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Popularity Ranking of Rentaro Taki’s Songs [2026]
Rentaro Taki, who was active during the Meiji era, is always taught in music classes as one of Japan’s great musicians.
Many of the works he left behind are still sung to this day.
I’ll introduce Taki’s songs—which could be called the heart of Japan—in a ranking format!
Rentarō Taki’s Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
New Year (Japanese New Year)Sakushi: Azuma Kume / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentaro1rank/position
This song is famous for its lyrics brimming with excitement, asking, “How many more sleeps until New Year’s Day?” The lyrics were written by children’s story author Kume Azuma, and the music was composed by Japan’s proud master composer, Rentarō Taki.
It also touches on traditional Japanese New Year’s games, so why not sing it with children who aren’t familiar with them and learn what the games are like together? With lyrics full of anticipation for the New Year and a gentle, friendly melody, it’s a song you’ll want to hear as the year draws to a close.
Sing it with plenty of energy and welcome a joyful New Year!
FlowerSakushi: Takeshima Hane / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentarō2rank/position
Rentarō Taki, one of Japan’s most renowned composers, released “Hana” in 1900.
Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, you might recognize it as the song that depicts springtime scenes along the Sumida River.
One distinctive feature is how it incorporates the passage of time: the first verse is morning, the second is midday, and the third is night.
In fact, the lyrics were inspired by The Tale of Genji.
Take this opportunity to savor the beautiful words as well.
Also, since the melody sits relatively high, it’s a good idea to divide parts when singing it in a choir.
Hakone HachiriTaki Rentarō3rank/position
Rentaro Taki, who left a profound mark on the history of Japanese music and gave the world numerous timeless songs that are still sung today.
Active during the early Meiji era when Western music was being introduced, Taki is known for works that blend Japanese lyrics with Western melodies.
But did you know he actually released a piece that’s perfect for the New Year season? This song is a Japanese shoka (school song) published in 1901 in “Chugaku Shoka,” featuring a poem by Makoto Torii set to music by Taki.
The lyrics depict the harshness of Hakone’s mountains in the past and present, and the valor of the samurai who crossed them, conveying both the beauty and severity of Hakone’s nature as well as the lives and history of its people.
If New Year’s immediately makes you think of the Hakone Ekiden, be sure to use this song as your BGM as you welcome the New Year.
New Year (Japanese New Year)Taki Rentarō4rank/position
“New Year’s Day,” composed by Rentaro Taki with lyrics by Kume Higashi, is a song that could be called the quintessential New Year’s tune.
Counting the days on one’s fingers—“How many more sleeps until New Year’s?”—it expresses the excitement of welcoming the new year in this traditional Japanese New Year song.
It depicts customs and games of the Japanese New Year, such as flying kites, spinning tops, bouncing a handball, and playing hanetsuki.
Children’s eager anticipation for the New Year has not changed from past to present.
That is precisely why this nursery song, “New Year’s Day,” continues to be widely loved and sung today.
Moon over the Ruined Castlesakushi: doi bansui / sakkyoku: taki rentarō5rank/position
It is a timeless classic whose delicate yet beautiful melody and lyrics steeped in history deeply touch the heart.
The words were written by Bansui Doi, and the music was composed by Rentarō Taki.
The song depicts the moonlight that continues to shine unchanged upon the remnants of former glory and old battlefields, unfolding a worldview imbued with a sense of impermanence.
Since its publication in 1901 as “Middle School Songs,” it has been cherished for generations.
In addition to being recorded by Yoshie Fujiwara in 1925, it was also featured in the 2017 film La La Land, showing how it is loved across generations and borders.
Try singing it leisurely with fellow residents while imagining scenes of the past.
It’s a soothing piece that, during recreation time, can spark nostalgic conversations and bring calm to the heart.
water playSakushi: Azuma Kume / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentaro6rank/position
When it comes to summer fun for kids, it’s all about water play—like pools and the beach! This song, which begins with the sound of flowing water, is packed with the joy of water play and captures the cool, refreshing comfort of summer splashing.
It’s a very short song with easy-to-remember lyrics, making it perfect to sing during warm-ups before water play or while showering.
It’s a tune that will make adults want to play in the water too.
Moon over the Ruined CastleSakushi: Doi Bansui / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentarō7rank/position
A celebrated piece inspired by the beauty of Japan’s spring was created in the Meiji era by Bansui Doi and Rentarō Taki.
Set against the ruins of a castle bathed in moonlight, it poignantly sings of the splendor of a spring banquet and the transience of a changing world.
Revived along with fond memories, the work is frequently used in films and dramas, and its emotive melody continues to linger in many hearts.
Cherished and passed down through a long history, this piece allows listeners to experience rich sensitivity and deep sentiment within a gently flowing sense of time.
As soothing music for a quiet night, we hope you will enjoy it together with us.