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 shōka. Nostalgic songs, songs of the heart (1–10)
Spring has come.
It was released in 1910 and was selected in 2007 as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” In the first verse, the phrase “~came” is repeated; in the second verse, “~bloom”; and in the third verse, “~sing.” It is a representative spring song with an easy-to-hum melody.
Momotaro
It was released in 1911.
The lyricist is unknown.
The lyrics recount the old folktale of Momotaro.
With its cheerful and easy-to-remember melody and a story-like lyric that thrillingly ends with the defeat of the ogres, the song has long been beloved.
Morning on the Ranch
It was released in 1932.
It is said to have been modeled after Iwase Ranch in Fukushima Prefecture.
It has been featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” and a yogurt of the same name has also been released.
The lyrics depict a fresh and invigorating morning scene on a ranch, and the melody is expansive, making it a fitting song for the morning.
Japanese shoka. Nostalgic songs, songs of the heart (11–20)
Ride a hot air balloon to the ends of the earthSumida Children's Choir
The lyrics are by Tatsuo Azuma and the music is by Koku Hiyoshi.
It is a two-part choral piece and was the set piece for the elementary school division of the 1974 NHK National School Music Competition.
The song conveys a grand sense of scale, as if soaring through the sky in a hot-air balloon, and the first verse includes hand claps, making it rhythmic and fun to sing.
The Hill Where Mandarin Orange Blossoms BloomMasako Kawada
It’s said to be inspired by Shizuoka’s mandarin orange orchards, and it conjures a beautiful scene of looking out over the sea and ships from a hill.
But this song also features a departed mother, which gives it a deep emotional resonance.
Since it was written right after the war, I wonder if that’s the influence of the war.
Even in such a beautiful song, there is a lingering sadness.
The Mountain Hut’s LightToshiro Omi
The orthodox vocal style is pleasant to listen to.
I heard that Mount Hotaka is the motif, and I was surprised to realize the setting is at quite a high altitude.
Perhaps because of that, the faintly glowing lights in the quiet, crystalline air are beautiful, as if symbolizing a pure first love.
Omi-san’s clear voice suits it perfectly.
autumn leaves (momiji)Yoko Seri
The piece was published in the Meiji era, so it has been loved for a very long time.
It’s a calm, autumnal melody, and the lyrics are beautiful as well.
The images—like being bathed in the autumn sunset and the comparison to various colored leaves scattered across the water—evoke a picture-like beauty that eloquently conveys the feeling of autumn.