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 (31–40)
The Bell of Peace
The song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Yukihiro Nakazato and was released in 2000.
That same year, it was featured at the Kyushu-Okinawa Summit and drew attention.
Today, it is widely sung from elementary through high school.
The lyrics focus on the theme of war in Okinawa.
Sugarcane field
Written and composed by Naohiko Terashima, this song was created in 1964, inspired by a visit to Okinawa.
It expresses feelings for the war dead who rest in the sugarcane fields swaying in the wind.
Because it has lyrics stretching to eleven verses, only portions are usually performed.
Famous renditions include those by Naomi Chiaki and Ryoko Moriyama, and it has also been arranged as a choral piece and widely sung.
Green Green
A song performed in 1963 by the American folk group The New Christy Minstrels.
The Japanese translation is by Akira Kataoka, and the lyrics run through seven verses, forming a single story.
While the lyrics carry a sense of melancholy, the song itself is up-tempo and gives a refreshing impression.
I found the first star
It was published in 1932.
The lyricist was the first principal of Akashi Girls’ High School (now Akashi Minami High School), and a monument inscribed with the song “I Found the First Star” stands at the Akashi Municipal Planetarium.
With its simple melody and charming lyrics, it is a song that children can enjoy.
Sing, Bam-Bam!
The song was created as the theme for a TV program broadcast in 1970, with lyrics by Hiroo Sakata and music by Naozumi Yamamoto.
It later spread as it was used in other programs as well.
Because it contains many sounds from the “a” row, it naturally encourages opening your mouth wide, making it a fun song to sing.
It gets even more exciting if you add handclaps to the rhythm while singing.
Japanese shoka. Nostalgic songs, songs of the heart (41–50)
Urashima Taro
It was published in 1911.
It is a different song from “Urashima Tarō” that appeared in 1900 in Yōnen Shōka.
The lyrics tell the traditional tale of Urashima Tarō.
With its lively, pleasant rhythm, the piece has long been cherished alongside the story.
tea picking
The lyricist and composer are both unknown.
It was released in 1912 and was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs” in 2007.
The lyrics describe tea picking, which takes place around early summer.
It is also well known as a hand-clapping song that children play in pairs facing each other.