[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)
Zuizui Zukkorobashi
If you’re Japanese, you’ve probably heard it at least once, right? In the song “Zuizuizukkorobashi,” there’s a phrase in the lyrics that says “sesame miso.” Some people might think they misheard it, but that’s actually correct.
The song describes a situation where commoners had to stay inside their homes because important people of the Edo period were passing through.
It’s also used as a hand game, so if you’re interested, give it a try.
Iroha ni konpeitō
When we think of the first word-association game we encounter as children, isn’t it this “Iroha ni Konpeitō”? This song, which starts with “konpeitō” and ends with “hage-atama,” is unique to listen to and makes you think along with it.
Wondering together, “What comes to mind from konpeitō…?” is fun and makes for an easy bit of brain training.
You might also enjoy creating your own various association games inspired by this song.
It’s a song that people of all ages—adults and children alike—can enjoy.
[Warabe-uta] Beloved Nostalgic Songs Passed Down Through Generations (31–40)
the temple’s head monk
When it comes to simple hand-clapping songs, “Otera no Oshō-san” is probably a classic.
The choreography follows the lyrics, so even small children can pick it up quickly.
It’s great to play with friends at school, and it’s also fun for parents and children to do together.
Since it ends with rock-paper-scissors, you could even use this song for settling a match or deciding something.
The song is short, so it’s easy to play casually—that’s part of its charm.
If you try it during downtime or free moments, time might fly by before you know it.
black kiteSakushi: Kuzuhara Shigeru / Sakkyoku: Yanada Tadashi
When you catch sight of birds tracing circles in the high autumn sky as if they’re feeling wonderful, doesn’t your heart feel at ease? This song, with lyrics by Shigeru Kuzuhara and music by Tadashi Yanada, is a very free-spirited children’s song that depicts birds dancing through such a sky.
The playful phrases that imitate birdsong are striking, conveying the creators’ gentle wish for children to sing out joyfully.
First published in May 1918 in the song collection Taishō Shōnen Shōka, the piece can still be heard today on albums such as Let’s Sing Together: Best of Japanese Children’s Songs.
On a clear autumn day, spreading your arms like wings and singing it together as parent and child makes it even more fun.
A tadpole is a frog’s child.
“Actually, tadpoles are really baby frogs!” The folk song Otamajakushi wa Kaeru no Ko is a fun way to teach this truth, and with its easy-to-follow melody, it’s a recommended children’s song for singing together while learning about living creatures.
The tune is based on the American folk song known as the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and since being introduced to Japan it has become familiar through various parody versions, including Otamajakushi wa Kaeru no Ko and the Yodobashi Camera commercial jingle.
The Bento Box Song
When it comes to classic nursery rhymes that parents and children can enjoy together, “Obentōbako no Uta” (The Lunchbox Song) is a top choice, isn’t it? It’s fun to learn and dance the hand motions with your child that match the side dishes in a lunchbox.
It can also be a good way to learn about ingredients, spark children’s interest in food, and maybe even reduce picky eating.
You could even try packing the same side dishes mentioned in the song into a real bento.
It’s wonderful that there are so many ways to enjoy it while also learning about food.
teru teru bozu (a traditional Japanese handmade doll hung to wish for good weather)Sakushi: Asahara Kyōson / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei
It’s a simple, endearing children’s song in which one sings to a little doll made from a white cloth on a rainy day, wishing for clear skies.
Akihito Asahara’s lyrics express a child’s pure feelings directly, charmingly depicting the innocent, forthright emotions that move from promising a golden bell as thanks to even threatening to cut off its head if the wish isn’t granted.
First published in 1921 in the magazine “Shōjo no Tomo” and officially released the following year, the piece has been loved by many thanks to Shinpei Nakayama’s friendly melody.
It’s the perfect song for when you’re eagerly awaiting the end of the rain or want to bask in nostalgic feelings.