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100 Best Japanese Songs

Late Summer Songs

Yashi no mi – 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.
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.
Late Summer Songs

Hamabe no uta – 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.
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Early Autumn Songs

Chiisai aki mitsuketa – ちいさい秋みつけた

"Darekasan ga darekasan ga darekasan ga mitsuketa" Discover the small signs of autumn with 'Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa'. Explore its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, capturing the subtle changes of fall.
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).
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.
Mid Summer Songs

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.
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

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

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).
Spring

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).
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

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).
Early Summer Songs

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.
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Furusato (1914) – ふるさと

"Usagi oishi kano yama" Experience the nostalgic 'Furusato'. Learn its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, reflecting on one's hometown. This song is the evergreen that represents Japan.
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