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!
- Numbers Song: A fun nursery rhyme and fingerplay song to sing and learn with children
- [Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
- [Warabe-uta] Beloved Classic Songs Passed Down Through Generations
- A song themed around the Japanese vowels (a, i, u, e, o)
- Snake Song: Children's song, nursery rhyme, and hand-play song
- A seemingly scary nursery rhyme: a children’s song that gives you the chills when you hear it
- [February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!
- Parody Versions of the Children's Song “Oshōgatsu” | Hilarious and Not-So-Hilarious!? Check Out the Shocking Lyrics!
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
- [Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes collection
- A song that makes learning the times tables fun
- Lullabies: children's songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes. Nostalgic songs for putting children to sleep.
- Nostalgic Children’s Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes: The Heart of Japan Passed Down Through Song
Japanese counting songs. Nostalgic temari songs and children's folk songs (11–20)
Song for Counting ChangedKawada Yoshio to Miruku Burazāsu
Yoshio Kawada, who took the world by storm as part of the four-man musical unit “Akireta Boys,” released this with a different group in 1940 after the group split.
The title “Kawatta (Changed)” plays on his own surname, Kawada.
The melody is the same as the counting song used in Owari Manzai.
People’s Rights Counting SongTsuchitori Toshiyuki
This song was sung as a message song that criticized national politics and society during the Freedom and People’s Rights Movement, which flourished in the Meiji era.
Its melody, like that of “University Counting Song,” is a parody of a traditional folk tune.
The lyrics were written by Emori Ueki, an activist from Tosa.
Counting Song
A traditional Japanese counting song that has long been sung in schools as a Ministry of Education song.
Included in the July 1910 volume of “Songs for the Elementary School Reader,” this piece teaches children virtues such as loyalty, filial piety, harmony among siblings, friendship, and sincerity while counting numbers.
It adapts melodies of children’s folk songs passed down in various regions into educational material; Naoaki Fukui prepared the accompaniment score and arranged it to be easy to sing in school settings.
In 1997, it was also included on the album “Jinjō Shōgaku Shōka: Third Grade,” performed by the Suginami Children’s Choir.
Let’s count and danceSuper Simple Nihongo
Known as a song popular with children, this piece centers on the theme of moving your body while counting.
Its lyrics rhythmically count from 1 to 20 and, together with a fun melody, make it a distinctive tune widely used in early childhood education.
Released in October 2018, the song was created as part of the “Super Simple Songs” series.
It has been published on video platforms like YouTube and is supported by many parents and children.
It’s recommended for those who want to sing and dance with kids, and also for learners who want to enjoyably memorize how to say numbers in Japanese for use with people overseas.
Daichan Counting SongYoshida Yoshimi
“Daichan Counting Song” is a track by Yoshimi Yoshida, released by Nippon Columbia in September 1970.
In fact, it was recorded by Yoshimi Tendo under her real name when she was a teenager, and used as the opening theme for the anime Inakappe Taisho.
Using the format of a counting song, it depicts the personality and everyday life of the protagonist, Daichan.
The lyrics portray his strength and determination, as well as his growth through occasional failures, offering children courage and hope.
Phrases like “Ten ten tenka no inakappe” are especially memorable, and the song’s warm tone resonates with listeners.
Hiyono Mountain Counting Songoyakata oorusutāzu
Created to share the appeal of professional sumo with children, this song centers on energy, courage, and perseverance.
Performed by the Oyakata All-Stars, a group of renowned sumo stablemasters, it depicts repeated training bouts and the journey toward a bright future, while conveying the importance of working hard together with friends.
Released in 2012, the song is also known as the theme for the Japan Sumo Association’s official character, “Hakkioi! Seki-Tori-kun.” With lyrics and a melody that are easy for kids—and of course sumo fans—to enjoy, it brings the world of sumo closer to listeners.
Cheerfully sharing life lessons learned through sumo, this piece is perfect for parents and children to enjoy together and to experience the charm of sumo.
Japanese counting songs: Nostalgic handball and children's songs (21–30)
Kamen Rider Counting SongShimono Masato, Koronbia Yurikago-kai
It’s a song packed with charm that captivates children’s hearts.
Shunsuke Kikuchi’s catchy melody pairs perfectly with Masato Shimon’s vocals.
The lyrics link the numbers 1 through 9 with monsters, skillfully blending educational elements with the world of Kamen Rider to spark children’s imaginations.
Released in December 1971, this track brightened the show as an insert song for Kamen Rider.
Its innovative counting-song format made it a memorable classic for many children.
It also serves as an ideal learning tool for parents and children to enjoy while learning numbers together.