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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Popular Folk Song Rankings (41–50)
Watermelon-producing region43rank/position
Speaking of summer, it’s got to be watermelon! That’s a classic line from way back, right? The repeating, distinctive lyrics are the secret to why kids love it.
When I see the children’s beaming smiles as they do the hand motions to this song, I can’t help but feel that a fun summer has arrived! You can enjoy it not only with hand play, but also by dancing with your whole body—together with lots of friends!
spool (of thread); winding thread; Itomaki (traditional toy spinning top), depending on context44rank/position
We wind the string and make all kinds of things with a hand-play game! You’ve probably heard it at least once.
In winter, we sometimes switch to a Christmas version and add exciting items like Santa’s hat and glasses.
By singing the song over and over, the children’s anticipation grows as they wonder, “What will we make next?” Both adults and children, use your imagination to create all sorts of things!
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star45rank/position
Hand play with a song everyone knows! Let’s introduce “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” It’s also one of the songs often sung as a lullaby.
How about incorporating it into your activities as a hand play this time? Imagine your palms as stars and express the sparkling, shining stars.
The choreography is easy to understand and doesn’t have any complex movements, so it seems enjoyable from infant to preschool classes.
Try adding “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to eurhythmics, morning meetings, or closing circles.
Kudaka Manju-shu46rank/position
Kudaka Manju-shu, also known as “Kūdākā,” is an Okinawan folk song often used in Eisa.
It depicts people teasingly spreading the word that the manju-shu of Kudaka is looking for a lover, and how those around them get drawn into the commotion.
From there, the story develops into going from house to house to receive offerings of sake, and the lively atmosphere comes through in the interjections as well.
This image of visiting homes to receive sake is said to overlap with the origins of Eisa, which involved traveling around regions as a form of dancing nembutsu, and the song has become a staple of Eisa.
To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand47rank/position
Since it was featured on Minna no Uta in 1962, “Tenohira wo Taiyou ni” has been beloved by many children.
The lyrics were written by Takashi Yanase, with the music crafted by Mariko Miyagi.
The words, which portray the mystery and vitality of life, are sure to energize both singers and listeners.
Another charm of the song is how easy it is to add simple choreography that matches the lyrics, such as raising your hands or mimicking animals.
Adding movement while singing can help you immerse yourself even more in the world of the song.
Jingle BellsComposer: James Lord Pierpont48rank/position
When it comes to quintessential songs played around the world during the Christmas season, isn’t “Jingle Bells” the one that comes to mind? The song was composed in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont, a minister and the uncle of the famous financier John Morgan.
Its original title was “One Horse Open Sleigh.” He is said to have written it for his own church, but it became so popular that it spread throughout the United States.
The first Japanese translation of the lyrics appeared in 1941, and many more versions have been created since.
echo gameLyrics by Ouchi Yasuyuki / Music by Akito Wakatsuki49rank/position
If you’ve ever been mountain climbing as a child, you’ve probably played the “echo game,” right? The song “Yamabiko Gokko” is exactly about that echo game.
You sing the same line twice in a row, or deliberately say funny sound effects.
Since about half of the lyrics are made up of onomatopoeia, even little kids can enjoy it.
If you split parts with your friends and sing together, it might feel like a real echo and be even more fun.