Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about animals

Panda Rabbit Koalasakushi: takada hiroo / sakkyoku: inui hiroki

Let's try the hand game 'Panda Usagi Koala' together!!

The fresh greenery of May feels great, and it’s the perfect season for a trip to the zoo, isn’t it? That’s when this song—featuring three kinds of animals appearing one after another—is perfect for parents and kids to sing and play together.

With lyrics by Hiroo Takada and music by Yuki Inui, it has been loved for many years, including being featured on the December 1990 album “NHK Okaasan to Issho Best 35.” Broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” this piece is especially fun because you can imitate animals in time with the rhythmic calls! The simple choreography is easy to learn right away, making it perfect for getting everyone excited on a field trip bus or at a picnic.

Be sure to strike cute poses together and have fun!

little fox

Little Fox - Little fox, ring-ding, in the mountains, in the mountains ~ (with choreography) [children’s song, school song, piano accompaniment]

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.

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Goosey, Goosey, Gander

Goosey, Goosey Gander – Mother Goose Club Playhouse Kids Video

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!

horse (childish/affectionate term)

♪Horse – O Uma | ♪The mommy and baby horses are very good friends [Japanese song/children’s song]

Amid a relaxed tempo, the affectionate bond between a mother horse and her foal is depicted.

The unique onomatopoeia “pokkuri pokkuri,” mimicking the sound of their steps, sparks children’s imaginations.

First broadcast in 1964 on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it has long been beloved by many.

It’s perfect for parents and children to sing together and is recommended for animal-loving kids.

Through the tender relationship of the horse parent and child, this warm song conveys the importance of family bonds.

HAPPY HONEY HORSENo-zan Ho-su Pa-ku

[Official] Northern Horse Park’s Horse Song “HAPPY HONEY HORSE” – Let’s All Dance

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

[Easy Piano] The Camptown Races ✨

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

Little Cowboy ♪ A little cowboy has come. Lyrics by Hiroo Sakata, music by Alexis. 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!