100 Best Japanese Songs

Shabon dama ( 1923 ) – シャボン玉

"Shabon dama tonda" - Explore the timeless nursery rhyme 'Shabon Dama'. Discover its lyrics, Roman readings, and English translations, capturing the ephemeral beauty and profound emotions behind the beloved Japanese song.

Early Summer SongsSummer

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

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.

AutumnMid 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

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

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

Momiji (1911)- 紅葉

"Aki no yuuhi ni teru yama momiji" - Enjoy the colorful "maple leaves" that color the autumn with emotional melodies. Let's learn the lyrics, Roman readings and English translations, and talk about autumn leaves.

AutumnLate Autumn SongsMid Autumn 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 SongsLate Winter SongsSpringWinter

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.

Early Spring SongsSpring

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.

Mid Spring SongsSpring

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.

Early Spring SongsSpring