[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)
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!
Please let me pass.warabeuta
This is a traditional Japanese children’s song handed down since the Edo period, said to have been sung along the approach to Kawasaki Daishi Temple in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa.
In a game beloved by children, two players take the role of ogres, join hands to form a gate, and everyone slips through while singing.
The lyrics include the act of offering talismans for the seven celebratory milestones of childhood and convey a sense of awe toward a sacred place.
For those who remember gathering to play it in their neighborhood when they were young, or who know the melody from pedestrian crossing signals, it is a song that can be sung with a warm sense of nostalgia.
The rice cracker is done.
This is a children’s song where beanbags are imagined as rice crackers.
Beanbags are familiar to older generations, but kids of the 2000s might not know them well.
It could be refreshing to put down your smartphone or computer once in a while and try playing with beanbags.
The song is simple and easy to learn, so even small children can enjoy it.
It might also be nice for parents and children to make beanbags together to play along with the song.
When playing outside, you can substitute leaves or stones for beanbags.
It’s easy to enjoy, so give it a try.
Daruma doll
When it comes to traditional children’s songs you can play with teachers and friends at daycare or kindergarten, “Daruma-san” is a classic.
You sit like a daruma doll and play a staring game.
You don’t need any props, so it’s easy to play anytime.
The staring game is fun for all ages, so try it with friends, siblings, parents—anyone.
The song is simple too, so you can learn it quickly.
Be sure to sing along while you play.
Adults can enjoy it as a way to feel like a child again, so try it with your kids.
Please let me pass.
When people hear Tōryanse, many probably find themselves humming along without thinking.
That’s how familiar this song is to Japanese people.
Many of you may have also played the game that goes with it.
You’ve likely seen the scene at school where friends form a “bridge” with their arms and others pass underneath.
Playing this game can be a way to make friends at school.
Even very young children can learn it quickly, so invite your classmates and give it a try.
It’s also fun to play not just at school, but with the whole family at home.
[Warabe-uta] Beloved Nostalgic Songs Passed Down Through Generations (41–50)
Sunset glow and dusk
“Yuyake Koyake” is a familiar tune often heard in the 5 p.m.
chimes or announcements at parks, schools, and community centers.
The fact that this song makes you feel it’s time to head home is proof of how long it’s been loved.
Its short lyrics are part of the charm—easy to remember and easy to sing.
And the second verse, which you rarely hear outside of elementary school classes, might already feel nostalgic.
If you listen to it again after a long time, it may bring back memories from those days and let you bask in that sense of nostalgia.
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.