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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Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about animals (21–30)
The Bear of the Forest
As a children’s song featuring animals, this one is a true classic! It depicts the surprising moment of encountering a bear in the forest.
However, the bear turns out to be kind, picking up the earring the young lady dropped.
It’s a cheerful song that conjures up the image of a cute bear.
Black Cat Tango
It’s a children’s song born in Italy in 1969.
As the title suggests, its distinctive feature is its tango style.
It’s sung not only in Japan but all around the world.
The original record has sold over 9 million copies, making it a true classic among classics.
little fox
It seems like a fashion-loving fox—perhaps a girl fox? Autumn looks fun with nuts and colorful leaves, but it seems hard to dress up in winter.
A fox that feels similar to humans is very endearing.
Goosey, Goosey, Gander
This is a lively Mother Goose piece that begins with a call to the geese and features a catchy melody.
The lyrics describe going up and down the stairs, and it’s loved as a play song that you can enjoy while moving your body.
At first glance it seems cheerful, but it’s said that the lyrics actually hide satire about historical religious conflicts, giving the song a slightly mysterious background.
First included, it is said, in a nursery rhyme collection published in 1784, this venerable piece has been covered by numerous singers and educational programs, and is a standard in the English-speaking world.
You’ll also often hear it as insert music in animations and documentaries themed on Mother Goose.
Its rhythmic wordplay makes it perfect for enjoying English sounds, so be sure to sing and dance along with your child!
Spring MeadowSakushi: Sakata Hiroo Sakkyoku: Ichikawa Toshiharu
This is a children’s song by poet-lyricist Hiroo Sakata and composer Toshiharu Ichikawa, a pioneer of educational music, depicting a foal galloping across a pasture.
It sings of a lively young horse running about in the spring breeze, with fresh grasses and flowers sprouting all around.
It has been included for many years in lower-grade music textbooks, featuring a comfortable vocal range and an easy-to-remember melody that thoughtfully draws out children’s natural singing voices.
It is featured in Educational Art Company’s elementary school music textbooks for the 2020 and 2024 school years, with accompanying teacher’s CDs and beginner piano scores available.
Expressing the vibrant feeling of spring through a bright, light rhythm, this piece is perfect for choral singing in early childhood settings as a new season begins, or for family sing-alongs at home.
If your child loves ranches or animals, try singing it together for fun!
HAPPY HONEY HORSENo-zan Ho-su Pa-ku
The hand-play song about horses produced by Northern Horse Park in Tomakomai, Hokkaido is a piece that expresses the fun of interacting with horses through dance.
It’s designed so that children can physically portray the characteristics of horses—like the clip-clop of running, affectionate nuzzling, long necks, and signature gestures—in time with the rhythm.
By weaving running and jumping movements into the lyrics and using lots of easy-to-mimic onomatopoeia, the song is structured so even first-time listeners can quickly sing and dance along.
Released in April 2023, the lyrics were written by Nanami Miyoshi and the Northern Friends, with music by Shuntaro Yamauchi and Nanami Miyoshi.
You can also enjoy the music video on the park’s official website.
Watching the video before your visit and then meeting the horses on-site will likely make the experience even more memorable.
It’s the perfect track for parents and children who want to move their bodies while growing fond of horses!
Playable on easy piano! KusakeibaSakkyoku: Sutiibun Fositā
Composed in 19th-century America, this lively piece depicts a horse’s brisk gallop with a bouncy melody and the rousing cry of “Doo-dah!” Since its publication in February 1850, it has been covered by many artists, including Bing Crosby and Kenny Rogers, and has been featured in the film Blazing Saddles and in Looney Tunes.
In Japan, it was also played during the equestrian performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic opening ceremony, making it a familiar tune in a wide range of settings.
There is plenty of beginner piano sheet music available, and because it’s written in C major, mostly on the white keys, even newcomers can enjoy practicing while feeling the sense of speed.
It’s a perfect choice for musical play both in childcare settings and at home!
The little cowboy has arrived.Sakkyoku: Sakata Hiroo / Sakushi: Arekisu Sakkyoku Tom Tirilin Tom
This song, which depicts a lively cowboy galloping across the vast western plains, was selected in an Italian children’s song contest in 1965 and was given Japanese lyrics by Hiroo Sakata.
It vividly portrays a little cowboy from the cactus-blossoming West riding along on his horse while strumming a banjo.
The repeated “la-la-la” set to a marching rhythm is delightful and makes children naturally want to move their bodies.
It was first broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1966, and was later sung on “Okaasan to Issho.” In 1991, a single was also released by Ichiro Mizuki.
It’s a perfect children’s song for everyone to sing together with rounds and handclaps, full of energy!
Song of the Resounding GrasslandsSakushi: Kubota Yuzuru Sakkyoku: Maruyama Aki
This piece opens a series based on Mongolian folk tales.
Poet Yuzuru Kubota and composer Aki Maruyama joined forces, and it was first unveiled at a premiere concert held at the Nagoya Civic Hall in May 2000.
It was later formally published in September 2002 as the opening number in the score collection Aki Maruyama Song Collection [Supplement]: Suho’s White Horse.
The lyrics weave in images of a steppe where wind and light resonate, and its bright, easy-to-sing melody makes it accessible for children.
It works beautifully in many settings—sung alongside a story reading in schools or preschools, or used as an introductory piece for recitals and concerts.
horse (childish/affectionate term)Sakushi: Hayashi Ryūha / Sakkyoku: Matsushima Tsune
This piece portrays a foal walking clip-clop alongside its mother, set to a gentle rhythm.
Lyricist Yanaha Hayashi is said to have written the words based on the scene of a mare and foal he saw at the Imperial Stock Farm in Chiba, weaving the affection between animal mother and child in simple language.
Composer Tsune Matsushima aimed for a vocal range and phrasing that are easy for lower elementary grades to sing, and created accompaniment that is easy to play on keyboard or harmonica.
After being included in the February 1941 national school textbook “Uta no Hon, Upper,” it continued to be adopted in textbooks by various publishers after the war, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” It fits naturally into kindergarten and preschool choruses, and it’s easy to incorporate into fingerplay or instrumental ensembles.
If parents and children sing it together, they can have fun imitating the sound of hoofbeats.