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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Ranking of Popular Folk Songs (1–10)
Spring somewhereLyrics by Soji Momota / Music by Shin Kusakawa8rank/position
A children’s song that delicately depicts a spring scene was published in March 1923 in the magazine Shogaku Danshi, created by Soji Momota (lyrics) and Shin Kusakawa (music).
It gently sings of sensing the invisible arrival of spring through the five senses—such as the skylark’s call, the sound of budding, and the feel of the east wind.
Selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs, its calm melody that warms the heart with the coming of spring and its lyrics that let you feel the breath of nature make it perfect for easing nerves in a new environment or for savoring the changing of the seasons.
Bright Red AutumnLyrics by Tada Satsuma / Music by Hideo Kobayashi9rank/position
This song, vividly depicting the colors of autumn, expresses the season’s beauty through the eyes of children.
Scenes of nature turning red—ivy, maple leaves, and snake gourds—appear one after another, conveying the pure joy of children who discover them.
First introduced in October 1963 on NHK’s “Tanoshii Uta,” it has since remained beloved through “Minna no Uta.” The lyrics, which fully embody Tadashi Satsuma’s poetic worldview, allow children to feel the beauty and vitality of autumn’s nature.
It’s a perfect piece for autumn events at nurseries and kindergartens, or for family strolls.
Why not sing it together and joyfully welcome the arrival of autumn?
red dragonflyLyrics by Rofū Miki / Music by Kōsaku Yamada10rank/position
When it comes to Japanese evening songs, I think many people immediately think of Akatonbo (Red Dragonfly).
It’s a dusk song loved across generations and regions.
Listening to it brings back fond memories of childhood, when I felt I had to go home for dinner.
It’s a song we definitely want to keep passing down to our children.
Above all, its gentle melody and lyrics that unfold such rich imagery make it perfect as a lullaby.
It’s also great for nap time.
Folk Song Popularity Ranking (11–20)
The Song of the Twelve Zodiac Animals11rank/position
Here is a song that was broadcast for 20 years, from 1973 to 1993, on the popular children’s TV program “Hirake! Ponkikki,” which most kids have probably seen at least once.
Since it aired for such a long time, some of you may have heard it when you were children.
It can be hard for kids to memorize the twelve zodiac signs, so turning it into a catchy pop song makes it easier to remember.
The lyrics and music were written by Michiko Yoshida, who also served as a vocal trainer for the famous Hideki Saijo.
mushroomLyrics by Michio Mado / Music by Shoji Kurakake12rank/position
A song whose lyrics, evoking nature’s vitality through the quiet growth of mushrooms, resonate deeply.
Its melody is easy for children to remember.
The poetic world of Michio Mado is beautifully expressed and matches perfectly with Shoji Kurakake’s musical style.
As a beloved nursery song in preschools and kindergartens, it’s perfect for nurturing children’s sensitivity.
Humming it during autumn nature observation, walks, or field trips may further deepen children’s interest in mushrooms and the creatures of the forest.
LullabyLyrics: Hakushū Kitahara / Music: Shin Kusakawa13rank/position
Cradle Song, sung by Rimi Natsukawa, is perfect for lulling a baby to sleep.
Released in 2011, this song is a beloved lullaby from the Taisho era with lyrics by Hakushu Kitahara and music by Shin Kusakawa.
In 1967, the male vocal group The Bonny Jacks performed it on the program Minna no Uta.
The song paints a gentle scene around a cradle, helping babies drift off peacefully.
In Natsukawa’s version, the melody is woven together with the soft tones of the Okinawan sanshin, reflecting her roots.
Be sure to give it a listen during those tender moments as your baby falls asleep.
Yakiimo goo-choki-paLyrics by Hiroo Sakata / Music by Naosumi Yamamoto14rank/position
Perfect for autumn, when roasted sweet potatoes are at their tastiest, is “Yakiimo Goo Chaa Paa,” a song you can also enjoy as a hand-play game.
It’s the ideal tune for the season of hearty appetites, depicting roasting sweet potatoes and savoring them.
Try acting out with your hands how hot the potatoes are and the motions of eating, in time with the lyrics.
There’s even a rock-paper-scissors part at the end of the song.
While you’re waiting for the sweet potatoes to finish roasting, sing and play along with friends or family! The more you sing, the hungrier you’ll get.
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