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!
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- [Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan, Brimming with Local Pride
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- 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 singing and guitar (41–50)
Aoba Castle Love SongMuneyuki Sato
Released by Muneyuki Sato as his debut single in 1978.
Carried by its flowing melody and the longing it expresses for Sendai, the song became a hit and is now an indispensable local anthem of the city.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the nickname “City of Trees, Sendai” was popularized by this song.
Travel LodgeTakuro Yoshida
Perhaps the most famous Japanese folk singer is Takuro Yoshida.
From his amateur days, he was very much a man of folk—playing and singing folk music and gaining popularity.
This is one of Yoshida’s representative songs from his younger years.
Cape TourKotaro Yamamoto & Weekend
Released as a single in 1974, it became the biggest hit for Kotaro Yamamoto & The Weekend.
With its refreshing melody and lyrics that liken encounters and farewells between people to a journey by bus, the song has a distinctive poignancy and has continued to be sung in many places.
ChampionAlice
Released in 1978, this song is Alice’s biggest hit and an energetic folk tune.
It tells the story of a boxer—fighting in the ring, then falling… and what lies before his eyes after that? It’s a song that makes you want to sing your heart out.
Gather the WindHappy End
This is a song included on Happy End’s 1971 album Kazemachi Roman.
Its portrayal of old, nostalgic Tokyo and its sophisticated composition have earned it a lasting, devoted fan base.
Later, one of the members went on to form YMO, and the other members also continued to work at the forefront of the music scene.
spring's dry windShigeru Izumiya
A classic folk song released in 1973.
With a powerful voice and masterful wordplay, it portrays a protagonist who struggles to survive while being buffeted by society.
Included on the album “Light and Shadow,” it is known as one of Shigeru Izumiya’s signature works.
The song is so beloved that there are cover versions by other artists such as Keisuke Kuwata and Masaharu Fukuyama.
Its encouraging lyrics will give you a push before stepping into a new environment.
It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to rally yourself while feeling the arrival of spring.
To say goodbyeBilly BanBan
It’s a song released in 1972 with lyrics written by actor Koji Ishizaka.
Among folk songs, it’s a more mature piece; the brothers’ harmonies are beautiful, and it was well received even by older listeners.
The lyrics are difficult to interpret, but it seems to say that a man parts ways with a woman and is about to begin anew with a new lover—though it can be understood in various ways.