Let's sing together! A collection of nursery rhymes everyone knows
Nursery songs that many people have sung in day-care centers, kindergartens, and schools.
These children’s songs, passed down through generations, are still sung today in childcare settings, schools, and even senior facilities.
That said, fewer people are singing them nowadays, and some children can be found who don’t know nursery songs at all.
In this article, we’ll introduce nursery songs that everyone—young and old—will recognize.
If you’re not very familiar with nursery songs, start by listening to the ones we introduce here.
Try singing nursery songs together with your child, your friends, or your grandparents, and have fun!
- Children’s Song Medley: A playlist of classic and popular hits everyone knows
- Get pumped with popular songs from “Okaasan to Issho”! A collection of timeless tunes everyone will want to sing together
- [Minna no Uta] Beloved Across Generations: Nostalgic Classics and Popular Songs
- [Warabe-uta] Beloved Classic Songs Passed Down Through Generations
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
- [Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.
- Nursery rhymes to sing to your baby! Recommended songs enjoyable from 0 months
- Nursery rhymes you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular songs everyone can enjoy together.
- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
- Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about animals
- Get pumped with kids’ favorite songs! A memorable collection of classics that will make you want to sing along
- [Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
- [For Seniors] Spring Songs You'll Want to Hum: Feel the Season with Nostalgic Classics
[Let’s Sing Together!] A Collection of Well-Known Children’s Songs (21–30)
Ten thousand feet in the Alps
When it comes to hand-clapping songs played face-to-face by two people, this is probably the one everyone thinks of.
Its melody originates from the American marching song “Yankee Doodle,” but the snappy Japanese lyrics give it a unique charm.
The “Koyari” mentioned in the lyrics refers to a rocky peak near the summit of Mount Yarigatake in the Japanese Alps, at an elevation of around 3,000 meters.
The song paints a grand scene of dancing in such a place.
It spread nationwide after being featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in August 1962.
It’s perfect for livening up a hand-clapping game by changing the tempo, and if you sing it while hiking or camping, the landscape will overlap with the world of the lyrics, making for unforgettable memories!
Mountain MusiciansDoitsu min’yō
An endearing, picture book-like piece in which the animals of the forest become musicians and hold a concert.
In this song, mountain friends like squirrels and little birds appear one after another, each showing off their favorite instrument.
With a structure that layers on words imitating the timbre of the instruments, it carries a lively joy that makes your body start moving all on its own.
It became widely known in Japan after being featured in April 1964 on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” sung by Dark Ducks.
Since then, it has been sung for many years on educational programs and the like.
Part of its charm is that you can enjoy it with gestures and hand motions, too.
[Let’s Sing Together!] A Collection of Well-Known Children’s Songs (31–40)
Goat MailSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma
A very unique children’s song featuring the absent-minded White Goat and Black Goat.
The lyrics are by Michio Mado, who also wrote “Zō-san,” and the music is by Ikuma Dan.
Its charm lies in the heartwarming world where you can’t help but laugh at the endless loop of the two writing letters back and forth without ever conveying their messages.
First broadcast on NHK Radio in 1953, the song has long been beloved on programs like NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Try singing it together as a parent and child, smiling at the thought that it would be quicker if they just met and talked in person.
spring breezeSakushi: Katō Yoshikiyo / Sakkyoku: Fositā
Among children’s songs that have been loved for generations, there is one that gently expresses the arrival of spring.
The lyrics were written by Yoshikiyo Kato and set to a melody by Stephen Foster with Japanese words added.
Its evocative lyrics depict spring scenes such as willow branches, kites, and breezes blowing through the garden.
Included in the “Certified Song Collection” in 1926, the piece has long been cherished in school education.
With a melody as light and pleasant as a spring breeze, it warms the hearts of listeners of all ages, from children to adults.
It’s a perfect song for a springtime stroll or for singing time at a nursery school.
Frog ChorusSakushi : Okamoto Toshiaki / Genkyoku: Doitsu min’yō
With its easy-to-remember melody that anyone can start singing right away, this piece is based on a German folk song, with Japanese lyrics written by Toshiaki Okamoto.
When you think of a round, this is the first song that comes to mind.
Because you can enter every two measures from any point, it’s easy to catch the timing to join in.
There’s only a first verse, and the lyrics are very simple, so you won’t spend time memorizing them and can enjoy singing in a round immediately.
When trying a round in kindergarten, nursery school, or elementary school, encourage the timing to come in by calling out loudly, “Ready, go!”
Oh, the ranch is green.
Let’s move our bodies to the rhythm! Here are some ideas for “Oh, the Meadow is Green.” These ideas are perfect for summer, when the weather is nice and the air is crisp.
They’re especially recommended if you’re thinking, “What song should we sing this month?” or “I’m looking for something with a good rhythm!” The song “Oh, the Meadow is Green” is the Japanese version of the folk song “Ach, synku, synku”/“Ach, krásná louka” (often known in English as “Ah, Lovely Meadow”), which has been sung for a long time in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
By adding some choreography, you can enjoy engaging with the music even more.
Zebra Swirl
The rhythmic and fun “Zebra Swirl” also features lyrics that are easy for children to remember.
Let’s sing along to the cute, rhythmic words.
The repeated phrases may match the zebra’s stripes and the song’s background, capturing children’s attention.
Try singing to the rhythm while feeling the melody’s lively yet somehow nostalgic vibe.
You might broaden the fun by first asking, “What around us looks like stripes?” and then singing the song.
