A children's song from a popular fairy tale
There are many different fairy tales around the world.
In Japan, stories like Momotaro, The Rolling Rice Ball, and The Tortoise and the Hare are famous—many children today probably know them too, don’t you think?
In this article, we’ll introduce songs based on popular fairy tales!
Momotaro is well known as a song, of course, but did you know there are many other songs based on fairy tales as well?
If you’re thinking, “I don’t know them” or “I’ve never heard them,” this is the perfect chance to give them a listen.
Kids will be delighted to find out they can sing their favorite fairy tales!
They’re all wonderful songs that make the stories easy to understand.
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Popular children's fairy tale songs (1–10)
Issun-bōshi (The One-Inch Boy)Tamura Torazō
This is also a song based on a nursery rhyme.
Issun-bōshi, who is only about the size of a finger, sets off on a journey in a little bowl, meets a princess, and encounters an ogre.
Even when he’s swallowed by the ogre, he defeats it using a fighting style only someone small could manage—so cool, right? It’s a nursery rhyme that gives children courage!
KintaroTamura Torazō
People often say they remember Kintaro’s costume but not the story.
In short, it’s a happy tale in which the strong Kintaro helps animals, and a samurai who witnesses this scouts him.
Kintaro has even been made into a song like this.
I hope children can understand the Kintaro folktale by listening to the song.
The Hare and the TortoiseNajo Benjirō
Do you know the famous fable “The Tortoise and the Hare,” in which a fast hare and a slow tortoise compete? This is a children’s song based on that story.
In the race, the hare, overconfident in its speed, ends up losing to the tortoise.
The tortoise, who doesn’t give up and bravely faces a seemingly unbeatable opponent, is a true hero to children!
Popular fairy tale songs for children (11–20)
Kachi-Kachi MountainTaki Rentarō
A song inspired by the folk tale “Kachi-Kachi Yama.” It was composed by one of Japan’s most renowned musicians, Rentaro Taki.
The opening part of the original tale is not included.
The reason the rabbit did something so cruel is that a mischievous raccoon dog killed the elderly woman who had been caring for it.
Yes, this song captures the entire process of revenge.
Thinking of it that way makes it rather chilling.
By the way, Kachi-Kachi Yama is said to be set on Mount Tenno, near Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture.
If you’re curious, why not visit it at least once?
Snow WhitePinkittsudouyou
This song is especially recommended for girls who love princesses.
Every girl dreams of being a princess at least once, right? As its name suggests, “Shirayukihime” is a song about the fairy tale Snow White.
With lively music and easy-to-follow storytelling, it’s sure to become a favorite among children.
Even kids who don’t know the story will want to read it after listening to this song.
Be sure to learn and sing this curiosity-sparking song.
You might even hear it differently after reading and understanding the story.
Cinderella’s Song
Cinderella, the fairy tale widely known through Disney’s animated and live-action films.
This story has many versions depending on the country or region, and it’s also famous for its long history.
It has elements of a princess, a fairy godmother, and romance—above all, it’s a story many girls dream about.
The glass slipper and the pumpkin carriage make our hearts flutter, too.
Here’s a lively, upbeat arrangement that sings about that very tale.
Paired with the movies or animated versions, you might find yourself loving Cinderella even more.
The Three Little Pigs
Its history is very long, tracing back to the 18th century: the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs.” This version turns the story into a fun fingerplay.
The familiar tale unfolds at a relaxed tempo, making it easy to remember and approachable.
The storyline is also very clear and simple, so children can act out the roles of the three pigs and the wolf.
It’s a fingerplay song perfect for kindergarten or nursery school performances and other presentations.