Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

What kind of image do you have of the music genre known as “folk songs”? Perhaps many of you picture Showa-era singers with an acoustic guitar in hand, singing lyrics like private diaries of everyday life—and at times delivering political messages.

In Japan, folk songs became a booming trend from the 1960s to the 1970s, and countless classic tracks that made music history were born as the style evolved.

In this article, we’ve curated a wide selection of nostalgic Japanese folk song classics that you’ll definitely want to try singing at karaoke.

Whether you experienced them in real time or you’re a younger listener who loves Showa-era music, be sure to check them out!

[Showa Era] A Collection of Beloved Nostalgic Folk Song Classics for Karaoke: Popular Picks (41–50)

Windy CityYamada Panda

Wind Town (by Panda Yamada) covered by Takibi

Kazeno Machi Yamada Panda

It’s the theme song of a drama that featured an all-star cast of idols at the height of their popularity.

Hiromi Go, Junko Sakurada, and Miyoko Asada also appeared.

In the drama, Panda Yamada, who played the role of a coffee shop owner, ended up writing the lyrics, and Takuro Yoshida said, “If you’re writing the lyrics, I’ll compose the music,” leading to the creation of this song, which evokes Harajuku and Omotesando at the time.

It’s a hidden gem that even charted at No.

20 on Oricon.

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[Showa Era] A collection of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke (51–60)

white guitarCherish

White Guitar, 1973

White Guitar Cherish

Cherish, who are still happily together and appearing in commercials, were a folk duo that produced many hits back in the day, thanks to Etsuko Matsuzaki’s refreshing vocals.

Their popularity at the time made folk guitars—especially white ones—objects of admiration among young people.

This song, which begins with a folk guitar intro, coincided with the era and became a massive hit, selling 800,000 copies.

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Cactus FlowerTulip

Cactus Flower / Tulip (Cover)

Cactus Flower Tulip

This song is an answer song to “Misaki Meguri” by Kotaro Yamamoto & Weekend, which was a hit in 1974.

It tells of a heartbroken man trying to move on toward spring; while recounting memories of his girlfriend, he resolves to live positively, carried by a pleasant melody.

Eighteen years after its release, Kazuo Zaitsu sang it solo as the theme song for a drama, and it became a revival hit.

Even now, it remains popular among men, and many choose it for karaoke.

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roadshowold clock

Roadshow / Old Clock: Gallery of Youth

Roadshow Antique Clock

Despite his phone call saying he was “too busy,” it’s a heartbreak song about a woman who is deeply shocked to see him at the movie theater with another woman.

Both the melody and the lyrics make it feel like watching a scene from a film.

While bands like Tulip were famous at the time, this is a hidden gem.

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Children Who Don't Know WarJiro's

Children Who Don't Know War — Jiro's Live

Children Who Don't Know War Jiros

It was released on February 5, 1971.

Although it sounds like a light, upbeat tune with a lively rhythm, it is an anti-war song.

At a time when the Vietnam War was underway, this song took a firm stand against the war and became one of Japan’s representative anti-war songs.

With this song, Jiro’s won the New Artist Award at the 1971 Japan Record Awards.

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I've come a long way when I think about it.Kaientai

Kaientai - When I Think About It, I’ve Come Such a Long Way

Come to think of it, we’ve come a long way — Kaientai

This song is about a 14-year-old boy who once dreamed of the future and believed he could become many different versions of himself, looking back 30 years later at his realistic life and not knowing what lies ahead.

While Kaientai is famous for songs like “Okuru Kotoba” and “Haha ni Sasageru Ballad,” if you’re singing at karaoke, I recommend this one.

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Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)Grape

H264-01 Spirit Boat Floating (Recorded at Grape’s breakup live show, Nagasaki Civic Hall, 1976-04-05)

Spirit Boat Grapes

It was released on April 25, 1974.

It is an autobiographical song by Masashi Sada.

Sada’s cousin died in a drowning accident, and the song was written on the theme of the spirit boat (Shōryōnagashi) held at that time.

With this song, Masashi Sada won the Lyrics Award at the 16th Japan Record Awards.

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