Folk songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular tunes everyone can enjoy
A showcase of Japanese folk songs, all in one go!
We’ve picked out folk songs you might want to try singing at karaoke!
From timeless classics to slightly lesser-known gems, we’ve curated a wide range.
These days, folk songs no longer sit at the forefront of the scene.
They’re part of Japan’s traditional music, but they don’t usually get a great reaction from the general public.
To share what makes these folk songs so wonderful, we’ve selected some of Japan’s most popular folk numbers this time.
Even if you’re not familiar with enka or folk music, you’ll enjoy this!
Be sure to read through to the end!
- Ranking of Popular Folk Songs
- [Japanese Folk and Regional Songs] A Collection of Beloved Masterpieces from Across Japan, Brimming with Local Pride
- A folk song singer. The enduring heart of their hometown
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
- Folk Songs of the World | Hometown Songs Passed Down Abroad
- [February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!
- Children’s Song Medley: A playlist of classic and popular hits everyone knows
- Nursery rhymes you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular songs everyone can enjoy together.
- Folk dance classics and popular songs
- Nostalgic Children’s Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes: The Heart of Japan Passed Down Through Song
- [Traditional Performing Arts of Okinawa] A special feature on classic Eisa songs that make you want to dance
- [Folk and Children's Songs of Hokkaido] Songs of Hokkaido that continue to be loved across generations
Folk songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular tunes everyone can enjoy (11–20)
Konpira FunefuneKyoko Saito
From the Shikoku region comes the folk song “Konpira Fune Fune,” which originated in Kagawa Prefecture.
In modern terms, it’s a catchy tune—once you hear it, its rhythm sticks in your head and is great fun.
That makes sense, as it was passed down as a song for ozashiki entertainment, and it features many place names related to Kagawa, starting with Mount Konpira.
It’s a dazzling piece meant to entertain guests from far-off places like Edo.
The interjections are very pleasing, and it’s easy to see why geiko and maiko have cherished it from back then to the present for its brilliance.
Takeda Bushi (Takeda Song)Ishihara Junko
Takeda-bushi is a folk-style song sung by Michiya Mihashi, composed in 1961.
Being relatively modern, it can be enjoyed with a richly orchestrated, immersive performance.
The “Takeda” in the title refers to Takeda Shingen, and the song is beloved in Nagano and Yamanashi, regions closely associated with him.
Among folk songs, it is especially popular for karaoke; combined with its lyrics, the song’s bold, spirited, and powerful tone is particularly appealing.
It has many fans and became even more well-known when Kiyoshi Hikawa covered it.
Dekansho BushiToshiyuki Tsuchitori
Dekansho-bushi is a folk song handed down mainly in Tamba-Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture.
Although it is sung during Bon Odori, in the Meiji era—when the song spread—it was performed as a “student song” at student gatherings and celebrations.
Because of this, a variety of interpretations and singing styles exist, and there are several theories about the meaning of the word “Dekansho.” The historical background is intriguing, but even within the piece itself, the mysterious, satisfying shout of “Dekkan-sho” brings out the charm of this folk song.
Mogami River Boat SongSaya Asakura
One of Japan’s three fastest-flowing rivers, the Mogami River runs through Yamagata Prefecture and is the subject of the folk song “Mogamigawa Funauta.” The Mogami River was indispensable to logistics in Yamagata and the song was passed down as a boatmen’s work song for transporting rice and salt.
It’s said that river ports thrived thanks to this song from the Edo period through the Taisho era.
This is a piece rooted in the Mogami River, which supported Yamagata’s economy; its lyrics mix in the Yamagata dialect and make for an entertaining listen.
It’s also known as a signature song of folk singer Saya Asakura.
Be sure to check it out!
Akita OndoAyako Fuji
Said to have originated in 1663, Akita Ondo is one of the oldest traditional folk songs.
It consists of two parts—the melody and the spoken introduction—and features a rapid, energetic tempo in which a fast-talking Akita-dialect patter, almost like rap, is sung to the rhythm.
The interjections layered over it are very pleasing, and together with the festival-style accompaniment, it creates a distinctive liveliness.
As a representative folk song of Akita Prefecture, it continues to be sung today and is carefully preserved as an important cultural asset.
OtemoyanAkaska Koume
Otemoyan is a representative folk song passed down in Kumamoto Prefecture.
The title’s curious sound is striking, and its origin lies in the Kumamoto dialect: “Otemo,” a woman’s name, with the honorific “-yan” attached.
The lyrics, colored by the Kumamoto accent, are amusing, though there are many parts that can be hard for the general listener to catch.
Even so, the spoken-like interludes are rhythmic and pleasant to hear, making it a lively, sprightly folk tune—one I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for something cheerful and catchy.
Folk songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular tunes everyone can enjoy (21–30)
Kawachi OndoKawachi-ya Kikusui-maru
The current Kawachi Ondo is a newly arranged version of songs that were sung in the Kawachi region of Osaka, and it became known nationwide after a record sung by Teppō Kōsaburō became a big hit.
There seem to be many schools when it comes to singing styles, but Kawachiya Kikusui-maru is particularly famous, and during the Bon Odori season you can hear this ondo everywhere.