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

Umi (1941) -海 (Umi wa hiroi na)

"Umi wa hiroi na, ookii na Tsuki ga noboru shi, hi ga shizumu" Explore the vastness of the sea with the song 'Umi' (Umi wa Hiroi na). Learn its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, celebrating the expanse of the ocean.

Mid Summer SongsSummer

Hotaru koi – ほたるこい

"Hoo hoo hotaru koi " Fantastic fireflies flitting about in the tranquil streamside of early summer. Discover the enchanting song "Fireflies Come. Enjoy the lyrics, Roman readings, English translations, and the world of the song that calls fireflies.

Early Summer SongsSummer

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

Jyuugoya otsukisan (1920) – 十五夜お月さん

"Juugoya" is said to be "the night to appreciate the harvest" in Japan, and there is a custom to celebrate while looking at the moon since ancient times."Otsuki-san" is used when referring to the moon in a friendly way.

AutumnEarly Autumn Songs

Shizuka na kohan (1936) – 静かな湖畔

"Shizuka na kohan no mori no kage kara" - Discover the enchanting Japanese children's song born at Lake Nojiri in 1936. Explore its mysterious European origins, beloved cuckoo calls, and timeless appeal in Japanese summer camps. Complete with lyrics and English translation.

Mid Summer SongsSummer

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.

Mid Spring SongsSpring

Ware wa umi no ko (1910) – 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

Hanabi ( 1941 ) – 花火

"Don to natta hanabida kireidana" Enjoy the festive spirit of 'Hanabi'. Fireworks festivals are held all over the country as a poetic feature of the Japanese summer. Discover its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, capturing the beauty of fireworks in the night sky.

Mid Summer SongsSummer

Natsu wa kinu ( 1896 ) – 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.

Early Summer SongsSummer

Amefuri (1925) – あめふり

"Ame ame fure fure kaasan ga" - Enjoy the soothing rhythm of the song 'Amefuri'. Discover its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, reflecting on rainy days.

Early Summer SongsSummer

Amefuri kumanoko ( 1962 ) – あめふりくまのこ

"Oyamani ame ga furimashita" - Experience the playful song 'Amefuri Kuma no Ko'. Learn its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, about a little bear playing in the rain.

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

Natsu no omoide ( 1949 ) – 夏の思い出

"Natsu ga kureba omoidasu" - Relive the fond memories of summer with 'Natsu no Omoide'. Discover its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, reflecting on summer days.

Early Summer SongsSummer

Yashi no mi ( 1936 ) – 椰子の実

"Namo shiranu tooki shima yori" - Experience the tropical ambiance of 'Yashi no Mi'. Discover its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, reflecting on a palm fruit drifting ashore.

Late Summer SongsSummer

Hamabe no uta ( 1916 ) – 浜辺の歌

"Ashita hamabe wo samayoeba" - Listening to "Song of the Beach" is a sentimental experience. See the lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations that capture the serene beauty of the beach.

Late Summer SongsSummer