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Popular Songs by Teiichi Okano [2026]
We will introduce composer Teiichi Okano’s works in a ranking format, spanning from the Meiji to the Showa era.
As a composer of numerous songs—including school anthems from various regions and well-known shoka such as “Furusato” and “Haru ga Kita”—you have surely heard some of his music.
Teiichi Okano’s Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
maple leavesSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi1rank/position
A celebrated song that vividly and emotionally extols the beauty of autumn foliage.
The lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano and the music by Teiichi Okano harmonize beautifully to paint a striking picture of the autumn landscape.
Since its release in 1911, this piece has continued to be cherished by many.
Adopted in elementary school music textbooks from 1951, it is also well loved as a choral work.
As the season heralds the arrival of autumn, why not enjoy singing it together with family and friends? It is a heartwarming piece that helps you rediscover the beauty of Japan’s four seasons.
A Hazy Moonlit NightSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi2rank/position
‘Oborozukiyo’ is a song that celebrates a uniquely Japanese scene: the moon quietly illuminating fields of rapeseed blossoms and rice paddies.
Since it was included in an elementary school music textbook in 1914, it has been loved as a staple of choral music.
Try singing it gently to match the mood of the lyrics.
By the way, the title ‘Oborozukiyo’ refers to a spring night when the moon appears hazy.
It’s also worth noting that several pop-style arrangements of the song have been released.
Spring has come.sakushi: takano tatsuyuki / sakkyoku: okano teiichi3rank/position
When it comes to spring songs and children’s songs, many people probably think of this one first.
The song “Haru ga Kita” (Spring Has Come) has a long history; it was released in 1910, in the 45th year of the Meiji era, and is widely known and sung by both children and adults as one of the quintessential songs of spring.
It has also been selected for the ‘100 Best Japanese Songs,’ a list featuring songs meant to be enjoyed by parents and children and to be passed down for generations.
The song has three verses, a relaxed tempo, and simple lyrics, making it easy even for young children to sing.
It’s a springtime children’s song that grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy together.
hometownOkanoteiichi4rank/position
Let me introduce a beloved Japanese classic you can play even with just one finger.
The composer, Teiichi Okano, was born in 1878 in Tottori Prefecture and grew up in poverty, yet he pursued a path in music and left behind many school songs.
This piece is a heartwarming work that sings of deep love and nostalgia for one’s hometown.
With its simple melody and familiar lyrics, it resonates deeply with the Japanese heart.
It’s in triple meter and doesn’t have a wide vocal range, so with a bit of practice even piano beginners should be able to play it quickly.
It’s recommended both for children who’ve just started piano and for adults who want to play a nostalgic tune.
If you play while singing along, practice will be even more enjoyable.
Spring StreamSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi5rank/position
It’s a traditional song with a gentle melody that makes you want to hum along as spring arrives.
The lyrics, which depict violets and Chinese milk vetch blooming by the riverbank and creatures in the water, are said to be modeled on the Kobunegawa River in Yoyogi, where Tatsuyuki Takano lived at the time.
Published in December 1912 in “Songs for Elementary School, Fourth Grade,” the piece features a tender tune by Teiichi Okano and has long been cherished on programs such as NHK’s “Minna no Doyō.” Its simple, repeated melody is perfect for a round, and when seniors raise their voices together, it naturally creates a lovely sense of unity.
Why not enjoy layering your voices as you imagine the tranquil scenes of spring?
Spring has come.Sakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi6rank/position
“Spring Has Come” is a piece you’ll want to include just as you start to feel that gentle warmth.
Its tempo is slow and the piece is short, making it a great practice song for children on the melodica.
Encourage them to play with a soft breath, focusing on sustaining clean, beautiful tones to capture the calm, cheerful atmosphere of spring.
Adding dynamic contrast will make the performance even more appealing.
It’s a highly recommended piece for when children have gotten used to the melodica and feel ready to try a variety of songs.
hometownSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi7rank/position
“Furusato,” often called the song of the Japanese heart.
When this beloved, beautiful melody is played on a music box, its shimmering tones sink into the soul, becoming a lullaby that feels like being wrapped in gentle light.
The scenes painted in the lyrics may quietly warm the hearts of adult listeners as well.
If a baby surrenders to this calm, somehow nostalgic resonance, they will surely drift safely into the world of dreams.
It’s a special piece that lets parents and children share a moment of peace at the end of the day.
hometownSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi8rank/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.
hometownSakkyoku: Okano Teiichi9rank/position
This song, released in 1914 as an elementary school song, features lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano and music by Teiichi Okano.
It portrays the scenery of one’s hometown, with moving lyrics about fulfilling one’s dreams and someday returning to that wonderful home.
With its beautiful melody, it is beloved by people of all ages.
Filled with nostalgia, the song pairs perfectly with the harmonica’s wistful tone, and is sure to move listeners to tears.
Momotarosakushi: fumei/sakkyoku: okano teiichi10rank/position
The rhythm exercise that uses the nursery rhyme “Momotaro,” which every Japanese person knows, is a seated routine that moves your body from the shoulders to the toes.
One segment consists of rotating the shoulders and hips and moving the knees up and down.
Another segment consists of moving the toes up and down, rounding your back to crouch, then extending.
The key to doing it smoothly is to practice each movement slowly and firmly one by one, then run through the whole sequence.
If you sing while you exercise, the workout becomes even more effective, so if you feel up to it, give it a try!
