Japanese shoka (school songs). Nostalgic tunes, songs of the heart.
From among various shoka (traditional school songs), our studio staff present recommended masterpieces and popular tunes.
This is a nostalgic playlist that sings of the Japanese spirit.
- [Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan, Brimming with Local Pride
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- Pastoral songs of the world: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- Children’s Song Medley: A playlist of classic and popular hits everyone knows
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- Folk Songs of the World | Hometown Songs Passed Down Abroad
- For Seniors: Festive Attractions to Liven Up Festivals—Games and Recreational Activities
- [Let's Enjoy Japanese Festival Songs!] Songs about festivals. Famous songs related to festivals.
- [Minna no Uta] Tear-jerking masterpiece. A moving song you want to hear again.
- [Japanese School Anthems] A Hot Topic at Koshien! From Beautiful Anthems to Unique Ones, All Introduced at Once
- Ministry of Education songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes. The heart of Japan passed down in song.
- [Japanese Military Songs and Marches] A collection of famous Japanese pieces deeply etched in the hearts of the Showa and wartime generations
Japanese shoka (school songs). Nostalgic tunes, Songs of the Heart (71–80)
Happy HinamatsuriSatoko Yamano · Morinoki Children's Choir
It’s a heartwarming song that cherishes Japan’s seasonal events.
Just like Jingle Bells at Christmas, this song naturally appears during the Doll Festival (Hina Matsuri).
It depicts each aspect of the hina dolls, letting you feel the joy of the girls.
Many people have sung it, but I was surprised to learn that Akihiro Miwa also recorded it.
Plover on the BeachMasako Mori
It is said to be inspired by the coast of Kashiwazaki in Niigata Prefecture.
It’s a quiet piece, yet it feels somewhat melancholy.
Perhaps that’s because it’s searching for its parent.
More than the beauty of the plovers on the beach, what lingers is the sorrow of disappearing beyond the sea.
In the Taisho era, it seems that many different types of lyrics were being published.
Choo-choo trainReiko Mizutani
It conveys the joy of a steam locomotive steadily forging ahead in the days before the Shinkansen.
However, I’ve heard that when this piece was first created, it was about seeing off departing soldiers.
The thrill of speed and changing scenery, and a sense of hope.
Later on, the lyrics were changed to peaceful ones.
King Kamehameha of the Southern IslandsSeiji Tanaka
Lyrics by Akira Ito, music by Koichi Morita.
It’s a cheerful song that warmly portrays the king and the people of a southern island, suitable for lower elementary school children.
It was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1976.
The poem’s theme—that everyone on the southern island has the same name—is delightful and makes you sing along with a smile.
black kite
It was released in 1958.
The lyrics featuring the onomatopoeic “pinyoro,” imitating a black kite’s call, are unique.
The song vividly portrays a black kite freely and exuberantly flying through the sky.
The composer, Tei Yanada, is also known for the piece “Donguri Korokoro.”
To the future
Lyrics and composition by Chiharu Tamashiro.
The second single by the female duo Kiroro, released in 1998.
It was also a hit in several Southeast Asian countries.
With a gentle tempo, it sings about moving forward into the future.
Today, it is sung in junior high and high school classes, choir competitions, and graduation ceremonies, and some elementary schools also include it in their programs.
Harmony Traveling the Future
It was the set piece for the 71st NHK National School Music Competition in fiscal year 2004, and drew attention for being written and composed by Miwa Yoshida of Dreams Come True (DCT).
It is a rare set piece in 3/4 time.
The lyrics are easy for upper elementary school students to relate to, and the song is often featured at events such as graduation ceremonies.