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 (21–30)
Akita ObakoKeiko Kawasaki
The singer addresses an Akita Obako—a young woman renowned for her beauty—and the song unfolds as she responds to his words.
Its gentle, unhurried tempo evokes the image of a beautiful girl raised serenely amid peaceful countryside, and as you sing, a lovely Akita Obako will surely appear before you on the screen.
Mamurogawa OndoMasako Mori
Originally, this was sung by geisha in the tatami rooms of a ryotei in Mamurogawa Town to enliven banquets, and the lyrics, which invite slightly erotic imaginings, hint at that origin.
When singing it, there’s no need to be conscious of that; it’s fine to casually sing it with a crisp, lively tempo.
In conclusion
Compared to flamenco and canzone, Japanese folk songs are characterized by a higher-pitched vocal delivery.
Many of the singers introduced this time fit that vocal style, didn’t they? It might be an efficient way of singing for Japanese people.
Also, Takashi Hosokawa’s singing ability was in a league of its own! I’d love to see his singing showcased to the world at the Olympic opening ceremony!