Japanese shoka (school songs). Nostalgic tunes, songs of the heart.

hometownsong

Furusato (♪ The mountain where we chased rabbits ~) by Himawari ×4 [Chorus] With Lyrics [One of Japan’s 100 Famous Songs] FURUSATO Hometown |

Blue mountains, pure waters, and memories of childhood play.

The gentle melody that wraps these scenes of a beloved hometown, along with feelings for family and friends living far away, holds a universal appeal that resonates with everyone.

First published in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, this piece was created by Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano, vividly reflecting the rural landscapes and lifestyles of Japan at the time.

It was sung at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving countless people.

Its simple, memorable melody in G major and triple meter continues to be sung at life’s milestones, such as graduation and coming-of-age ceremonies.

With lyrics and melody that evoke nostalgia, it is truly a song that stands by all who live away from their hometowns—a work that can be said to symbolize the heart of Japan.

Flower

Flower by Rentaro Taki Sumida Ward Beloved Song Sumida Children’s Choir

Composed by Rentaro Taki, a representative musician of the Meiji era.

In Tokyo’s Sumida Ward, it has been designated as the “Residents’ Favorite Song.” The lively melody is accompanied by lyrics depicting the bustling, glamorous springtime scene along the Sumida River.

snow

Ministry of Education Song: Snow

It was published in 1911, and the lyricist and composer are unknown.

In 2007, it was also selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” The exact meaning and origin of the word “konko” in the lyrics are unclear, but it is thought to probably mean “come, come,” that is, “fall, fall.”

rabbit

Song Shōka: “Rabbit” by Manami Fukuizono and others { Mimi-chan Records }

It was published in 1982.

At the time, in school education, nursery rhymes were considered an inferior form of music, but this song is a nursery rhyme that was recognized as a Ministry of Education school song.

It is a short piece with only the first verse, and its easy-to-remember melody and lyrics have made it popular.

snail

Snail ♪ Denden mushi mushi snail, Ministry of Education school song — Snail Song

It was published in 1911, but the lyricist and composer are unknown.

Although snails had many different names across Japan, the term “katatsumuri” became established after this song was released.

With its lively melody, it is also used as a hand-play song.

Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri/Girls’ Day)

Hinamatsuri (Ministry of Education school song) ♪ With red felt spread out, the Emperor Doll sits on the upper tier. Lyrics by Yanagiha Hayashi, music by Kozaburo Hirai. Japanese Doll Festival Song.

It was released in 1933.

The song that starts with the line we often hear these days, “Let’s light the lanterns,” is titled “Ureshii Hinamatsuri,” and it is a different song from this one.

The lyrics, which describe the splendid display of Hina dolls, are set to a beautiful melody, making it a piece well-suited for Hinamatsuri.

winter scenery

Winter Scenery (Song)

It was published in 1913.

In 2007, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” The lyricist and composer are both unknown.

The first verse depicts a morning scene by the water, the second verse a daytime scene of spreading fields, and the third verse a sunset over a rural landscape.

Lyrics portraying Japan’s beautiful winter scenery are set to a melody in 3/4 time.