Popular Songs by Teiichi Okano [2026]

maple leavesOkanoteiichi15rank/position

Maple Leaf – chord piano arrangement of a children’s song – free sheet music

Momiji, a children’s song composed by Teiichi Okano that vividly portrays mountains turning colors as autumn deepens.

Since its inclusion in a textbook published in June 1911, it has been handed down across generations as a beloved classic.

In 2006, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and its beautiful melody remains cherished by many.

Its worldview likens sunlit mountain slopes at dusk and fallen leaves floating on the water’s surface to brocade, nurturing rich emotional expression simply through performance.

The melody features few leaps and smooth fingering, making it ideal for those just beginning the piano.

Once you’re comfortable, try incorporating a round-like arrangement that echoes the melody in succession to savor the beauty of overlapping harmonies.

hometownOkanoteiichi16rank/position

Furusato [Recorder] Japanese Song with Do-Re-Mi-Fa Sheet Music

This song is a Ministry of Education shoka first released in 1914 as a song for ordinary elementary schools, and it’s one of those pieces that somehow evokes a nostalgic feeling just from hearing the melody—something worth cherishing.

It’s often used in commercials and as train departure melodies, so we hear it from time to time.

The lyrics are familiar too—so much so that most people have them memorized—but it might be nice to deliberately perform it on the recorder with plenty of emotion.

The recorder’s simple tone suits the beautiful melody very well.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Spring StreamOkanoteiichi17rank/position

Recorder | Elementary School | 3rd Grade "Spring Brook"

Here is a song that was published in 1912—over a hundred years ago—as a Ministry of Education school song for elementary students.

It has taken root in Japan and has been loved by people of all ages for many years.

After the river in present-day Yoyogi, Shibuya Ward, which is said to be the model for the river in the song, a monument to “Haru no Ogawa” (Spring Brook) has been erected; if you’re interested, why not go see it? Playing this refreshingly nostalgic tune on the recorder is sure to put you in a very pleasant mood.

It’s also well suited for performing as a round.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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A Hazy Moonlit NightOkanoteiichi18rank/position

Oborozukiyo (Teiichi Okano) flute: Kirio Matsuda

“Oborozukiyo,” a song that has long been loved in Japan, is also perfect for flute practice.

Try working on dynamics while paying close attention to the resonance of your sound.

Compared to major flute solo pieces, this song allows the flute’s tone quality to shine more clearly, so take your time and finish it carefully.

Meeting at ShuishiyingOkanoteiichi19rank/position

Meeting at Shuishiying

The celebrated song that extols a sincere reconciliation between soldiers is a work by Teiichi Okano, included in 1910 (Meiji 43) in the fifth-year edition of the Elementary School Songbook.

While praising morale and valor, it portrays deep human compassion with the idea that “yesterday’s enemy is today’s friend,” and its message of respect and friendship toward a former foe still resonates today.

Recorded by the Barn Jacks on the album “Songs of Sorrow from the Battlefield” and featured as well in “Koichi Miura Collection: Masterpieces of Military Songs,” this piece vividly depicts raw scenes—bullet-scarred battle sites and collapsed homes—while powerfully singing of reconciliation and the wish for peace.

It is a song we especially recommend to those who wish to pass on the history of war and the preciousness of peace to the next generation, and to those who want to experience the spirit of Japan’s school songs and military songs.

autumn leaves (momiji)Sakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi20rank/position

“Autumn Leaves (Momiji)” by Yoko Seri

It is a gentle Japanese classic that evokes the feeling of autumn.

It has been included in elementary school textbooks since 1951 and was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs” in 2006.

The comparison of various colored leaves scattered on the water, illuminated by the autumn sunset, beautifully expresses the essence of autumn as if looking at a painting.