Shinpei Nakayama Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Rainy MoonSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei8rank/position

Rainy Moon - Shoko Haida

With its beautifully nostalgic melody, just reading the lyrics conjures vivid scenes—“Amefuri Otsukisan” truly sings the heart of Japan.

It first appeared in the Taishō era in the children’s magazine Kodomo no Kuni, under the original title “Amefuri Otsuki.” Later, when it was recorded, it was combined with “Kumo no Kage,” a piece introduced in the same magazine as a sequel, and thus reborn as “Amefuri Otsukisan.” While the melody is easy to remember, the words used in the lyrics can be difficult for young children to understand, so it might be nice for mothers or fathers to sing it together with their children on a rainy summer night.

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KOH-1

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Tanuki-bayashi of Shojoji (The Raccoon Dogs’ Festival Drumming at Shojoji Temple)Sakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei9rank/position

Shojoji no Tanuki-bayashi [with song] – Children’s Song

This is a children’s song written by Ujo Noguchi and composed by Shinpei Nakayama, based on the raccoon dog festival legend handed down in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture.

You can just picture the lively scene of tanuki drumming their bellies “ponpoko” and dancing at the temple on a moonlit night.

Since it was introduced in a children’s magazine in 1925, it has been loved by people of all ages.

It was even used with new lyrics for the NHK radio program “English Conversation,” so some listeners may find it familiar.

Its many repeated phrases make it easy to sing.

On a long autumn night, why not hum it while moon-viewing? If seniors gather together, try moving your bodies for fun—pat your bellies or beckon with your hands in time with the lyrics.

Height comparisonSakkyoku: Nakayama Shimpei / Sakushi: Umino Atsushi10rank/position

Comparing Heights by Atsushi Umino / Shimpei Nakayama

This is a heartwarming children’s song about comparing heights on Boys’ Day (Tango no Sekku).

The lyrics gently portray brotherly love and family bonds, evoking the warm feeling of watching over children as they grow.

Since its release in 1923, it has long been cherished as a classic tied to traditional Japanese celebrations.

Perfect for the season of starting kindergarten or moving up a grade, it can help ease the anxieties of children facing a new environment.

Singing while measuring heights or adding simple hand motions will relax the kids and make it more fun.

And when everyone sings together in unison, it’s sure to strengthen bonds with new friends.

Night Patrol of the FrogsSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei11rank/position

[Children’s Song] The Night Patrol of the Frogs

This is a unique children’s song that likens the chorus of frogs that start croaking all at once during the rainy season to people doing nighttime patrols for security.

Most of the lyrics are made up of onomatopoeia for frog calls and hopping, making it very fun and rhythmic—sure to capture any child’s interest.

The song is also popular as a hand-play activity, and there are hand-play videos available on YouTube, so be sure to check them out! When the rain keeps you from playing outside, it’s a great idea to hop around indoors like frogs and have some fun.

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miyabi

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rice plantingSakushi: Inoue Takeru / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei12rank/position

rice planting

This children’s song, which appeared in 1942, has long been loved in Japan.

Rice planting—essential for rice, our soul food.

When you think about the long, long time people have been growing rice in paddies since ancient days without change, it’s even moving.

Did children in the past also sing this song and feel the deliciousness and preciousness of rice? It’s said that the lyrics were influenced by the Fukushima folk song “Soma Bon Uta,” which gives thanks to the deity of the fields for a bountiful harvest.

rice plantingSakushi: Inoue Takeru / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei13rank/position

Rice Planting (with Lyrics) Ministry of Education Song, National School 2nd Grade (Showa 17 [1942])

For Japanese people, rice is an indispensable food.

Not only the autumn harvest but also the rice-planting in early summer is an important event.

This song, set against the backdrop of rice-planting scenes, powerfully expresses how essential rice is.

It conveys a sense of uplift, suggesting that by earnestly facing the task of planting, we take the first step toward delicious rice.

The light, buoyant singing is also memorable, evoking a joyful engagement with the planting.

Carefully reading the lyrics can deepen our gratitude and affection for being able to eat rice.

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kappamaki

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Chikuma Ko-utaSakushi: Masaki Fujokyu / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei14rank/position

Chikuma Ko-uta

This is an evocative kouta (short traditional song) with lyrics by Fuyokyu Masaki and music by Shimpei Nakayama, born in the hot spring region along the Chikuma River.

Created in the early Showa era to convey the charms of Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen, the piece is a masterpiece that exudes Nakayama’s distinctive “Shimpei-bushi,” imbued with love for his hometown of Nagano.

Its Japanese-style melody, using the yonanuki scale, beautifully expresses the atmosphere of the hot-spring town and the flow of the Chikuma River.

Beloved at local events and in tourism promotions, the song is also presented at the Shimpei Nakayama Memorial Museum along with his achievements.

Through the steam of the baths, nostalgic scenes are sure to come to mind.