[Warabe-uta] Beloved Classic Songs Passed Down Through Generations

oshikura manju (a children’s pushing game)

[Children's Song] Oshikura Manju

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.

Children’s song game “Goodbye, Ankoromochi”

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

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.

Which child is a good child?warabeuta

May children’s song “Which child is the good child”

When children get together to play, do you ever wonder how to decide who’s “it” or who goes next? That’s exactly when this traditional children’s rhyme comes in handy.

You point to each child in turn in time with the rhythm, and the one chosen at the end becomes the next role—or gets a big hug—so everyone can enjoy both the thrill and the comfort it brings! It was also included on the album “NHK Nihongo de Asobo: Warabe-uta,” released in February 2007, and became widely known after being featured in segments of an educational TV program.

In dazzlingly green May, try forming a circle at a park on your walk or indoors, and enjoy the pleasant rhythm together with friends or as a parent and child.

Where are you from?

Where Are You From? children's song with lyrics

“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.

Oonami Konami

Can you sing the jump rope song “Big Waves, Small Waves” all the way to the end?

Positioned as a staple song for long-rope jumping and Eurhythmics, this piece is enjoyed along with movements that express the motion of waves by swinging the rope widely from side to side.

By moving their bodies while singing, children naturally develop a sense of rhythm and cooperation.

It is also used in settings for children’s music education and emotional development, and is included in Kyoiku Geijutsusha’s elementary school music textbook “Ongaku for Elementary Students 1.” Many people may remember happily doing group long-rope jumping to this tune while humming it as children.

The lyrics seem to vary by region, so if you’re curious, be sure to check them out.

fig carrot

Fig Carrot Children's Song / Counting Song Kyoko Ogawa

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.