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)
Ice Cream SongLyrics by Yoshimi Sato / Music by Koichi Hattori50rank/position
“Ice Cream Song” is a Japanese children’s song with lyrics by Yoshimi Sato and music by Koichi Hattori.
Originally written in 1960 for the radio program ABC Kodomo no Uta (ABC Children’s Songs), it was broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta in 1962 and became well known.
True to its title, it has also been used as a commercial jingle for ice cream.
Folk Song Popularity Rankings (51–60)
To the Sun in the Palm of Your HandLyrics by Takashi Yanase / Music by Taku Izumi51rank/position
A wonderful song in which Takashi Yanase’s gentle lyrics and Taku Izumi’s bright melody blend beautifully, teaching us that earthworms, dragonflies, and frogs are our precious friends too.
Created in 1961 and broadcast the following year on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it quickly captured the hearts of many.
It has since been covered by numerous artists, including Dark Ducks and BON-BON BLANCO, and featured in the film “Chiisana Jumbo” and the TV anime “Sore Ike! Anpanman.” Cherished across generations, from children to adults, this work is also perfect as a hand-play song for families to enjoy together.
Snow KobōzuLyrics by: Toshiko Murayama / Composer: Unknown52rank/position
A snow-themed song included on King Records’ release Yuttari Doyo 60.
It originally comes from a foreign tune and has been sung with various lyrics.
In this version, the lyrics tell of a “yuki no kobōzu” (little snow monk) who comes from the sky, falls into a pond, turns into water, and disappears.
Whether it’s a fairy or more of a conceptual being, it sounds fun to sing while chatting together about “What exactly is a yuki no kobōzu?” Another recommendation is that you can change poses for verses one, two, and three as you sing.
dragonfly glassesLyrics by Seishi Nukaga / Music by Kozaburo Hirai53rank/position
Dragonflies that you see all over in autumn.
This song, “Tonbo no Megane” (Dragonfly’s Glasses), sings about the cute glasses of such dragonflies.
The very idea of a dragonfly wearing glasses already conjures up an adorable scene, doesn’t it? The glasses the dragonfly wears might be light blue or red, or even shining—why is that? From that question, a charming world of imagination unfolds.
It’s also fun to sing this song while watching dragonflies in the sky and imagining: What kind of glasses is that dragonfly wearing? How about this one?
Slurping somen noodles54rank/position
When it comes to hand-play perfect for summer, “Somen Tsurutsuru” is the one.
It’s a hand-play song about somen noodles, which most people eat at least once in the summer.
You twirl your hands around and mimic eating somen—it’s very simple choreography, so even little kids can enjoy it.
Different types of somen appear in the lyrics, and the movements change depending on the type.
Even children who’ve never eaten somen might learn about it through this hand-play and think, “I want to try it!” If you’re looking for a summer hand-play activity, this is recommended!
Happy HinamatsuriLyrics: Saburo Yamano (Hachiro Sato) / Music: Naonori Kawamura (Koyo Kawamura)55rank/position
Speaking of early-spring events, Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) comes to mind—so this beloved children’s song is a must! “Ureshii Hinamatsuri,” with lyrics by poet Hachiro Sato and music by composer Naonori Kawamura, was released in 1936 and has been cherished ever since.
When you hear “Hinamatsuri,” this song pops into your head first, doesn’t it? That’s how deeply it’s rooted in the hearts of the Japanese people.
Many artists have covered it, so you might enjoy searching for a version that suits your taste.
autumn sky56rank/position
Under the clear autumn sky, the song “Akino Sora” makes you want to sing.
As the humidity drops and a refreshing breeze blows, autumn is the perfect season for field trips and strolls.
In this kind of autumn, you can’t help but raise your voice a little, trying to send it far, just like in the song.
Like shouting “Yoo-hoo!” from a mountaintop, calling out loudly toward the beautiful sky is bound to feel great! If you sing out loud—and even give a shout—you’ll feel as refreshed as the autumn sky.
When you’re lucky enough to meet a pleasant autumn sky, be sure to try it just like in this song.