A classic Japanese folk song passed down through generations of acoustic performances
A special feature on Japanese folk songs.
Folk music originally began as arrangements of traditional songs and spread in the United States.
From around the 1960s, it was also embraced in Japan, and, reflecting the times, songs with strong anti-war and anti-government messages were delivered.
Entering the 1970s, it became especially popular with more accessible, mainstream themes and reached a peak of commercial success.
Although Japanese folk has evolved to incorporate various elements, it retains an acoustic allure and a wistful mood, with lyrics that stand out and resonate.
By all means, take your time and immerse yourself in Japanese folk music!
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- Folk dance classics and popular songs
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- [Snow Songs] Classic winter tunes themed around snow. Snow songs that touch the heart.
- Masterpieces that sing of the stars. Star songs that resonate in the heart, best heard beneath the night sky.
- Classic Japanese songs about Earth: songs that include the word “Earth” in their lyrics
- Folk songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular tunes everyone can enjoy
- [Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan, Brimming with Local Pride
- The soul’s cry woven into Japanese elegies: unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart.
- I want to perform Vocaloid songs with an acoustic guitar! A collection of recommended tracks for beginners
- Nostalgic Children’s Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes: The Heart of Japan Passed Down Through Song
- [Night Songs] Classic masterpieces themed around the night. J-POP you’ll want to listen to at nighttime.
- A classic song about Oita. The enduring spirit of our hometown [2025]
Classic Japanese folk songs passed down through solo performances (21–30)
Journey of the HeartTulip
This group was active mainly in the 1970s and shot to fame after releasing this song in 1973.
The song centers on the themes of departure and farewell and remains beloved to this day.
It is also well known for being covered by Eisaku Yoshida, which led to a resurgence in its popularity.
First loveKozo Murashita
Released in 1983, this song is Kozo Murashita’s biggest hit and has become one of his signature pieces.
Based on an actual first love, its lyrical melody and lyrics create a sweet, bittersweet atmosphere, making it a page of first love that can be cherished forever.
Shadows of YouthTulip
It was released in 1974 as Tulip’s sixth single.
The track was cut as a single from the album “TAKE OFF,” and the lead vocal was changed from Tatsuya Himeno to Kazuo Zaitsu.
A pure love song that teaches that ordinary happiness is the greatest, it has been covered by many artists and is one of Tulip’s signature songs.
White is the color of lovers.Betsy & Chris
Released in 1969, the song was sung with beautiful harmonies by two Americans—one from Hawaii and the other from Idaho—who, despite their backgrounds, nostalgically long for the beauty and memories of their Japanese hometown.
Perhaps the contrast struck a chord, and the song, which also carried a pure image, became a major hit.
The lyrics were by Osamu Kitayama and the music by Kazuhiko Kato—a golden duo of the folk-song era.
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenEigo Kawashima
This is a celebrated Japanese folk ballad written by Eigo Kawashima, a folk singer-songwriter known for singing while accompanying himself on guitar or piano.
There are many songs in Japanese enka that take alcohol, tears, men, and women as their themes, but from the perspective of the youth of that time, the same subjects seemed to be perceived in a different way.
Our FailureDoji Morita
Although it was a track included on an album released in 1976, it suddenly came into the spotlight as the theme song for a 1993 TV drama and was released as a single that same year.
Even after the song became a hit, the folk singer Doji Morita never appeared on television and remains shrouded in mystery to this day.
Despite its desperately dark tone, this enigmatic song carries a strangely comforting atmosphere.
Midnight GuitarKahoru Senga
Released in 1969 (Showa 44).
When I was little, I loved this song for its clean image and refreshing melody, and I often hummed it.
But when I think about the lyrics, it’s a song that made sense precisely because it was from the Showa era, and I suspect people in the Heisei era might not understand them.
The age of the characters isn’t clear, but after all, the song is about someone playing guitar in a park until late at night.