[Warabe-uta] Beloved Classic Songs Passed Down Through Generations
Nursery rhymes that have been passed down in Japan since long ago.
There are many types of nursery rhymes, including drawing songs, counting songs, and play songs.
Many of you probably sang and played games like Kagome Kagome and Hana Ichi Monme at least once when you were children.
In this article, we introduce popular nursery rhymes.
If you want to remember the nursery rhymes you sang as a child or enjoy them with your kids, be sure to give them a listen!
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[Warabe-uta] Beloved nostalgic songs passed down through generations (21–30)
tea kettle lid stand (chatsubo)
It’s a hand-clapping song that lasts less than a minute.
It looks relatively easy since you just move your hands to the music, but when you actually try it, it’s quite difficult.
Being able to do it without looking at your hands is pretty advanced! The song has a unique atmosphere, so it might be a bit scary for small children, but it’s one of the nursery rhymes that has been popular for a long time.
The lyrics are about a tea jar without a lid.
Kagome Kagome
Kagome Kagome is a game that almost everyone has played at least once when they were little.
You form a circle and move around to the song, and the person in the middle has to guess who is standing behind them.
Many people still remember it for its rhythmic melody and distinctive lyrics.
There are numerous interpretations of the lyrics—some of them quite scary—but whether you believe them or not is up to you.
Which theory do you believe?
Abuku-tatta
When it comes to children’s songs you can play in kindergartens, daycare centers, and elementary schools, “Abuku Tatta” is a classic.
Children form a circle around one person and sing this song.
Because it’s a song everyone can play together, it’s perfect for helping kids grow closer.
Even children who haven’t talked much can become friends through play, right? Try using this song to help build those bonds.
The song is short, so it’s suitable for playtime or brief breaks.
There may also be adults who played this game when they were young.
It might be nice to listen to the song and bask in a bit of nostalgia.
horse (childish/affectionate term)Sakushi: Hayashi Ryūha / Sakkyoku: Matsushima Tsune
This piece portrays a foal walking clip-clop alongside its mother, set to a gentle rhythm.
Lyricist Yanaha Hayashi is said to have written the words based on the scene of a mare and foal he saw at the Imperial Stock Farm in Chiba, weaving the affection between animal mother and child in simple language.
Composer Tsune Matsushima aimed for a vocal range and phrasing that are easy for lower elementary grades to sing, and created accompaniment that is easy to play on keyboard or harmonica.
After being included in the February 1941 national school textbook “Uta no Hon, Upper,” it continued to be adopted in textbooks by various publishers after the war, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” It fits naturally into kindergarten and preschool choruses, and it’s easy to incorporate into fingerplay or instrumental ensembles.
If parents and children sing it together, they can have fun imitating the sound of hoofbeats.
Ochara-ka-hoi
Haven’t you all heard the chant “Ocharaka hoi” at least once? It’s a simple game where you play rock-paper-scissors in time with the chant.
The moves are easy, so it’s great because you can imitate them right away.
You don’t need any materials, so you can start whenever you want.
If regular rock-paper-scissors feels a bit dull or you’re bored with it when deciding something, try using “Ocharaka Hoi.” It’s a hand game that kids and adults alike can enjoy.
Hana Ichi Monme
Hanachimonme is a game that everyone played at least once as a child.
I remember how it could get dangerous when we got carried away and our feet would bump into each other.
There’s a rumor that, despite being such a familiar game, the song is actually quite scary.
It’s also interesting that the lyrics vary slightly by region.
What would happen if people from different regions played together? It’s a classic children’s song with surprising depth.
Song of the Resounding GrasslandsSakushi: Kubota Yuzuru Sakkyoku: Maruyama Aki
This piece opens a series based on Mongolian folk tales.
Poet Yuzuru Kubota and composer Aki Maruyama joined forces, and it was first unveiled at a premiere concert held at the Nagoya Civic Hall in May 2000.
It was later formally published in September 2002 as the opening number in the score collection Aki Maruyama Song Collection [Supplement]: Suho’s White Horse.
The lyrics weave in images of a steppe where wind and light resonate, and its bright, easy-to-sing melody makes it accessible for children.
It works beautifully in many settings—sung alongside a story reading in schools or preschools, or used as an introductory piece for recitals and concerts.