Ranking of Popular Folk Songs
That nostalgic melody, passed down through generations—the heart of our hometowns.
We’ve researched a wide range of folk songs from past to present, from East to West! In this article, we’ve selected popular tracks based on reliable feedback from music fans who’ve contributed to our site so far.
Among them, we’ll introduce the most acclaimed ones in a ranked format.
Please take a look.
We also researched children’s songs like nursery rhymes and lullabies, as well as work songs and songs for ceremonies and events.
In recent years, new ways of listening to folk music—championed by acts like Minyo Crusaders and Riyō Sanmyaku—have been attracting a fresh audience.
Ranking of Popular Folk Songs (1–10)
maple leavesLyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano / Music by Teiichi Okano1rank/position
“Momiji,” a famous song many of you may know that was selected as one of Japan’s 100 best songs in 2007.
It’s said that the lyricist, Tatsuyuki Takano, gazed at the autumn leaves from Kumanodaira Station on the Shin’etsu Main Line at Usui Pass and was so captivated by their beauty that he wrote these lyrics.
This beautiful classic, still loved across generations, is a perfect song for November, when autumn turns to winter.
Enjoy singing it together in rounds with family and friends.
snowMonbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)2rank/position
This is a Ministry of Education shoka (school song) that sings of the calm and beautiful arrival of spring.
It was published in the 1910 collection “Shōka for the Ordinary Elementary School Reader.” The lyrics, which express the joy of spring visiting the mountains, villages, and fields, embody the Japanese people’s delicate sensitivity to the seasons.
The piece also showcases masterful use of particles—using ni to indicate the state of flowers blooming and de for the action of birds singing—conveying the beauty of the Japanese language.
Frequently sung at seasonal events such as the spring term opening and entrance ceremonies, it is a classic that perfectly suits those who wish to spend a heartwarming moment while feeling the changes of nature.
snail3rank/position
With its humorous lyrics and upbeat melody, “Katatsumuri” (Snail) is a perfect song for one-year-olds who are getting into music.
Since it’s up-tempo, many kids will enthusiastically join in and imitate the actions.
It’s also fun to use your hands to show the snail’s horns coming out in time with the lyrics.
When the rain lets up during the rainy season, why not go out and look for snails? Because they know them from the song, children may feel a special fondness.
It’s a tune that will make you want to hum along without thinking.
New Year (Japanese New Year)Lyrics by Kume Azuma / Music by Rentarō Taki4rank/position
This song is famous for its lyrics brimming with excitement, asking, “How many more sleeps until New Year’s Day?” The lyrics were written by children’s story author Kume Azuma, and the music was composed by Japan’s proud master composer, Rentarō Taki.
It also touches on traditional Japanese New Year’s games, so why not sing it with children who aren’t familiar with them and learn what the games are like together? With lyrics full of anticipation for the New Year and a gentle, friendly melody, it’s a song you’ll want to hear as the year draws to a close.
Sing it with plenty of energy and welcome a joyful New Year!
pine coneLyrics by Takao Hirota / Music by Tsyae Kobayashi5rank/position
This is an autumn children’s song that depicts a charming scene: a pine cone tumbles down a high mountain, and a little monkey picks it up and eats it.
The lyrics were written in 1936 by Takao Hirota, who was a first-grade elementary school student at the time, and the music was composed by Tsyae Kobayashi, a music teacher.
From the late 1950s to the 1960s, the song was included on King Records’ album “Songs for Kindergarten.” With just a single, simple, and easy-to-remember verse, it has long been loved as a seasonal song in nurseries and kindergartens.
It’s also recommended to add simple choreography and enjoy it as a hand-play song! Singing while moving your body will bring back fond memories of childhood fun playing in autumn nature.
The flower smiled.Lyrics by Kogo Hotomi / Music by Akira Yuyama6rank/position
Akira Yuyama, a composer who created numerous children’s songs and choral pieces, wrote “The Flowers Laughed.” In spring, a variety of flowers bloom in vivid colors, and just looking at them in the cheerful weather can make you feel warm and relaxed.
This song is packed with that cozy feeling—perhaps, from a child’s point of view, the flowers looked as if they were smiling.
Just imagining that scene is heartwarming, isn’t it? It’s a spring song that even very young children can sing easily.
bonfireLyrics: Seika Tatsumi / Music: Shigeru Watanabe7rank/position
Characterized by vivid scenes that evoke the chill of winter, this song depicts the warm interactions of people gathered around a bonfire, and its lyrics are filled with many winter traditions.
First broadcast in December 1941 on NHK’s radio program “Time for Young Children,” it has since been widely loved in kindergartens, nursery schools, and elementary schools.
From 1952, it was also included in first-grade music textbooks, making it a classic cherished across generations.
It’s the perfect song to sing with family and friends during the cold season when you want to feel warm at heart.