[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!
- Nostalgic Children’s Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes: The Heart of Japan Passed Down Through Song
- Japanese counting songs: nostalgic temari (handball) songs and children’s folk songs
- [Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
- Lullabies: children's songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes. Nostalgic songs for putting children to sleep.
- Snake Song: Children's song, nursery rhyme, and hand-play song
- Beanbag song: a playable children's folk song
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
- Ranking of Popular Children's Songs [2026]
- A seemingly scary nursery rhyme: a children’s song that gives you the chills when you hear it
- [Minna no Uta] Beloved Across Generations: Nostalgic Classics and Popular Songs
- Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about animals
- Folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes of Kumamoto: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- [February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!
[Warabe-uta] Beloved Nostalgic Songs Passed Down Through Generations (41–50)
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.
Tanuki of Fist Mountain
I think most of you have heard this song at least once.
Some people may know just the song, while others know the dance moves as well.
You play rock-paper-scissors at the end of the song, which gives it a fun, game-like feel.
It’s perfect for playing with friends in kindergarten or elementary school.
Adults can also give it a try and feel like kids again! It’s great to do together with your children, too.
The choreography follows the lyrics, so it’s easy to learn and simple.
Give it a try!
yomogi-jōbu nowarabeuta
An old traditional children’s song.
From the lyrics that mention plants like iris and mugwort, you can sense how people once lived in harmony with abundant nature.
The verses depicting children playfully slapping each other’s bottoms are simple yet heartwarming.
Through this song, we can share with children the playful spirit of the past and the joy of interacting with nature.
How about forming a circle and singing together while playing in a spring meadow? It’s sure to become a cherished memory.
This year’s peonies
“Kotoshi no Botan” is a song that most Japanese people have probably heard at least once.
Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, many will recognize it once they hear the melody.
If you’re an adult thinking, “What was that song again?”, give it a listen—you’ll likely feel a wave of childhood nostalgia.
It’s also a short song, so even young children can learn it quickly.
It might be nice to sing it in kindergarten or elementary school.
It’s also recommended for parents and children to sing together, since it’s something you can enjoy as a family.
In conclusion
So many nostalgic nursery rhymes.
Each one has its own story, and you can see how they’ve continued to be loved across generations.
These songs are a precious cultural heritage that everyone can feel close to, no matter their age.
Sing them with your family and friends, and you’re sure to create wonderful memories.