Once you’ve cleared addition and subtraction, the next thing that comes along is multiplication!
The first step you need to learn is the multiplication table, known as “kuku.”
Once you’ve memorized it, many kinds of calculations become easier, but getting it down can be pretty tough.
So in this article, we’re introducing songs that make it easier to remember the kuku!
We’ve gathered a variety of tunes, from songs with fun rhythms to ones you can learn alongside popular characters.
Just rote memorization can get boring, but if you sing along to a rhythm, you can learn the kuku enjoyably!
Sing a lot and master the multiplication table!
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A fun song for learning the multiplication table (1–10)
Multiplication Table SongHideo Kageyama
If you’re looking for a more pop and fun song to help kids learn the multiplication tables, I’d like to recommend “The Multiplication Song.” It’s a work by Hideo Kageyama, who has served as the chairman of the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education and as a member of the Education Rebuilding Council.
The music itself is pop, but above all, the friendly animals that speak to the listener create a cheerful vibe.
Different characters appear for each set of tables, so even young children are unlikely to get bored while watching.
Also, the song is structured so that children answer the products within the track, making it a great opportunity to have them answer along.
Multiplication Table Songyoshimin sensei
Mr.
Yoshimin, who publishes educational videos on YouTube for elementary and middle school students, offers a multiplication table memory song called “The Multiplication Song.” This one is different from the usual multiplication songs.
It comes with the subtitle “Learn by looking at the amount per one,” and the video features rice balls with pickled plums inside.
For example, in the 2-times table, the number of rice balls with two pickled plums increases.
This way, kids can learn the times tables not just by sound but also with a clear, logical concept.
It’s recommended for children who are getting bored with ordinary memory songs!
Multiplication Table Rock ’n’ Roll!!kakkī & asshu poteto
Many songs for learning the multiplication tables have a relaxed, nursery-rhyme-like tempo.
But if the tunes all sound the same, many children are bound to get bored.
That’s when we recommend Kakkī & Ash Potato’s “Kuku Rock ’n’ Roll.” This track lets kids memorize the times tables to a rock ’n’ roll beat.
Another major difference from other multiplication songs is that the music video isn’t animated.
It’s available on Nippon Columbia’s YouTube channel, so check it out if you’re interested.
Kukukukukukuku, the Song of the Multiplication TableHatsune Miku
Many children like Vocaloid songs, don’t they? In that case, I’d like to introduce “Ku-ku-ku-ku-ku-ku-ku-ku Times Table Song.” It’s a mnemonic song for learning the times tables, produced by the Vocaloid producer Hayate-P using Hatsune Miku.
Set to a fast tempo, Hatsune Miku rhythmically recites the multiplication tables.
Aside from the lyrics being the times tables, it’s just like any other Vocaloid track, so kids should be able to enjoy it without resistance! By the way, there’s also a karaoke version available, which I highly recommend singing along to!
Song of 99Yamano Satoko
A song that’s often sung at school is Satoko Yamano’s “99 no Uta.” Set to lively synthesizer music, it lets you review the multiplication tables from 1 through 9 all at once.
It was included in the educational collection “Columbia Kids: Anime de Oboeru Tokutoku 99 no Uta, Kenchō Shozaichi no Uta, Eigo no Uta ~.” By the way, this collection also features other mnemonic songs like “Ukulele Kenchō Shozaichi” and “How Many Centimeters Is One Meter? ~Song of Units~.” Since it helps you learn a variety of subjects together, it’s perfect for households with children!
The Times Table SongDoraemon
The song “The Multiplication Tables Song” features characters from the beloved anime Doraemon.
It doesn’t just recite the times tables; it also includes dialogue between the characters.
Thanks to that, even children who struggle with studying may find it easy to listen to.
There are also regular song sections, giving it a feel closer to a traditional children’s song.
By the way, Doraemon here is voiced by Nobuyo Oyama, which will likely feel nostalgic for many parents.
Multiplication Table SongPinkittsu
Pinky Kids is an educational service from South Korea.
Word of mouth has spread, and it seems their user base is growing in Japan as well.
One of the videos they’ve posted on their YouTube channel is “The Multiplication Table Song.” The charm of this track lies in its music video, where comical characters move briskly.
Because there’s plenty of visual motion, even small children don’t get bored.
There are also comments saying that, since the entire multiplication table is covered within a single song, children can learn it quickly.
Even kids who don’t show interest in other multiplication songs might listen to this one attentively.