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 (41–50)
snail
With its humorous lyrics and upbeat melody, “Katatsumuri” (Snail) is a perfect song for one-year-olds who are getting into music.
Since it’s up-tempo, many kids will enthusiastically join in and imitate the actions.
It’s also fun to use your hands to show the snail’s horns coming out in time with the lyrics.
When the rain lets up during the rainy season, why not go out and look for snails? Because they know them from the song, children may feel a special fondness.
It’s a tune that will make you want to hum along without thinking.
A little leaf boat
This is a children’s song about migratory swallows returning to southern lands aboard boats made of tree leaves.
When adults listen, they can’t help but wonder: real swallows don’t have such habits, do they? Wouldn’t a leaf boat sink? It’s full of questions—but it’s a delightfully imaginative idea, very characteristic of Ujo Noguchi.
The Bear of the Forest
The lyrics for the first half, from verses 1 to 5, are all from “Forest Bear” (Mori no Kuma-san), which you can sing by echoing like a yodel! Even if you haven’t completely memorized the lyrics, encouraging children with “Try singing after the teacher!” lets them naturally memorize the words as they sing.
Plus, since it has a solid story from beginning to end, it’s fun to learn as a narrative—another great point of this song.
It might be good to have them practice singing in rounds while expanding their imagination by showing a picture book or a paper-theater (kamishibai).
Cute Hide and SeekSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao
This is a gentle children’s song about a game of hide-and-seek played by adorable animals.
Hatchlings, sparrows, and puppies try their best to conceal themselves, warmly portrayed in the words of Hachirō Satō, with Yoshinao Nakada’s melody enhancing its charm even further.
First released in 1951, the piece has inspired children’s playfulness and curiosity toward animals.
The thrilling hide-and-seek unfolds in everyday scenes—gardens, rooftops, and meadows.
It’s perfect for singing with your child in fresh, green May, while thinking of the animals you might meet on a walk.
The rhythm of the lyrics and the friendly melody truly seem to express the joy of spring.
I Stepped on the CatSakushi / Sakkyoku: Fushou
Neko Funjatta (literally “I Stepped on the Cat”) has a distinctive rhythm and melody that really gets kids excited.
It’s said to be loved around the world under various titles like “The Flea Waltz” and “The Dog Waltz,” and in Japan, its unique cat-themed lyrics have timeless popularity among children.
In terms of keyboard playing, the melody is composed almost entirely of black keys, and it actually spans more than two octaves, making it great practice for producing a wide vocal range.
Try singing it while enjoying choreography that matches the lyrics, like mimicking a cat!
All mothers
It’s originally a folk song from the United States.
“Onma” means a horse.
The lyrics are charming, wondering why horses run around and why pigs have little curly tails.
Perfect for sing-along time in kindergarten.
Frog Chorus
Speaking of rounds, “Frog Chorus”! Surely everyone has tried singing it as a round at least once, right? It only has a first verse, and the lyrics are very simple, so you won’t spend time memorizing them and can start enjoying the round right away—that’s one of this song’s charms.
Plus, you can come in every two measures from anywhere, which makes it easy to catch the timing.
It’s truly the perfect song for your first round! Encourage the entry with a big, “Ready, go!”
Seven-year-old child
Nanatsu no Ko is a historic Japanese children’s song released in 1921 (Taisho 10).
It’s a song about why the crow cries, and it’s also well known through parody versions.
Seeing a crow in flight always brings the song to mind.
It’s a gentle, fairy-tale-like piece that evokes the twilight hours.
O Bureneli
This song has a lovely, warm and cheerful melody.
It’s a children’s song that originated as a Swiss folk tune.
You can almost picture Switzerland’s beautiful scenery.
It’s also popular as a campfire song.
The question of who “Breneli” in the title refers to is a recurring topic of discussion.
The Puppy Police OfficerSakushi: Satō Yoshimi / Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Megumi
This work, which portrays a heartwarming story of a police dog gently trying to help a lost kitten, is one of Japan’s representative children’s songs, where Yoshimi Sato’s warm lyrics and Megumi Ohnaka’s familiar melody blend beautifully.
While empathizing with the kitten mewing “nyan, nyan, nyan” in distress, the police dog also seeks help from a crow and a sparrow, and his kindness and efforts warmly touch listeners’ hearts.
Composed in the 1950s to 1960s, the song became beloved through educational programs such as NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and “Okaasan to Issho,” and continues to be cherished by many children.