[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 (31–40)
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.
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.
Bet one and two
This nostalgic Japanese counting song, sung to a traditional tune, is called “Ikakake Nikakete” (“One flick, two flicks”).
It follows the numbers and is sung with a pleasant rhythm.
At first you might think it’s a cute children’s counting song, but surprisingly, partway through it shifts into a slightly spooky, story-like narrative.
Still, true to its nursery-rhyme roots, it ends with a game of rock-paper-scissors—keeping kids entertained all the way through.
It’s also nice that it teaches a bit of history, set in Kagoshima, Kyushu.
The lyrics vary by region, each with its own expressions.
Why not look into the different versions?
Brr, it’s so cold.
“Oosamu Kosamu” is a song with a catchy phrase that every generation has heard at least once.
It can also be sung as a round partway through, making it fun for groups.
Singing it with friends or classmates doubles the enjoyment.
It’s a great pick for kids who love to sing.
It works solo, with friends, or with family—any way you like.
Give singing it as a round a try with everyone.
And as the title suggests, it’s a winter song, so it’s perfect for the colder months.
There once was a stick.
When it comes to classic drawing songs, this is the one.
If you’re Japanese, you’ve probably drawn along to it at least once.
It’s exciting when the cute little chef turns out just like the song says, isn’t it? Even if it doesn’t come out perfectly, everyone’s personality shows through, which is fun too.
I think it would be interesting to use this song as inspiration to make your own drawing song.
Some people have probably done just that.
First, master this song and try drawing lots of cute little chefs.
Singing it with friends is fun as well.
[Warabe-uta] Beloved Nostalgic Songs Passed Down Through Generations (41–50)
Opened, opened
This is a song that’s fun to play with a group.
Some adults might feel nostalgic when they hear the melody and remember playing games like this.
Everyone holds hands in a circle, spreads out at the part that says “hiraita” (opened), and gathers toward the center at “tsubonda” (closed).
It’s an easy game, so try learning it and playing it at school.
Since you hold hands, it helps deepen friendships.
It’s also recommended for strengthening class bonds.
And it could be nice to try it with your family outside of school, too.
TulipSakushi: Kondo Miyako / Sakkyoku: Inoue Takeshi
This is one of Japan’s most beloved children’s songs, depicting a beautiful spring scene of red, white, and yellow tulips blooming in a row.
Miyako Kondo’s lyrics carry a warm message that recognizes diversity—“every flower has its own beauty”—and, together with Takeshi Inoue’s friendly melody, make it a tune that people of all ages can hum naturally.
Widely cherished in kindergarten and elementary school music classes, it was selected in 2006 for the list of 100 Best Japanese Songs.
It’s the perfect piece for when you want to feel the arrival of spring or enjoy singing with children!