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.
Spring

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).
Spring

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).
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Spring

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 Winter Songs

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.
Early Spring Songs

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.
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.
Early Spring Songs

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.
Mid Spring Songs

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".
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