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). Beloved classics, songs of the heart (21–30)
Evening Glow (Yuyake Koyake)
The lyrics, published in 1919, were set to music in 1923.
The words, which describe the beauty of a rural sunset, carry a certain loneliness, and the unhurried melody enhances that feeling.
In 2007, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.”
hometown
It was released in 1914.
The lyrics reflect memories of the hills and fields where one played in childhood, and thoughts of one’s father, mother, and friends back home.
Loved by many as a song that evokes nostalgia for one’s hometown, it is often used in commercials and has been covered by various musicians.
Japanese shōka. Nostalgic songs, songs of the heart (31–40)
the Hinomaru flag
It was published in 1911.
The lyrics were revised in 1941 and 1947.
The first verse describes the Hinomaru, Japan’s national flag, and the second verse contains lyrics about raising that flag against the blue sky.
It seems to be sung less frequently nowadays.
sea
It was published in 1913, but the lyricist and composer are unknown.
It shares the same title as the children’s song “Umi” released in 1941, but they are different songs.
The first verse describes the sea in the daytime, and the second verse depicts the sea at night.
Its expansive melody is as beautiful and free-flowing as the vast ocean.
koinobori (carp streamers)
It was released in 1913.
The lyrics express the wish for boys to grow up proudly and magnificently, like carp streamers swimming in the sky.
However, partly because the words in the lyrics are difficult, the song “Koinobori” that begins with “Yane yori takai…” has become more familiar in recent years.
pigeon
It was published in 1911.
In 1941, the lyrics were revised and the title was changed to “Hatopoppo.” Both the lyricist and composer are unknown.
The lyrics describe feeding beans to pigeons, making it a rhythmic and fun song.
COSMOS
Lyrics and music by Mimas.
In 2000, an arrangement for three-part mixed chorus by Yutaka Tomizawa spread through schools.
Hearing only the title “Cosmos,” one might think of the flower, but it refers to the “universe.” The piece features a beautiful melodic line that flows with a grand sense of motion.