[Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
We’d like to introduce autumn nursery rhymes, songs, and traditional children’s songs that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
When you think of autumn, what comes to mind?
Pine cones, acorns, autumn leaves, moon-viewing… The more you think about it, the more images pop up, don’t they?
In this article, we’ve gathered wonderful classics that make autumn scenery unfold right before your eyes.
From gentle, soothing pieces unique to autumn that sink into the heart, to hand-play songs and traditional children’s tunes you can play and sing along with—these are all famous songs that let you experience autumn in many ways.
Be sure to listen together, sing along, and immerse yourselves in “autumn.”
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[Autumn Children's Songs] Autumn songs, school songs, and nursery rhymes. A collection of classic songs you’ll want to sing in autumn (21–30)
Village AutumnSakushi: Saitō Nobuo / Sakkyoku: Kainuma Minoru
Sato no Aki (Autumn in the Village) depicts the scene, on an autumn day after the war ended, of a family waiting for the father who had gone off to the front to return.
Even though the war was over, in the postwar chaos many people could not easily make their way back to their hometowns.
Like the family in this song, there were those who waited month after month, even year after year, for fathers and sons to come home.
As the season shifts from the sweltering summer when the war ended into autumn, the song portrays a heartrending scene of a family praying for their loved ones’ safety and waiting for them.
Remembering the happy autumn days they once spent together, this family continues to wait for the father’s return.
Mr. Gonbee Next DoorSakushi: Kindā Sākuru / Sakkyoku: Kindā Sākuru
This song is packed with the charm of traditional children’s rhymes.
It’s a fun tune for kids to sing while playing in a circle.
With comical, food-themed lyrics, it depicts Gonbē and friends teaming up to enjoy cherry-blossom and moon-viewing.
The rhythmic, easy-to-remember melody quickly captures children’s hearts.
It’s perfect for group play in nurseries and kindergartens, naturally teaching the importance of cooperation and communication with friends.
Since it’s sung while moving the body, it doubles as enjoyable exercise.
It also fits well with seasonal events, so everyone can sing and dance together and create lots of happy memories!
Seven-year-old childSakushi: Noguchi Ujo / Sakkyoku: Motoori Nagayo
The autumn song “Nanatsu no Ko” brings to mind a heartwarming scene of a parent crow and its child.
Many in the older generation may remember The Drifters’ parody version leaving a strong impression.
The song begins by asking why the crow is cawing and unfolds into a cozy story: it’s actually calling out to its little ones in the mountains.
It’s also nice to listen while imagining what feelings are carried in those calls.
If you happen to see crows calling, try singing this song while picturing a lovely crow parent and child!
Child of AutumnSakushi: Satou Hachirou / Sakkyoku: Suehiro Yasuo
Another autumn masterpiece by poet Hachiro Sato—also known for writing the lyrics to the children’s song Little Autumn Found—is Aki no Ko (Child of Autumn).
The song appeared in 1954 in an article titled “New Children’s Songs Almanac” in the magazine Asahi Graph.
The composer was Yasuo Suehiro, who was both a composer and a fisheries scientist.
Its lyrics, which evoke autumn landscapes and scenes of the era, combined with a gentle melody, give the song a melancholy sound while also conveying a warm, embracing feeling.
It’s a perfect piece for an autumn evening, especially when you want to calm your mind.
That Town, This TownSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei
This song is the work of the golden duo of the children’s song world: lyrics by Ujō Noguchi and music by Shimpei Nakayama.
The buoyant rhythm, known as the “Pyonko-bushi,” naturally lifts your spirits as you listen.
The piece depicts the slightly lonely yet somehow nostalgic feeling of looking back at your home growing distant on the way back at dusk.
It was published in a magazine in January 1924, and some say the poem was influenced by the sadness and isolation felt after the Great Kanto Earthquake the previous year.
There’s also an anecdote that composer Shimpei Nakayama would hum this song in his later years, which speaks to its profound appeal.
It’s a moving classic, perfect for listening to on an autumn evening while gazing at the crimson sky.
Why not share it with someone dear and let it stir thoughts of each of your hometowns?
hometownSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi
On long autumn nights, do you ever suddenly think of your hometown and feel a little lonely? This piece has a warm melody that seems to gently stay by your side in such moments.
Its lyrics depict the original landscapes of home that everyone carries in their hearts, like the hills where we chased rabbits and the rivers where we caught small crucian carp.
First released in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, it was performed at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving audiences around the world.
It is a classic that continues to be sung in Japanese by overseas groups such as IL DIVO.
It’s the perfect song for those living away from home, listening to the chirping of autumn insects and quietly reflecting on their roots.
Village Festivalsakushi sakkyoku: fushō
Autumn is also the season when many festivals are held.
The children’s song “Village Festival” brings to mind the lively scenes of such cheerful autumn fairs.
The song depicts a village festival celebrating the local deity.
With various instruments ringing out, the villagers hold a grand celebration for the god who brings bountiful harvests and peace.
Its light, joyful melody is sure to liven up the festivals in your own town as well! Listening to this song might make you want to head out to enjoy the unique pleasures of autumn festivals, so different from those of summer.