About Japan

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.
Winter

Soushunfu (1913) – 早春賦

"Haru wa nanomi no kaze no samusa yo" - Welcome the early signs of spring with 'Soushunfu'. Discover its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, depicting the gentle onset of spring.
Spring

Ureshii Hinamatsuri (1935) – うれしいひなまつり

"Akariwo tsukemasho bonborini" - Celebrate the Doll Festival with 'Ureshii Hina Matsuri'. Learn its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, marking this traditional Japanese event.
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Autumn

Koujyou no tsuki (1901) – 荒城の月

"Haru kourou no hana no en" - Explore the hauntingly beautiful song 'Koujou no tsuki'. Learn its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, think of the rise and fall, the ruins of old castles.
Spring

Hana (1900) – 花

"Haru no urara no Sumida-gawa" - Experience the beauty of spring with 'Hana'. Discover its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, celebrating the blooming flowers and the joy of the season.
Spring

Sakura sakura (1888) – さくら さくら

"Sakura sakura yayoi no sora wa" - Experience the iconic Japanese song 'Sakura Sakura', celebrating cherry blossoms. Explore its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations.
Early Summer Songs

Natsu wa kinu – 夏は来ぬ

"Unohana no niou kakine ni" - Celebrate the arrival of summer with "Summer is Not Coming". Learn the lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, and welcome the summer season with a melody that seems to point to light and prestigious ancient lyrics.
Mid Summer Songs

Umi(matsubara tooku) – 海

"Matsubara tooku kiyuru tokoro" Explore the coastal beauty with the song 'Umi' (Matsubara Tooku). Learn its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, capturing the essence of the sea.
Early Summer Songs

Amefuri otsukisan – 雨降りお月さん

"Amefuri otsukisan kumo no kage" - Experience the poetic beauty of 'Amefuri Otsukisan'. Learn its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, depicting a rainy night with a visible moon.
Spring

Hotaru no hikari – 蛍の光

"Hotaru no hikari, Mado no yuki" this song is a popular Japanese song played at graduation ceremonies. It is loved for its gentle, moving melody, which is woven with images of fireflies and snow and has themes of hard work and friendship.
Spring

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).
Spring

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".
Spring

Aogeba toutoshi – 仰げば尊し

"Aogeba toutoshi waga shi no on" - Discover this cherished graduation song that helps Japanese students reflect on their school memories. Find lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations of this beloved ceremonial piece.
Spring

Omoide no Album – おもいでのアルバム

"Itsuno koto daka omoidashite goran" - Discover “Omoide no Album” (思い出のアルバム), a beloved Japanese children’s song. Explore its English lyrics, cultural background, and learn how to sing along!
Across the Seasons

Kisha – 汽車

"Ima wa yamanaka, ima wa hama" - Experience the journey with 'Kisha'. Learn its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, reflecting on a train ride through Japan.
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