![[Warabe-uta] Beloved Classic Songs Passed Down Through Generations](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lQJOKhuvk4A/maxresdefault.webp)
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 Classics Passed Down in Song (1–10)
oshikura manju (a children’s pushing game)
This song is charming for its friendly melody and playful lyrics that use the image of manju buns.
Born from the wisdom of keeping warm, it has been passed down across generations as a game that shares warmth and smiles.
Beyond its value as a play song, it is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, even appearing in haiku as a winter season word.
On a cold winter day, if you sing it while actually doing oshikura manju—huddling and gently pushing each other—children will surely feel not only the warmth of skin, but also the joy of time spent with friends and family.
Goodbye, ankoro mochi.
A playful wordplay centered on the traditional Japanese sweets “ankoro mochi” and “kinako,” imbued with the wish to meet again, leaves a strong impression.
By singing with hand games and gestures, it nurtures children’s creativity and communication skills.
In nursery schools and kindergartens, puppets are often used to perform it so that children can enjoy their farewell time.
Passed down for many years as a traditional song, this piece has been included in numerous childcare-related books and CDs as a teaching material that supports children’s emotional development.
It’s also a recommended song for parents and children to enjoy singing together while experiencing Japan’s traditional culture.
One, two, three, four, two, five
This traditional children’s song, beloved across generations, features a simple way to play: sing rhythmic number phrases while raising and bending your fingers.
It has been featured on NHK’s children’s program Nihongo de Asobo and is popular on video-sharing sites.
The piece has been carried forward in new forms by contemporary artists such as dmg’s “Ichi Ni San Shi” and Gen Hoshino’s “Ichi Ni San.” It’s a fun song you can enjoy with parents or friends while nurturing finger dexterity and a sense of rhythm.
Where are you from?
“Anta-gata Doko sa” is a children’s song set in Kumamoto, Higo Province, on the island of Kyushu.
It’s a classic play-song still used in various recreational activities.
A common way to play is to do an action whenever the syllable “sa” appears in the lyrics.
One popular version—jumping forward on “sa” while hopping sideways—was even featured on the TV show ‘Itō-ke no Shokutaku.’ Adults might find it fun to play, too.
fig carrot
One of Japan’s traditional children’s songs, widely loved as a counting song.
Its hallmark is a format that matches numbers with the names of ingredients or plants, and part of its charm is that the lyrics and melody vary by region.
Because children can learn words and numbers while having fun, it has long been used in educational settings.
It’s also popular as a hand-play song, helping to develop a sense of rhythm and fine motor skills.
Passed down through generations, this song is recommended both for adults who feel nostalgic and for children who can enjoy it with fresh excitement.
Churippu sharippuwarabeuta
A simple yet profound traditional children’s song.
The part where everyone stands in a circle and calls each other’s names is perfect for fostering communication skills and social development.
Its rhythmic lyrics and melody are fun and easy to learn.
In nursery schools and kindergartens, it’s often used to help ease the nerves of new children.
At home, singing and playing it together as a family is sure to create joyful moments from infancy onward.
When the spring weather invites you outside, why not gather in a circle and sing it together?
Two children got into a fight.warabeuta
The children’s favorite warabe-uta “Kodomo to Kodomo ga Kenka Shite” centers on the theme of kids fighting, with comical, friendly lyrics that make it memorable.
The song describes a quarrel that a pharmacist tries to stop but just won’t end, playfully portraying everyday life for children.
As a way to play, it features a distinctive motion of tapping fingers in sequence, so babies through preschoolers can enjoy it.
It’s perfect not only for nursery and kindergarten teachers but also for bonding time with parents.
Singing and playing together as a family makes for wonderful memories.