[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)
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!
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.
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.
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!
A midnight in autumnSakushi: Sasaki Nobutsuna / Sakkyoku: Kāru Maria Furīdorihi Erunsuto Fon Uēbā
It’s a beautiful autumn song that is often sung at children’s chorus competitions.
Many people learned it in elementary school, right? Perhaps it even sparked your interest in classical music.
The piece is from Weber’s opera Der Freischütz, with lyrics by Nobutsuna Sasaki, and it has long been cherished as a school song.
Carrying autumn’s melancholy on children’s clear voices, it’s a classic you’ll want to hear in this season.
larchSakushi: Nogami Akira / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Hideo
It’s one of the famous choral pieces that were set as required works in the All-Japan Choral Competition and the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (High School Division) in the 1980s.
“落葉松” is read as “Karamatsu” (Japanese larch).
Even with your eyes closed, the scenes rise before you—it’s a piece that speaks directly to the heart.
The poem by Akira Nogami already existed, and Hideo Kobayashi composed the music for it.
Deeply moved by the poem, Kobayashi contacted Nogami to ask to set it as an art song, but by then Nogami had already passed away.
Nogami would surely have wanted to hear it…
Where is this mushroom?Sakushi: Morichiyoko / Sakkyoku: Zahatorte
This song unfolds like an autumn landscape right before your eyes.
It features humorous lyrics that ask where mushrooms grow and a catchy melody.
The playful idea that mushrooms might be in the forest, the sky, or the sea is sure to make children smile.
Introduced in September 2010 as the “Song of the Month” on Okaasan to Issho, it quickly became a favorite among many kids.
Its lively rhythm and cheerful tune are perfect for autumn walks and field trips.
It could be fun to sing together while actually going to look for mushrooms.
Why not enjoy singing it with family and friends while soaking in the beauty of autumn nature?