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)
Voices of Insects
Published in 1910, it was selected in 2007 as one of the “100 Japanese Songs.” In 1932, the word “kirigirisu” in the second verse was changed to “koorogiya.” The onomatopoeia imitating insect sounds is unique, making it a song that children can enjoy singing.
red dragonfly
With lyrics written by Miki Rofu in 1921 and music composed by Yamada Kōsaku in 1927, this song was born.
Its lyrics—gazing at a red dragonfly flying at dusk and sinking into memories of one’s hometown—suit the somewhat melancholy feeling of autumn.
The melody is also beautiful, making it one of Japan’s representative songs.
waiting in vainTomoko Miyamoto
The song seems to have been created in the Taisho era, but its content is said to come from a Chinese tale.
It comically sings about a farmer who, having acquired a taste for an unexpected windfall, stops working and keeps waiting for more prey to fall into his lap.
It also seems to carry the lesson: don’t try to make easy money.
Japanese shoka (school songs). Nostalgic tunes, songs of the heart (81–90)
On the Day of Departure
The lyrics were written by Noboru Kojima, who was the principal of a junior high school in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, and the music was composed by Hiromi Sakamoto, a music teacher.
Composed in 1991, the song was initially sung in the local community and then spread, and it has now become a standard piece for graduation ceremonies nationwide.
There are numerous versions arranged by various arrangers, and it is widely beloved and sung from elementary through high school.
Moon
It was released in 1910.
Because its opening lyrics resemble those of “Tankō-bushi,” it is sometimes mistaken for that song.
In the first verse the moon appears, in the second it is hidden by clouds, and in the third it reappears.
The gentle melody evokes a beautiful moonlit night.
Village AutumnChieko Baisho
I had simply thought it was a quiet, calming song, but I came to realize it’s a prayer for a father’s safe return from the war.
From wartime propaganda to the once-unspeakable hope for safe homecoming—this made me feel anew that songs are shaped by their times.
Baishō’s gentle singing is wonderful.
Moon over the Ruined CastleMasafumi Akikawa
Through Ms.
Akikawa’s sonorous singing, I could imagine even more clearly the elegant world and the rise and fall of fortunes reflected in the moon.
I felt as if I were standing alone at a desolate castle.
I had long thought the model for this castle was only the ruins of Oka Castle in Taketa City, but I learned that there are monuments to the song in various places and that it is widely cherished.