君が代 [Kimigayo]Words : 古歌 [Ancient Poetry]Music : 林廣守・奥好義 [HAYASHI Hiromori, OKU Yoshiisa] “Kimigayo” is Japan’s national anthem. While it feels a bit daunting to explain a national anthem, there is …
Non-popular music
Non-Pop
Sakura Sakura | Traditional
さくらさくら [Sakura Sakura]Words & Music : 作者不詳 [Unknown] “Sakura Sakura,” or “Sakura,” is a very famous traditional Japanese song. Originally, it was a song called “Saita Sakura” and used as …
Usagi | Traditional
うさぎ [Usagi]Words & Music : 作者不詳 [Unknown] “Usagi” is a traditional Japanese children’s song. Its exact origin is unknown, but it is believed to have been created during the Edo …
Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa | 1955
ちいさい秋みつけた [Chīsai Aki Mitsuketa]Words : サトウハチロー [SATŌ Hachirō]Music : 中田喜直 [NAKADA Yoshinao] This time, I’d like to introduce a children’s song that adults can also enjoy—a perfect song for the …
Umi | 1941
うみ [Umi]Words : 林柳波 [HAYASHI Ryūha]Music : 井上武士 [INOUE Takeshi] Let’s learn Japanese through children’s songs. It’s okay even for beginners. It’s better if you read the previous song, “Kotori …
Kotori no Uta | 1954
ことりのうた [Kotori no Uta]Words : 与田準一 [YODA Junichi]Music : 芥川也寸志 [AKUTAGAWA Yasushi] Let’s learn Japanese with a children’s song. It’s okay even for beginners. ことりは とっても うたが すきkotori wa tottemo …
Kojo no Tsuki | 1901
荒城の月 [Kōjō no Tsuki]Words : 土井晩翠 [DOI Bansui]Music : 滝廉太郎 [TAKI Rentarō], 山田耕作 [YAMADA Kōsaku] “Kojo no Tsuki” is a song with lyrics by Bansui Doi and music by Rentarō …
Akatonbo | 1927
赤とんぼ [Akatonbo]Words : 三木露風 [MIKI Rofū]Music : 山田耕作 [YAMADA Kōsaku] “Akatonbo” is one of Japan’s most beloved children’s songs. In Japan, it falls into the categories of “dōyō” (children’s songs) …