Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about animals
We’ve put together a collection of children’s songs that almost everyone has heard at least once, like “Elephant,” “The Policeman Dog,” and “Aye-Aye.” Because they’re made for little kids, looking at the lyrics again really shows their pleasing sound, easy-to-follow stories, and skillful word choices.
Famous nursery rhymes that have been sung for generations are perfect for parents and children to sing together.
This time, we’ve also selected many songs that you can do hand motions with, so be sure to enjoy singing along together!
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Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes about animals (71–80)
Goldfish’s Nap
This is a children’s song about a goldfish taking a nap in a fishbowl.
“Bebe” is a baby word meaning clothing, and indeed the goldfish’s red tail fin might look like it’s wearing a kimono.
Incidentally, unlike humans, goldfish are said to have only REM sleep.
pigeon
This song has long been loved as a children’s nursery rhyme that feels friendly and familiar.
The lyrics, which depict feeding beans to pigeons, have a pleasant sound and an easy-to-follow story.
Since it was included in the Ministry of Education’s textbook in 1911, it has been passed down and sung for many years.
With its simple melody and approachable lyrics, it’s often sung year-round.
It carries an important message about kindness to animals and living in harmony with nature, playing a key role in music education at home and in schools.
It’s a perfect song for parents and children to sing together.
Zebra Swirl
It’s a children’s song that playfully wonders what would happen if you put a zebra’s stripes on a polar bear, on Mom, or on the blue sky.
It was broadcast on “Okaasan to Issho” and became a popular tune.
With its bright melody, it’s an uplifting animal song.
Squirrel squirrel little squirrel
This is a song by Hakushu Kitahara and Tamezo Narita.
You can almost picture a little squirrel scampering about energetically.
It was published in the inaugural issue of the children’s song magazine Akai Tori in 1918 and spread throughout Japan.
It somehow brings on a nostalgic feeling, doesn’t it?
Nanbu Cattle Drover’s Song
This is a song that has long been cherished as a folk tune of Iwate Prefecture.
It has also been recorded by enka singer Kohei Fukuda, known for “Nambu Semi-shigure.” The melody has that uniquely Japanese folk-song familiarity, which is lovely.
The lyrics, too, strongly reflect the character of the region.
Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-catsakushi sakkyoku/yamamoto naozumi
An adorable children’s song where four familiar animals are linked together in a word-chain (shiritori).
It’s also popular as a hand-play song.
Written and composed by Naosumi Yamamoto, it was broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and has continued to be loved by many children.
In August 1999, a version by Masako Saito and the Suginami Children’s Choir was released, and various artists have covered it since.
Its simple, easy-to-remember melody and the animals’ distinctive sounds make it perfect for hand-play time in kindergartens and preschools!
A Rainy Day on the Ranch
Set on a rainy day at a farm, this friendly song portrays the animals having fun.
Cows, sheep, and chickens play in the rain and stroll under umbrellas, all depicted with a bright and charming melody.
Released in September 2024 as an original song on the YouTube channel “LiaChaCha,” this piece is perfect for June, when indoor play increases during the rainy season, and is a tune kids can sing and enjoy together.
It’s sure to blow away those rainy-day blues.