[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 masterpieces you’ll want to sing in autumn (41–50)
The Flowers in the Gardensakushi: satomi gi (yakushi) / sakkyoku: airurando min’yō
Based on an Irish folk tune, this is a school song with lyrics by Yoshishi Satomi that has been sung since the Meiji era.
Its lyrics poignantly capture the loneliness of autumn as the garden’s grasses and flowers wither, and overlay that scene with the image of chrysanthemums that bloom beautifully despite the frost—an emblem of living nobly while enduring solitude.
The piece was published in June 1884 in the Ministry of Education’s Elementary School Song Collection, Part Three, and was later covered by artists such as Yoichi Sugawara and Rainbook.
It’s a wonderful choice for quiet contemplation on a long autumn night.
The song’s powerful message, nestled within its melancholy, will gently accompany the bittersweet feelings that come with the changing seasons.
Its somehow nostalgic, beautiful melody is sure to soothe the heart.
The setting sun gives me a gentle push on the back.sakushi: sakata hiroo / sakkyoku: yamamoto naozumi
A children’s song that evokes a nostalgic feeling on an autumn evening.
The lyrics were written by Hiroo Sakata, who was active as a poet and novelist, and the music was composed by Naosumi Yamamoto.
You can picture the heartwarming scene of a large setting sun gently urging, like a friend, “Come on, let’s go home,” giving you a little push on the back.
The gentle lyrics, encouraging you so you can play energetically again tomorrow, really resonate.
The song was first introduced in July 1968 on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” and was later included on Naosumi Yamamoto’s best-of album “Life Is a Symphony: Naosumi Yamamoto Best Selection (4CD).” How about singing it together during an evening walk with your child? That unassuming walk home might become an unforgettable page in your autumn memories.
Tanuki of Fist MountainSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko/Shokyoku: Komori Akihiro
As everyone knows, it’s a classic hand-play song.
Children’s author Yoshiko Kayama wrote the story-rich lyrics, and composer Akihiro Komori set them to an easy-to-love melody.
This play song not only features the cute figure of a tanuki, but also conjures up gentle, idyllic autumn scenes—like the white butterfly and red flowers depicted in the lyrics.
The song and its story come together as one, enriching the listener’s imagination.
After it was featured on the TV program “Tobe Tobe Panpororin” in 1973, it spread across Japan.
The motions—like stacking clenched hands—and the lively choreography that matches the lyrics are great fun too.
Become tanuki together as parent and child, and give it a try!
little foxSakushi: Katsu Tsuguo / Sakkyoku: Gaikoku Kyoku
The children’s song “Little Fox” depicts a young fox living in the mountains, playing with the things scattered around it.
The melody was originally a German children’s song, to which different Japanese lyrics were later added.
It charmingly portrays the little fox enjoying itself in autumn, playing with maple leaves and various nuts found in the mountains.
But in winter, when the mountains are colorless with only withered leaves, the little fox feels a touch of loneliness.
Before that slightly lonely winter season arrives, why not, like the little fox, go out and have fun in nature?
waiting in vainSakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku
This work was created by the famed duo of Hakushu Kitahara, a leading figure of modern Japanese poetry, and composer Kósçak Yamada.
Based on an old Chinese folktale, it portrays a farmer who, after getting a taste of accidental good fortune, stops working.
It begins with a lively rhythm and a cheerful mood, but as the story unfolds, the once-rich fields fall into ruin, culminating in a bleak winter landscape—its hallmark progression.
The somewhat plaintive melody pairs well with the feeling of the season shifting from autumn to winter.
First released in 1924 as a children’s song, it was later broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” starting in August 1973.
The narrative draws you in deeply, making it perfect for savoring the lyrics on a long autumn night.
Wild geese migrate.Suginami Jidō Gasshōdan
This is a Ministry of Education song published in 1912 in “Elementary School Songs: For the Third Grade.” Unfortunately, the lyricist and composer are unknown.
It vividly captures the moment in autumn when wild geese migrate, with a melody that matches the poetic world and overflows with literary sentiment.
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.
