The Most Popular Folk Song in Japan, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the folk song you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 19, 2024 06:38
Folk songs often serve as a window into a culture's heart, encapsulating the emotions, stories, and rhythms of daily life. In Japan, these tunes not only celebrate the nation's history and traditions but also resonate with personal reflections and regional identities. By ranking these songs, listeners gain insight into what themes and melodies strike a chord across different demographics.
This interactive ranking invites everyone to contribute their opinions and preferences, creating a dynamic list that reflects the current tastes within the community. Your votes help determine which songs continue to inspire and entertain, ensuring that both longstanding favorites and lesser-known gems receive their due recognition. Engage with the list to see how your preferences compare to others and help shape the cultural narrative.
What Is the Most Popular Folk Song in Japan?
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174votes"Sakura Sakura" is also known as "Cherry Blossoms", this song is a symbol of Japan's beauty and is often associated with the spring season.Sakura Sakura is a traditional Japanese folk song that is widely known and celebrated in Japan. The song's title, 'Sakura Sakura,' translates to 'Cherry Blossom, Cherry Blossom,' and it has become an iconic representation of Japan's famous cherry blossom season.
- Genre: Folk
- Language: Japanese
- Year of origin: Unknown, believed to be from the Edo period (1603-1868)
- Melody: Traditional Japanese melody
- Lyrics: Traditional Japanese lyrics
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234votes
Kojo no Tsuki
Rentarō Taki"Kojo no Tsuki" is meaning "Moon Over the Ruined Castle", this song is a traditional Japanese melody played on the koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument.Kojo no Tsuki (The Moon over the Castle Ruins) is a popular Japanese folk song that was composed by Rentarō Taki in 1901. It has since become one of the most well-known and beloved songs in Japan. The song's melancholic melody and evocative lyrics capture the beauty of moonlit nights and the fleeting nature of life. It has been adapted and performed in various musical styles, including traditional Japanese instruments, orchestral arrangements, and popular music covers. Kojo no Tsuki holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people and continues to be cherished as a timeless piece of musical artistry.- Year of Composition: 1901
- Genre: Folk song
- Language: Japanese
- Popular Performers: Various artists, including Ichiro Fujiyama, Hikaru Utada, and Ayumi Hamasaki
- Musical Style: Melancholic and introspective
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325votes"Furusato" is meaning "Hometown", this song is a nostalgic tribute to one's hometown and the memories associated with it.Furusato is a popular Japanese folk song that embodies a sense of nostalgia and love for one's hometown. It is often sung to express deep connection and longing for the place where one grew up. The song celebrates the beauty of nature and the simplicity of rural life, evoking a strong emotional response in both the performers and listeners.
- Genre: Folk
- Lyrics: Machiko Kyō
- Music: Teiichi Okano
- Original Title: Furusato (ふるさと)
- Year of Creation: 1914
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414votes"Ue o Muite Arukō" is meaning "I Look Up As I Walk", this song, also known as "Sukiyaki", was popularized in the 1960s and became a hit in the United States.Ue o Muite Arukō, also known as Sukiyaki, is a popular folk song in Japan. It was released in 1961 and became an international hit. The song is known for its melancholic melody and lyrics that express the feeling of longing and nostalgia. It has a timeless appeal and has been covered by numerous artists in various languages over the years.
- Release year: 1961
- Genre: Folk
- Language: Japanese
- Alternative name: Sukiyaki
- International popularity: Yes
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519votes"Yagi Bushi" is meaning "Goat Song", this song is a lively folk tune from the Shikoku region of Japan and is often accompanied by traditional dance.Yagi Bushi is a traditional folk song from Japan that originated in the Akita prefecture. It is a lively and energetic song, typically accompanied by traditional instruments like shamisen, flute, and drums. The lyrics of Yagi Bushi often depict the local lifestyle, nature, and various experiences of the people in the Akita region.
- Origin: Akita prefecture, Japan
- Genre: Folk song
- Instruments: Shamisen, flute, drums
- Lyrics: Depict local lifestyle and experiences
- Mood: Lively, energetic
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611votes
Tsugaru Jongara Bushi
Ikuta Kengyo"Tsugaru Jongara Bushi" is originating from the Aomori Prefecture, this song is a fast-paced folk tune played on the shamisen, a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument.Tsugaru Jongara Bushi is a popular folk song from the Tsugaru region of Japan. It is characterized by its lively and energetic melody, which is played on traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen and taiko drums. The song is often performed with fast-paced fingerpicking on the shamisen, creating a vibrant and dynamic sound. Tsugaru Jongara Bushi has gained widespread popularity not only in its native region but also throughout Japan and beyond, becoming one of the most well-known and beloved folk songs in the country.- Region: Tsugaru
- Instruments: Shamisen, taiko drums
- Style: Folk
- Melody: Lively and energetic
- Technique: Fast-paced fingerpicking on the shamisen
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76votes"Shima Uta" is meaning "Island Song", this song is a popular folk song from Okinawa and features a unique blend of traditional Okinawan and modern pop music.Shima Uta is a traditional folk song from Okinawa, Japan. It is characterized by a gentle, melodic sound and lyrics that often reflect the beauty and nature of the islands. The song is widely known and loved throughout Japan and has become an important symbol of Okinawan culture.
- Region: Okinawa, Japan
- Genre: Folk
- Language: Okinawan dialect of the Japanese language
- Meaning of the Name: Shima Uta translates to 'Island Song'
- Instruments: Traditional Okinawan instruments such as the Sanshin (three-stringed instrument) and Taiko (drums)
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80votes"Nanatsu no Ko" is meaning "Seven Children", this song is a traditional Japanese children's song that teaches counting and is often sung during festivals and celebrations.Nanatsu no Ko, also known as 'Seven Little Kids,' is a popular folk song in Japan that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a children's song that tells the heartwarming story of a mother goat and her seven adorable kids. The song emphasizes the mother's love and protective nature towards her children.
- Genre: Folk song
- Language: Japanese
- Theme: Motherly love, family
- Popularity: High
- Origins: Unknown, but believed to be from the late 19th or early 20th century
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910votes"Kokiriko Bushi" is originating from the Tohoku region of Japan, this song is a lively folk tune often played during harvest festivals and features traditional Japanese percussion instruments.Kokiriko Bushi is a traditional Japanese folk song that originated in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is often performed as a lively and energetic dance accompanied by rhythmic clapping and the use of percussion instruments.
- Genre: Folk music
- Origin: Tohoku region, Japan
- Instruments: Clapping, percussion instruments
- Dance Style: Lively, energetic
- Traditional: Yes
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109votes"Kiso Bushi" is originating from the Nagano Prefecture, this song is a traditional folk tune that tells the story of the Kiso Valley and the people who live there.Kiso Bushi is a traditional Japanese folk song that originated in the Kiso region of Nagano Prefecture. It is widely considered one of the most popular and beloved folk songs in Japan. The song's lyrics depict the beautiful landscapes and customs of the Kiso region, capturing a sense of nostalgia and reflecting the simplicity of rural life. Kiso Bushi gained widespread popularity in the 1970s and has since become a symbol of Nagano Prefecture's cultural heritage.
- Genre: Folk song
- Origin: Kiso region, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
- Popularity: One of the most popular folk songs in Japan
- Lyrics: Depict beautiful landscapes and customs of the Kiso region
- Atmosphere: Evokes a sense of nostalgia and simplicity
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Ranking factors for popular folk song
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Historical and cultural significanceThe song should hold importance in Japanese history and culture and resonate with the Japanese people's identity and values.
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Lyrics and melodyThe lyrics and melody should be memorable and have a strong impact on the listeners. The theme or message of the song should be easy to understand and relate to.
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Popularity over timeThe folk song should have enduring popularity over a long period, with widespread recognition and appreciation across different generations and demographics.
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Frequency of performanceThe song should be frequently performed and enjoyed at various events, celebrations, or gatherings. This includes school curricula, local festivals, and national events.
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Emotional resonanceThe folk song should evoke an emotional response from listeners, be it feelings of nostalgia, pride, or joy.
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Adaptability and versatilityThe song should be adaptable and versatile, as demonstrated by various renditions, cover versions, and arrangements that showcase its enduring popularity.
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Influence on other musicThe folk song should have an impact on other musical genres or acts, serving as an inspiration for other musicians or serving as a foundation for the development of new musical traditions and styles.
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Representativeness of Japanese folk musicThe song should be a representative example of Japanese folk music, showcasing its unique characteristics and elements.
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AccessibilityThe song should be easy to learn and perform, allowing for widespread participation by people of different ages and skill levels.
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Recognition by cultural organizations and expertsThe folk song should be acknowledged and recognized by cultural organizations, researchers, or experts as an important and popular Japanese folk song.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular folk song in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or ballad is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3535 views
- 202 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each ballad once every 24 hours. The rank of each ballad is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular folk song in japan
Japan has a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in its history, traditions, and customs. Folk music has played a significant role in Japanese culture over the centuries, reflecting the country's diverse regional identities and unique musical styles.
One of the most popular genres of Japanese folk music is minyo, which literally means "folk song." Minyo songs are characterized by their simple melodies, repetitive rhythms, and poetic lyrics that often express themes of love, nature, and everyday life.
Among the countless minyo songs in Japan, there are a few that have become particularly beloved and well-known across the country. These songs, which are often performed at festivals, weddings, and other cultural events, have become an enduring part of Japanese musical heritage and continue to be cherished by people of all ages.
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