In 1965, a single by the Boys Jacks was released, and the song was also performed on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
When sung at school functions or community events, it brings a comforting sense that everyone’s hearts naturally come together.
Kantarō the North Wind KidSakushi: Ide Takao / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako52rank/position
It’s said that this song was created with the concept of an enka tune for children, inspired by the TV drama “Kogarashi Monjirō.” It was first presented on “Minna no Uta” in 1974, sung at the time by Masaaki Sakai, and a remake version sung by Saburō Kitajima was released in 1982.
Many people were likely charmed by the cute animation of Kantarō, with his rosy cheeks and fair complexion.
The song has appeared multiple times in elementary school music textbooks and can be considered a winter classic loved by a wide range of generations.
Snow KobōzuSakushi: Murayama Toshiko / Sakkyoku: Fushō53rank/position
A snow-themed song included on King Records’ release Yuttari Doyo 60.
It originally comes from a foreign tune and has been sung with various lyrics.
In this version, the lyrics tell of a “yuki no kobōzu” (little snow monk) who comes from the sky, falls into a pond, turns into water, and disappears.
Whether it’s a fairy or more of a conceptual being, it sounds fun to sing while chatting together about “What exactly is a yuki no kobōzu?” Another recommendation is that you can change poses for verses one, two, and three as you sing.
dragonfly glassesSakushi: Nukaga Seishi / Sakkyoku: Hirai Kōzaburō54rank/position
Dragonflies that you see all over in autumn.
This song, “Tonbo no Megane” (Dragonfly’s Glasses), sings about the cute glasses of such dragonflies.
The very idea of a dragonfly wearing glasses already conjures up an adorable scene, doesn’t it? The glasses the dragonfly wears might be light blue or red, or even shining—why is that? From that question, a charming world of imagination unfolds.
It’s also fun to sing this song while watching dragonflies in the sky and imagining: What kind of glasses is that dragonfly wearing? How about this one?
Slurping somen noodles55rank/position
When it comes to hand-play perfect for summer, “Somen Tsurutsuru” is the one.
It’s a hand-play song about somen noodles, which most people eat at least once in the summer.
You twirl your hands around and mimic eating somen—it’s very simple choreography, so even little kids can enjoy it.
Different types of somen appear in the lyrics, and the movements change depending on the type.
Even children who’ve never eaten somen might learn about it through this hand-play and think, “I want to try it!” If you’re looking for a summer hand-play activity, this is recommended!
Happy HinamatsuriSakushi: Yamano Saburō (Satō Hachirō) / Sakkyoku: Kawamura Naonori (Kawamura Kōyō)56rank/position
Speaking of early-spring events, Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) comes to mind—so this beloved children’s song is a must! “Ureshii Hinamatsuri,” with lyrics by poet Hachiro Sato and music by composer Naonori Kawamura, was released in 1936 and has been cherished ever since.
When you hear “Hinamatsuri,” this song pops into your head first, doesn’t it? That’s how deeply it’s rooted in the hearts of the Japanese people.
Many artists have covered it, so you might enjoy searching for a version that suits your taste.
