[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.”
- [For Seniors] Autumn Songs That Touch the Heart: From Nostalgic Children’s Songs and School Songs to Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
- [Autumn Songs] Songs of autumn. Classic tracks and popular favorites you’ll want to listen to in the fall.
- Song of the Maple Leaves. An autumn children’s song/nursery rhyme/folk song
- Recommended children's songs and hand play songs for October! Music time in childcare that feels like autumn.
- [2026] Songs to listen to in November: masterpieces of late autumn, autumn songs.
- [Childcare] Recommended songs and nursery rhymes for November: Fun autumn fingerplay songs
- A collection of classic nursery rhymes and hand-play songs for September! Enjoy autumn with your child through songs.
- [2026] Autumn Songs for People in Their 60s: Classic Tracks Perfect for the Deepening Fall
- [For Seniors] Classic Autumn Songs to Sing in November: From Children’s Songs to Popular Enka and Kayōkyoku
- Children’s songs and nursery rhymes about the moon
- Recommended autumn songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era autumn tunes
- Popular Autumn Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Autumn Classics] Japanese Songs to Listen to and Sing in October: A Curated Selection of Beloved, Heartfelt Hits
[Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and nursery rhymes. A collection of classic tunes to sing in autumn (31–40)
Touch it, and autumn will feel lonely.Sakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao
Kinao Nakata, the composer of “If You Touch It, Autumn Will Feel Lonely,” also created pieces such as “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” (I Found a Little Autumn) and “Natsu no Omoide” (Memories of Summer).
He originally aspired to be a jazz pianist, but had to give up because his hands were small, so he switched to composing and produced many memorable masterpieces that have stayed in our hearts.
In the lyrics featuring autumn plants like chestnuts and balsam, you can sense the fragrance of the season.
Shichi-Go-San (the traditional Japanese celebration for children aged 3, 5, and 7)Sakushi: Kobayashi Jun’ichi / Sakkyoku: Isobe Osamu
Shichi-Go-San is a ceremony in which children, at the traditional ages of seven, five, and three (counted by the old Japanese method), report their growth to the gods.
Even the sight of children fidgeting in unfamiliar kimonos feels like a seasonal hallmark that evokes autumn.
The children’s song “Shichi-Go-San” clearly portrays the autumn scenery in which the celebration takes place and the children themselves.
It vividly depicts not only the children heading to the shrine under clear autumn skies, but also the surrounding plants, conjuring an image of their adorable, restless glances all around.
sports dayNoritake Akihiko
When it comes to big events in autumn, the sports day immediately comes to mind! While some people love it and many find it challenging, the song “Undōkai” portrays children looking forward to the event.
The lyrics cheer on the kids doing their best in each event, and depict the teachers and parents watching over and encouraging them.
Knowing that everyone is rooting for you can make you feel like, “I’ll do my best!” even if you’re not good at sports.
Whether you’re excited about sports day or not, this is a song that makes both feelings bubble with anticipation.
Plover on the BeachSakushi: Kashima Naruaki / Sakkyoku: Hirota Ryūtarō
The children’s song “Hamachidori” was released in 1919.
It is said that the lyricist, Naoaki Kashima, visited a friend’s home in Kashiwazaki, took a walk along the Bangami Coast, saw the little shorebirds, and was inspired to write the poem.
The moon, the sea, and the birds… What a moving scene full of charm.
a maple leafSakushi sakkyoku: Sasaki Nobutsuna
This is a charming children’s song written and composed by Nobutsuna Sasaki.
It depicts a heartwarming scene that brings to mind a child delighting in comparing fluttering, falling leaves with their own hands.
Its gentle melody makes it easy for children to sing, and the lyrics are filled with words that warm the heart.
It’s perfect not only for singing in preschools and kindergartens, but also for humming along with your child on an autumn stroll.
Be sure to sing together and enjoy the colors of the season.
[Autumn Children's Songs] Autumn songs, school songs, and nursery rhymes. A collection of masterpieces you’ll want to sing in autumn (41–50)
Cosmos flowerSakushi: Kumagai Hongo / Sakkyoku: Takatsuki Hiromitsu
This is a children’s song that layers a gentle, enveloping warmth over cosmos flowers swaying in the autumn breeze.
Created by children’s author Hongo Kumagai and composer Hiromitsu Takatsuki, the piece won the Grand Prize at the 1st Japan Original Children’s Song Competition in 1990.
The lyrics portray deep, motherly love and sincerity, offering quiet comfort to listeners.
After its award, the song was included in collections such as “Everyone’s Children’s Songs 200-1” and has continued to be sung ever since.
Listen to it on a slightly chilly evening while thinking of someone dear or your hometown, and its tender melody will slowly seep into your heart.
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.