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 (61–70)
Mr. ElephantSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma
Born from the collaboration of Michio Mado and Ikuma Dan, this song—portraying a warm bond between parent and child—was first broadcast on NHK Radio in May 1952.
Characterized by a gentle triple-time melody and heartwarming lyrics that cherish one’s individuality, it has been featured in many educational and children’s TV programs and is loved across generations.
The May 2007 version by Satoko Yamano and the Morinoki Children’s Choir remains one of the most beloved recordings.
With a melody that nestles close to the heart like a gentle spring breeze, it’s perfect for parents and children to hum together.
In the fresh green season, singing it while out for a walk will make for even more delightful memories.
Hey, Kaba-kun!sakushi: nakagawa itsuko / sakkyoku: nakagawa hirotaka
With its calm and gentle atmosphere, this song was released in April 2007 as a picture book with a CD, and together with illustrations by Hiroshi Abe, a former zookeeper at Asahiyama Zoo, it became a tune rooted in children’s daily lives.
Created by Hirotaka Nakagawa and Itsuko Nakagawa, the work also encourages children’s curiosity about animals through its focus on hippos.
It was featured on the TV program Hirake! Ponkikki and has long been loved by many children.
Its relaxed tempo and melody perfectly match the laid-back image of hippos, making it great for singing along with your child.
Why not hum it happily on a spring field trip or during a visit to the zoo?
Dog PolicemanSakushi: Satō Yoshimi / Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Megumi
This song, in which a police-dog worries about a lost kitten, is a classic that people of any generation know.
Since it sings the animal sounds “meow-meow” for the cat and “woof-woof” for the dog, two-year-olds who are interested in animals will likely sing along enthusiastically.
The bouncy intro accompaniment creates an exciting sense of anticipation as the song begins.
In fact, the accompaniment to “The Police Dog” is a bit complex.
Once you can sing and play it, it will boost your confidence as a teacher!
Rabbit Dance
It’s a delightful children’s song with a cheerful, hopping rhythm that makes it feel as if real rabbits are bouncing and dancing.
Both the singing and the choreography are easy to imitate, so be sure to dance along with the kids.
It’ll even make you want to add some pretend rabbit ears.
The monkey rowed a boat.
This is a song composed by the Japanese classical composer Ikuma Dan with lyrics by the poet Michio Mado.
It’s a children’s song full of humor about a monkey drawing a picture of a boat.
How about imitating the lyrics and trying to draw a picture yourself? The gentle melody is particularly memorable.
Giraffe
The song is about the giraffe’s long neck, legs, and eyelashes.
The lyric saying its long eyelashes are for winking is adorable.
The composition is by singer-songwriter Takao Horiuchi, who was also active as a member of the popular folk group Alice.
Whale Clock
It’s a song very familiar to Japanese people.
The lyrics are about various animals asking a whale for the time.
It’s a pun-filled song that’s very popular with children.
It seems perfect for teaching little kids how to tell time.
Zuizui Zukkorobashi
It’s a traditional Japanese children’s song that has been passed down for generations.
The lyrics also use old Japanese words.
It’s often sung during games to choose “it” or to pick someone.
A mouse that comes to eat rice appears in the song.
It’s a nursery rhyme you can sing with grandparents.
The Turtles’ Excursion
This is a children’s song created by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa.
It sings about how the turtle walks so slowly that it can’t reach the field trip destination even by night.
It’s a slightly humorous animal song that gives you a laid-back feeling.
The Gorilla’s Concert
This is a song that was broadcast in 1994 on the children’s program “Okaasan to Issho.” It’s about a family of gorillas who find musical instruments and hold a concert with them.
The lyrics and singing style, which resemble gorilla calls, are quite funny.
Please try imitating them!