Rankings of Yoshinao Nakada’s Popular Songs [2026]

Medaka no GakkōNakata Yoshinao22rank/position

Medaka no Gakkō (Piano)

This piece is memorable for its lyrics that liken small fish gliding smoothly through the river to schoolchildren, painting a cheerful picture of school life.

Since it first aired on NHK Radio in April 1951, it has been loved for many years.

The distinctive onomatopoeic sounds in the lyrics can be brought out on the piano with light staccato and a bouncy rhythm, enhancing the charm of the piece.

The melody stays within an easy vocal range, and the chord progression centers on primary triads, making it approachable even for beginners at the piano.

Start by practicing each hand separately; once you’re comfortable, add a lively accompaniment and use your tone to evoke the river’s sparkling surface.

School of MedakaNakata Yoshinao23rank/position

Medaka School [Recorder] Children's Song with Do-Re-Mi Sheet Music

This well-known children’s song had its lyrics written by Shigeru Chaki in 1950, and the following year, in 1951, a version set to music by Yoshinao Nakada—who is also known for composing many other children’s songs—was released.

At the time, some critics felt it was too new and didn’t quite fit in, but in 2007 it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Now firmly rooted in Japan, this piece—fittingly centered on the theme of school—seems to gain even more charm when played on the recorder, as the instrument perfectly matches its atmosphere.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Snowy TownNakata Yoshinao24rank/position

Takashi Hideo / A Town Where Snow Falls

Yoshinao Nakada was a composer who left a profound mark on the Japanese music world.

Among his many works, “Yuki no Furu Machi o” (“A Town Where Snow Is Falling”) stands out as a quintessential winter piece that lingers in the heart.

Set against the quiet of winter and a gentle snowy landscape, its lyrics trace the shifting emotions from bygone memories and loneliness to the dawn of new hope, while the wistful melody beautifully brings the song’s world to life—never fading with time.

On a cold winter’s day, taking the time indoors to listen closely to this piece and quietly reflect can feel like a cleansing of the heart.

For those who have lived many years, the song may also call back memories of youth and gently warm the heart.

Kagoshima City Residents’ SongNakata Yoshinao25rank/position

Kagoshima City Song with Subtitles and Furigana (Kagoshima, Kagoshima City) 4K

A song of civic pride where the region’s beautiful nature harmonizes with respect for our predecessors.

Yoshinao Nakata’s familiar melody superbly captures the majestic scenery of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay.

Established in June 1972 to commemorate the 27th National Sports Festival, this work sets a poem by Toshio Takagi—selected from 534 public submissions—to music by Nakata, known for pieces such as “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” (“I Found a Little Autumn”).

The song remains woven into daily civic life today, played at the start of the workday at city hall and over the noon disaster-prevention broadcast system.

Why not listen while picturing the landscapes of Kagoshima?

Mr./Ms. North Windsakushi: kowase tamami / sakkyoku: nakata yoshinao26rank/position

[Children's Song] Mr. North Wind (with lyrics) / Lyrics by Tamami Kowase, Music by Yoshinao Nakada, Arrangement by Shiro Hayakawa / Winter, Nature / Piano Accompaniment, Singing with Piano

A song that gently personifies the winter wind is full of charm that makes it easy for children to connect with.

The lyrics, which liken the sound of the north wind to a violin and a whistle, are striking and evoke the beauty of winter’s nature.

Created by Tamami Kowase and Yoshinao Nakata, this piece is a popular children’s song often sung in kindergartens and nursery schools.

Its warm atmosphere, which can make hearts feel cozy even in the cold season, is appealing, and it’s a lovely song that helps children sense the changing seasons.

If you sing it together as a family, you’re sure to have a wonderful time!

Story FingerSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao27rank/position

♪Talking Fingers Song <with gestures>

“Ohanashi Yubisan” is a song you can use for fingerplay, where the thumb is the father, the index finger is the mother, and so on—the fingers become a family and tell a story.

You can simply move your fingers while singing, but using finger puppets as you sing will likely make the baby even happier.

Since the pinky is the baby, it also sounds fun to sing while calling the baby by name.

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sasashina

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What shall we make with rock, paper, scissors?Sakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao28rank/position

[Hand Play Song] What Shall We Make with Rock, Scissors, Paper? — A Nursery Rhyme that Makes Babies Smile and Delight

Using rock, scissors, and paper from rock-paper-scissors to create all kinds of creatures and objects—“Guu Choki Paa de Nani Tsukurou.” If you use your hands in front of your baby to make different things, your baby will be delighted! Besides classics like the snail and the helicopter, this song can be arranged in many ways, so feel free to come up with your own original creations! You may even discover something your baby especially loves among them.

Mom and Dad, do your best to use your imagination!

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SAKI

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