Japanese counting songs: nostalgic temari (handball) songs and children’s folk songs
A “counting song” is, literally, a song or poem (including waka) about counting.
In Japan, they have long been beloved, and there are many famous tunes that everyone—young and old—has heard at least once, such as in children’s songs.
This article spotlights “counting songs,” which are important to Japanese people, introducing a variety of types—from well-known classics that everyone knows to anime songs and popular tunes that follow the counting-song format.
Enjoy them with children, use them as background music for playtime—please experience the charm of counting songs!
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Japanese counting songs. Nostalgic temari songs and children’s songs (1–10)
fig carrot
One of Japan’s traditional children’s songs, widely loved as a counting rhyme.
Its hallmark is pairing numbers with the names of ingredients or plants, and one of its charms is that the lyrics and melody vary by region.
Because children can enjoy learning words and numbers through it, it has long been used in educational settings.
It’s also popular as a hand play activity, helping to develop a sense of rhythm and fine motor skills.
Passed down across generations, this song is perfect for families to enjoy together.
It’s a nostalgic favorite for adults and a fresh, fun tune for children.
1975 Carp’s First Championship / Players Counting SongHiroshima Toyo Kāpu Senshu
Released in 1975, the year the Hiroshima Toyo Carp won their first championship.
The melody is the same as “Daigaku Kazoeta” (University Counting Song), but the regular players, along with the manager and coaching staff, all appear and sing.
Even volunteer members of the Carp’s unofficial supporters’ group at the time provided chorus vocals.
Chū chū, are you an octopus?
This work has long been cherished as a traditional Japanese counting song.
It uses the sound “chū” to represent the number two, and its lyrics evoke the image of an octopus’s legs.
Passed down since the Edo period, the song also serves an educational role in teaching children how to count.
Interestingly, the lyrics and counting methods can vary by region.
In recent years, it has gained attention in the contemporary music scene as well, being included on the Down Town Boogie-Woogie Band’s album “35th Anniversary VERY BEST OF ROCK & BALLADS.” Simple and rhythmic, this piece is recommended not only as a play song to enjoy with children, but also for anyone interested in experiencing traditional Japanese culture.
Japanese counting songs. Nostalgic temari songs and children's folk songs (11–20)
A Bath Counting SongChikura Hito
It’s a counting song deeply etched in the memories of Japanese children.
Composed by Sojin Kaya and written by Hiroo Takada, this unique piece is designed to make bath time fun.
The lyrics include actions related to taking a bath—like asking Mom to check the water temperature and folding clothes—focusing on children’s everyday life.
Released in 2009 as part of the album “Ketteiban!! Hirake! Ponkikki Best,” it became well known through its broadcast on the TV program “Hirake! Ponkikki.” It works perfectly as background music for enjoying bath time, and it’s also great for parents and children to sing together.
One crow
Known as a jump-rope chant, this song is cherished as a traditional Japanese children’s tune.
It features a simple melody and lyrics that incorporate animal sounds, making it popular in children’s play and educational settings.
While there is no specific release information, it is reportedly used in nursery schools and kindergartens and included on various music CDs.
By singing while jumping rope, the piece also has an educational aspect that helps children enjoyably develop a sense of rhythm and an understanding of numbers.
It is a song that families can enjoy together and that is highly valued in early childhood education, and it will likely continue to be loved for many years to come.
Popular Song Counting RhymeEnomoto Ken’ichi · Takechi Toyoko
A counting song duet by the comic actor Enoken, known as the “King of Laughter of the Showa Era,” and Toyoko Takechi, known as the “female Enoken.” It’s based on the Owari Manzai’s Sankyoku Manzai.
Released in 1939.
Some of the lyrics from the hit song of the time, “Border Town,” are reused verbatim.
University Counting SongMoriya Hiroshi
This song sung by Hiroshi Moriya is characterized by lyrics that satirically depict university life.
From freshman year to graduation, it humorously portrays students’ growth and changes, and the phrase “Soitsu wa gōki da ne” (“That’s really something, isn’t it?”) leaves a strong impression.
The piece was released as a single in August 1962 and was also used as the theme song for a film of the same name in December of that year.
Set in a pharmaceutical company and a sake brewery, the movie follows two employees who join the firms after graduating from university.
Although a televised performance once caused a brief stir, the work is known for its unique perspective on student life at the time.
It’s a recommended listen for those who want to reminisce about their school days.