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. Nostalgic songs, songs of the heart (11–20)
Spring Stream
Published in 1912, it has been sung for over a century.
The lyrics were altered in 1942 and 1947.
Although it originally had three verses at the time of release, they were removed in the 1942 revision.
One can picture a spring brook with flowers blooming along the banks and small fish swimming.
sand hillKiyoshi Atsumi
When you mention Atsumi-san, I can’t help but think of Tora-san, so it feels like Tora-san is traveling, coming near Sado, and gazing out at the sea.
There’s a sense of loneliness, like being the only one left after everyone has gone home on a rough sea.
The plain, unaffected singing is deeply moving and somehow melancholy.
Summer MemoriesShoko Haida
I feel like I learned both the name of the place Oze and the flower skunk cabbage from this song.
The piece itself seems to be quite old, but I think I got to know it through “Minna no Uta.” The lyrics, which sing of memories of Oze, bring to mind a serene and beautiful landscape.
Mount Fuji
It was released in 1911.
In 2007, it was also selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” It is sometimes referred to by the title “Fujisan.” Widely loved as a song that praises the grandeur of Mount Fuji, it is used as station melodies and chimes in Shizuoka.
We are children of the sea.
It was released in 1910 and was selected in 2007 as one of the “100 Japanese Songs.” Both the lyricist and composer are unknown.
After Japan’s defeat in the war, the seventh verse—which mentions warships—was removed at GHQ’s direction.
Since 1947, only up to the third verse has been sung.
Ballad of the MonstersSumida Children's Choir
Released in 1972, with lyrics by Fumiko Okada and music by Osamu Shoji.
The lyrics are cute yet fast-paced, and as a choral piece it’s quite substantial.
It was originally released as a song by the group Young 101, but it has since been arranged in various versions and is now often sung in elementary schools and elsewhere.
Japanese shoka (school songs). Beloved classics, songs of the heart (21–30)
OompapaSuginami Children’s Choir
It’s one of the songs from the musical “Oliver!”, and the Japanese translation by Miné Akira is widely known.
In addition to being broadcast by NHK with Peggy Hayama’s performance, it has also been sung by Kurumi Kobato.
It appears in elementary school textbooks as well, and its triple meter makes you want to move your body.