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.
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Folk Song Popularity Ranking (71–80)
Zuizui Zukkorobashi78rank/position
It’s a traditional Japanese children’s song that has been passed down for generations.
The lyrics also use old Japanese words.
It’s often sung during games to choose “it” or to pick someone.
A mouse that comes to eat rice appears in the song.
It’s a nursery rhyme you can sing with grandparents.
dragonfly glasses79rank/position
“Tonbo no Megane” (Dragonfly Glasses) is a children’s song that depicts an autumn scene and is widely known by people of all ages.
It’s a quintessential song for the fall season.
The lyrics, told from a child’s perspective, can capture the interest of children who may not be used to seeing dragonflies up close.
While it’s famous as a nursery song, adding hand play makes it even more enjoyable than just singing.
You can form circles with your fingers to mimic glasses, or use hand motions to express dragonflies flying through the autumn sky.
School of Medaka80rank/position
This song uses the unique onomatopoeic expression “tsui-tsui” to depict medaka fish swimming leisurely.
The lyrics liken a school of medaka in the river to students and a teacher, sparking children’s imaginations.
First broadcast in March 1951 on an NHK program for young children, it has been beloved by many ever since.
In 1952, a record featuring a performance by Aiko Anzai received the Arts Festival Award.
On a hot summer day, singing it while picturing medaka gliding through a cool river is sure to refresh both body and mind.
Why not sing it together as a family and appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of living creatures?
Popular Folk Song Rankings (81–90)
Under the big chestnut tree81rank/position
Here is a hand-clapping song that has been famous for a very long time.
Perhaps even people in their grandparents’ generation played it when they were children.
The tune is based on an English folk song and is titled almost the same as in Japanese: “Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree.” The lyricist of the first verse in Japanese is unknown, while verses two and three were written by Hiroo Sakata.
It’s a song we hope will continue to be loved by children for years to come.
Wish Upon a Star82rank/position
We would like to introduce “When You Wish Upon a Star,” a song used in Disney’s film Pinocchio.
As one of the world’s most beloved classics, “When You Wish Upon a Star” is likely a tune everyone has heard at least once.
Try adding simple hand motions to the relaxed rhythm and beautiful melody.
The choreography follows the lyrics, making it easy for both children and adults to learn.
Consider incorporating “When You Wish Upon a Star” as this month’s featured song or as the theme song for your Tanabata event.
Join the Dandelion Gang!Lyrics and Music: Osamu Sakata83rank/position
In spring, when you look up the cherry blossoms are beautifully pink, but if you cast your eyes downward, you’ll see lots of cute yellow dandelions blooming too! Wouldn’t you like to join that adorable army of dandelions? This song invites you to become part of the Dandelion Brigade—full of energy under the bright spring air and wrapped in a gentle spring breeze.
It explains how to join and that anyone can be a member.
Joining is very simple: just soak up the warm spring sunshine and breathe in the fresh air with your whole body! On a warm spring day, step outside and become a proud member of the Dandelion Brigade!
Stroll MarchLyrics and Music: Miho Tsujibayashi84rank/position
On sunny spring days, it’s so much fun to play outside, isn’t it? “Osanpo March,” the song featured as this month’s tune on Okaasan to Issho, is a wonderful piece that’s perfect for this refreshing season.
Just hearing the marching rhythm might make you want to head out with a spring in your step, even on a chilly day when the crispness of winter still lingers in the air! Singing it while you stroll is highly recommended, too.