Popular Ranking of Ministry of Education Shoka Songs [2025]

snailMonbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)22rank/position

With Singing: Snail – Children's Nursery Rhyme

Many people can’t help but hum a tune when they spot a snail on the roadside after the rain, struggling earnestly to move forward.

Some listened to it as children and now sing it with their own kids.

This piece captures a child’s pure curiosity as they call out to the snail, asking, “Where is your head?” It was included in 1911 as a Ministry of Education shoka in Elementary School Songs (Volume 1).

Despite its relaxed image, its light and rhythmic melody is part of its charm.

Beloved across generations, this classic song also offers a chance for parents and children to engage with nature together.

carp streamerMonbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)23rank/position

Koinobori Easy Piano Sheet Music (Helper Squad for Nursery Teachers)

As May approaches, you can hear the children’s song “Koinobori” in many places.

It was a set piece for the 2017 Nursery Teacher Examination.

Since the song depicts carp streamers swimming leisurely in the sky, you’ll want your singing and playing to have a relaxed feel as well! The melody stays within a single octave and there are few chord changes, so with an easy arrangement, even those who feel unsure about piano performance should be able to tackle it without difficulty.

If you’re looking to strengthen your singing-and-playing practice, why not start by trying a simple arrangement of “Koinobori”?

black kiteMonbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)24rank/position

Ministry of Education Shoka (School Song) — Tombi (Black Kite)

This children’s song, which begins with the opening line “Tobe tobe tonbi,” is likely familiar to many who remember learning it in music class.

The “pii-hyoro” cry of the black kite in the lyrics vividly conveys the lively image of the bird.

Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri/Girls’ Day)Monbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)25rank/position

(Children’s Song) Hinamatsuri

While the so-called “yo-na-nuki” pentatonic scale-based ‘Ureshii Hinamatsuri’ has a somewhat wistful melody, this ‘Hinamatsuri’ features a bright tone that lets you easily imagine children singing joyfully—a hallmark of a Hinamatsuri song.

It’s not a widely known piece, and many readers may be learning of its existence for the first time through this article.

It’s well known that the lyrics of ‘Ureshii Hinamatsuri’ were written with a mistaken understanding of the ‘O-dairi-sama,’ but please also note that the ‘Hinamatsuri’ discussed here follows the arrangement of the traditional hina display in its lyrics.

Bean-throwing (Mamemaki)Monbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)26rank/position

[Mame-maki] [Setsubun] [Children’s song] [With choreography] Song♪ Dance♪

When it comes to Setsubun in February, it’s all about the bean-throwing to drive away demons and invite good fortune! There’s even a song all about bean-throwing, aptly titled “Mamemaki.” The lyrics depict demons fleeing and the god of good fortune being summoned through the act of throwing beans.

Choreography matching the lyrics is available on video sites, so it’s also recommended to dance along to the song while you throw beans! The song portrays playful, pop images like beans scattering and falling, making it easy for young children to get into it.

Close It, Open ItMonbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)27rank/position

Hand Play Song: “Close Them, Open Them” (Mimichan Records Children’s Song Collection)

A children’s song that, despite being a foreign piece composed by the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Songs.

Did you know that the original lyricist is unknown, and in Japan the lyrics have changed over time—used as a hymn, a school song, and a military song? Its simple lyrics, with no second or third verse and the same content repeated throughout, leave interpretation to the listener, inviting various readings.

In Japan, it became established as a children’s song after World War II, while abroad it is still sung as a hymn today.

skiingMonbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)28rank/position

Skiing (Monbushō Shōka)

The season for New Year’s parties falls right in the middle of winter, and in some regions the snow may be piled high.

This is a children’s song that takes skiing—an emblematic snow sport—as its theme.

It conveys the beautiful scenery of snowy mountains spreading out before your eyes and the exhilarating speed of slicing through the wind on skis.

The lively, brisk tempo of the music is memorable, and you can sense the joyful spirit of someone taking on the slopes.

For those who have skied before, the landscapes they once saw may come vividly to mind.