Ranking of Popular Folk Songs

The Hungry Tummy SongLyrics by Hiroo Sakata / Music by Megumi Oonaka71rank/position

♪ The Hungry Tummy Song (with actions) - ♪ Why does my tummy get hungry, I wonder? Does it get hungry when we have a fight, I wonder? ~

This is a delightful children’s song by Hiroo Sakata (lyrics) and Megumi Oonaka (music) that humorously portrays hunger.

With a simple, friendly melody and lyrics that gently capture everyday moments of children, it’s a work that’s sure to bring a smile.

First released in 1960, it was performed by the Froebel Boys’ Choir when it aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962.

Loved for many years since, it was rebroadcast in July 2021.

It’s perfect for singing together as a family when you’re hungry or during snack time—smiles come naturally.

It’s also an ideal song for lunch during field trips or picnics.

Sing it together, and your mealtime will become an even more memorable, joyful moment.

We are children of the sea.Monbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)72rank/position

We Are Children of the Sea [With Song] Children's Song / School Song

When it comes to classic children’s songs about the sea, “Ware wa Umi no Ko” (We Are Children of the Sea) stands out.

First published in 1910 in the Ministry of Education’s Elementary School Reader as a song for singing, it has long been loved and cherished.

Although the lyricist and composer are unknown, it is considered a masterpiece and was selected as one of Japan’s 100 best songs.

The scene it depicts is the summer sea.

The lyrics are said to portray the growth of a boy raised by the seaside.

With imagery that evokes the sound of the wind and the sight of vast seas crowned with whitecaps, it is a work of grand scale.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to sing out clearly during the summer, picturing the ocean landscape.

Frog Chorus73rank/position

Frog Song (Frog Chorus) / Children’s Song, Kids’ Song, With Mother (Okaasan to Issho) NHK Popular Song / [Play with Pig Sounds] / Japanese Children’s Song - Kaeru no Gassho

Speaking of rounds, “Frog Chorus”! Surely everyone has tried singing it as a round at least once, right? It only has a first verse, and the lyrics are very simple, so you won’t spend time memorizing them and can start enjoying the round right away—that’s one of this song’s charms.

Plus, you can come in every two measures from anywhere, which makes it easy to catch the timing.

It’s truly the perfect song for your first round! Encourage the entry with a big, “Ready, go!”

Winter nightMonbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)74rank/position

Ministry of Education Song: Winter Night

A Ministry of Education school song depicting warm moments spent with family on a cold winter night with falling snow.

Released in 1912, this piece richly expresses family togetherness around the irori hearth.

Though a blizzard rages outside, the house is cozy and warm.

You can picture the mother sewing clothes and the father telling old stories.

Featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it has become a classic that lingers in many hearts.

Listening to it in the cold season is sure to warm your spirit.

A song that evokes a Japanese winter scene, beloved across generations.

rabbit75rank/position

Song Shōka: “Rabbit” by Manami Fukuizono and others { Mimi-chan Records }

Autumn is the season for moon viewing.

Many nursery schools and kindergartens probably enjoy making crafts with motifs like the moon, rabbits, and moon-viewing dumplings.

“Usagi” is a traditional Japanese children’s song that lets you savor the atmosphere of moon viewing through singing.

The song does not depict a rabbit on the moon, but rather a rabbit gazing at the moon.

By sharing episodes related to moon viewing and singing together with friends, or doing hand-play while singing, children can feel the customs of autumn more closely.

Tanuki of Fist Mountain76rank/position

[With Vocals] Genkotsuyama no Tanuki-san – Animated Picture Book of a Children's Song and Fairy Tale

As a hand-play song, the nursery rhyme “Genkotsuyama no Tanukisan” is something children can enjoy while playing.

It depicts a baby raccoon living on a mountain called Genkotsuyama, nursing from its mother and then falling asleep in her arms.

In the hand-play, matching the word “genkotsu” (fist) in “Genkotsuyama,” you start the song by alternately tapping your two fists up and down.

After that, you move your hands according to the lyrics.

At the end of the song there’s also a rock-paper-scissors part, so if your child has learned how to play, be sure to try that together too!

Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-cat77rank/position

[Hand play] Kobuta Nuki Tsuneko ♪ (Maatan)

This is the popular autumn hand-play song for children, “Kobuta Tanuki Kitsune Neko”! Kids imitate the animals that appear in the lyrics and copy their sounds as they play.

It’s very simple and fun to watch, so even infants can enjoy it.

When playing this song with preschoolers, try speeding it up as they get used to it.

It’s also fun to see who can keep up!