Nostalgic Japanese Songs

100 Best Japanese Songs – 日本の歌百選

In 2006, the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan and the National PTA Council of Japan selected 101 songs of lyrical and beloved genres, including nursery rhymes, school songs, and popular songs, with the aim of encouraging families to sing and pass them down through generations. On this website, we primarily introduce nursery rhymes and school songs with accompanying videos, explanations, and details about places associated with them, serving as hints for journeys.

About Japan

Koinobori / irakanonamito (1913) – 鯉のぼり

"Iraka no nami to kumo no nami" Discover good old-fashioned Japan through lyrics and images: Roman readings, English translations, and reflections. Take a cultural journey through the melodies of "Doyo Shoka" (Children's Songs).

Late Spring SongsSpring

Koinobori / Yaneyoritakai (1931) – こいのぼり

"yaneyori takai koinobori" Discover good old-fashioned Japan through lyrics and images: Roman readings, English translations, and reflections. Take a cultural journey through the melodies of "Doyo Shoka" (Children's Songs).

Late Spring SongsSpring

Cha tsumi (1912) – 茶摘み

"Natsu mo chikazuku hachijyu hachiya" - Experience the vibrant season of tea picking with the song 'Cha tsumi'. Learn the lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations of this classic Japanese song.

Late Spring SongsSpring

Ware wa umi no ko – われは海の子

"Ware wa umi no ko, shiranami no" Celebrate maritime heritage with 'Ware wa Umi no Ko'. Explore its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, depicting the life of a child of the sea.

Mid Summer SongsSummer

KITAHARA Hakusyuu (1885-1942)- 北原白秋

KITAHARA Hakusyuu (1885-1942) was a Japanese poet and literary critic who played a key role in the Romantic movement of Japanese poetry. His works are known for their lyrical beauty and emotional depth.

About JapanLyricist

TAKI Rentarou – 滝廉太郎

TAKI Rentarou (1879-1903) was a Japanese composer who is considered one of the fathers of Japanese art music. He is best known for his songs, including "Koujou no Tsuki" (Moonlight on the Ruined Castle) and "Sakura Sakura."

About JapanComposer

Haru ga kita (1910) – 春が来た

"Haru ga kita, haru ga kita, doko ni kita" Discover good old-fashioned Japan through lyrics and images: Roman readings, English translations, and reflections. Take a cultural journey through the melodies of "Duoyo Shoka".

Mid Spring SongsSpring

Seikurabe (1923) – 背くらべ

"Hashira no kizu wa ototoshi no" Discover good old-fashioned Japan through lyrics and images: Roman readings, English translations, and reflections. Take a cultural journey through the melodies of "Doyo Shoka" (Children's Songs).

Late Spring SongsSpring

Haru no ogawa (1912) – 春の小川

"Haru no ogawa wa sarasara yuku yo" Discover good old-fashioned Japan through lyrics and images: Roman readings, English translations, and reflections. Take a cultural journey through the melodies of "Doyo Shoka" (Children's Songs).

Mid Spring SongsSpring

Oboro zukiyo (1914) – 朧月夜

"Nanohana batake ni irihi usure" Discover good old-fashioned Japan through lyrics and images: Roman readings, English translations, and reflections. Take a cultural journey through the melodies of "Doyo Shoka" (Children's Songs).

Mid Spring SongsSpring

Medaka no gakkou (1952) – めだかの学校

"Medaka no gakkou wa kawa no naka" Discover good old-fashioned Japan through lyrics and images: Roman readings, English translations, and reflections. Take a cultural journey through the melodies of "Doyo Shoka" (Children's Songs).

Mid Spring SongsSpring

Omatsuri mambo – お祭りマンボ

"Watashi no tonari no ojisan wa" - A typical Japanese festival song that lifts the mood. The song's tune and tempo are perfectly suited to the rhythm of the festival, and the lyrics are delivered in romaji and English translation.

Old Shouwa PopsOther Specials

Mikan no hana saku oka (1946) – みかんの花咲く丘

"Mikan no hana ga saite iru" - Explore the fragrant 'Mikan no Hana Saku Oka'. Discover its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, about a hill where mandarin orange flowers bloom.

Early Summer SongsSummer

Tanabata sama (1941) – たなばたさま

"Sasanoha sarasara nokibani yureru" Discover good old-fashioned Japan through lyrics and images: Roman readings, English translations, and reflections. Experience Tanabata and take a cultural journey through the melodies of "douyo-Shoka" (Children's Songs).

Early Summer SongsSummer