[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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[Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and nursery rhymes. A collection of classic tunes to sing in autumn (31–40)
wild gooseSakushi sakkyoku: Taki Rentarō
“Wild Geese,” a composition by Rentaro Taki themed around the geese that come to Japan from autumn to winter, vividly portrays the emotional scene of flocks moving across a moonlit night sky.
It’s a charming piece perfectly suited to autumn, the season of the Harvest Moon.
It is said that Taki composed this work while in Toyama, inspired by the sight of geese flying through the night sky.
In this brief piece, the beauty of a Japanese moonlit night is captured to the fullest.
As the heat fades from mornings and evenings in autumn, why not listen to this piece and once again savor Japan’s distinctive elegance?
Chubby Potato-chan and Tiny Potato-chanSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira
It’s a very adorable song that depicts a chubby sweet potato and a little sweet potato poking their heads out of the soil.
The lyric’s question—what were they playing at underground?—greatly expands children’s rich imaginations.
The composer is Akira Yuyama, who has produced a wide range of works since winning a music competition in 1953.
As this piece has been selected by Nippon Victor for seasonal projects such as “Songs for October,” it can be considered a representative song of autumn.
It’s recommended listening for the whole family after enjoying sweet potato digging.
If you sing while imagining “What kind of stories were they telling underground?” it’s sure to spark lively conversation.
Happy Halloween, everyone! Let’s have fun together!sakushi sakkyoku: yamaguchi ai
If your child wants a bright, fun party rather than a slightly spooky Halloween vibe, this work by Ai Yamaguchi is perfect! The song has a very pop, happy feel, so even kids who don’t like scary things can enjoy it with peace of mind.
True to Ai Yamaguchi—who started learning classical piano at age five—the irresistibly catchy melody will have anyone humming along after just one listen.
The lyrics feature cute ghosts and jack-o’-lanterns, capturing the excitement of receiving lots of sweets and having a party.
You can really feel Yamaguchi’s gentle affection for children.
Sing and dance together, and Halloween will be even more fun!
Mother in the EveningSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao
Another classic autumn song by lyricist Hachiro Sato and composer Yoshinao Nakada, the creators of “Kawaii Kakurenbo” (Cute Hide-and-Seek) and “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” (I Found Little Autumn).
This piece portrays the somewhat lonely scenery of an autumn evening and the warmth of a mother felt within it.
With the gentle, heart-penetrating melodies so characteristic of Yoshinao Nakada, it resonates deeply with listeners.
The work spread through radio and other media in the 1950s, and can be heard on albums such as “Yoshinao Nakada: Selected Children’s Songs – Kawaii Kakurenbo / Medaka no Gakko.” There is a touching anecdote that at Hachiro Sato’s funeral in 1973, all the attendees sang the song accompanied by Nakada himself on piano—an episode that conveys the depth of their bond and the special power of this song.
It is a tender, embracing piece, perfect for moments of thinking about family on an autumn evening.
Song of Leaving My HometownSakushi: Yoshimaru Kazumasa / Sakkyoku: Doitsu Min’yō
This is a classic song that brings to mind scenes of a distant hometown in the season when the autumn breeze seeps into the heart.
Originally a German folk song about parting lovers, it was transformed by lyricist Isshō Yoshimaru into an emotionally rich piece that sings of a bittersweet farewell to one’s homeland.
Through images of beautiful nature—like the murmuring of a brook and seasonal flowers—the loneliness of someone departing and their deep affection for home are powerfully conveyed.
The song was published in a songbook in July 1913, and in later years was also passed down in performances by Peggy Hayama.
When you’re away from home, you sometimes find yourself longing for the scenes of the past, don’t you? It’s a wonderful choice to listen to on a long autumn night while reminiscing about days gone by.
[Autumn Children's Songs] Autumn songs, school songs, and nursery rhymes. A collection of masterpieces you’ll want to sing in autumn (41–50)
Apple Village NewsSakushi: Yamakawa Keisuke / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Takeshi
It’s a heartwarming song that feels like receiving a share of happiness from a village overflowing with autumn’s harvest.
The lyrics vividly sing of scenes like apples turning red and the gentle joys found in everyday life.
The nostalgic imagery that unfolds wraps the listener’s heart in warmth.
Released in September 2018 as a recording by Saori Yuki and Shoko Yasuda, the piece is also included on the collaborative album Noriko Matsukura and Takeshi Shibuya.
The story that it was recorded at a jazz bar in Nishi-Ogikubo further speaks to the work’s cozy atmosphere.
Try listening on an autumn afternoon while sipping tea—it’s a perfect song for peaceful moments spent with the whole family.
black kiteSakushi: Kuzuhara Shigeru / Sakkyoku: Yanada Tadashi
When you catch sight of birds tracing circles in the high autumn sky as if they’re feeling wonderful, doesn’t your heart feel at ease? This song, with lyrics by Shigeru Kuzuhara and music by Tadashi Yanada, is a very free-spirited children’s song that depicts birds dancing through such a sky.
The playful phrases that imitate birdsong are striking, conveying the creators’ gentle wish for children to sing out joyfully.
First published in May 1918 in the song collection Taishō Shōnen Shōka, the piece can still be heard today on albums such as Let’s Sing Together: Best of Japanese Children’s Songs.
On a clear autumn day, spreading your arms like wings and singing it together as parent and child makes it even more fun.