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)
Hitotsu Toya, New Year’s Song
Long cherished as a traditional Japanese counting song, this piece is structured to count from one to twelve while interweaving New Year’s customs and celebratory themes.
Sung at a relaxed tempo, it also has an educational aspect that lets children enjoy learning numbers and elements of Japanese culture.
It is one of the folk songs passed down since the Edo period and is especially often sung during the New Year season.
There is even talk that it inspired the “Sun Breathing” style in the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, making it interesting how classical lyrics have influenced modern media.
It’s the perfect song for everyone to sing and enjoy together during New Year festivities and family gatherings.
counting songIkeda Ayako
This song, created by Ayako Ikeda—known for music rooted in traditional songs and children’s tunes—is a heartwarming work themed around international connection.
Through lyrics that count numbers in various languages such as Japanese, English, and Chinese, it conveys the message that people with different cultures and values can deepen their mutual understanding.
Released in November 2008, the piece was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” resonating with many listeners.
It not only helps children enjoy learning to count, but also reminds adults of the importance of cross-cultural understanding, making it a track that can be enjoyed across generations.
The very first is Ichinomiya.Konsei Gasshoudan VoxMEA
Incorporating the form of a counting song, this work is a piece in which traditional Japanese culture and contemporary choral music are exquisitely fused.
It is structured with a first half that counts temples and shrines and a second half based on the novel Hototogisu (Cuckoo), richly expressing Japan’s spirituality and history.
The beautiful harmonies of the mixed choir VoxMEA resonate deeply with listeners.
Its distinctive musicality—melding a melody based on a French military song with the rhythms of a Japanese temari (handball) song—is also compelling.
Performed at a local spring festival in March 2023, it captivated many.
This is a recommended piece for those who value tradition while seeking new modes of musical expression.
counting songpoppu shinanai de
This song features a rhythmic, friendly melody that lists animals, days of the week, and everyday happenings while counting.
It’s marked by Pop Shinanaide’s signature catchy style and simple arrangement, designed to help children naturally learn numbers and develop a sense of rhythm.
Released in August 2022, it was included on the TV Tokyo children’s program Shinapushu’s album “Shinapushu no Uta 3.” Although created for babies and toddlers, it’s enjoyable for adults as well.
It’s perfect not only for parents and caregivers or use in childcare settings, but also as a song the whole family can sing and enjoy together.
Even with just one, it’s a carrot.nagira kenichi
The B-side of the 1975 mega-hit song “Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun” (by Masato Shimon).
The vocals are by Kenichi Nagira (now written as Ken’ichi).
Its clever lyrics, in which both the number of items increases one by one—one, two, three—and the unit of measurement changes accordingly, appealed not only to children but also to adults.
I sowed one gō’s worth (of seed).
This is a bon-odori song that has been sung for many years in Kagawa Prefecture as a folk tune symbolizing the wish for a bountiful harvest and a sense of community solidarity.
It takes the form of a counting song themed around ichigō, a unit for measuring rice, and features lyrics that pray for the growth and harvest of rice.
Its rhythmic, lighthearted melody is perfect for bon-odori.
Since the late Edo period, it has become established as part of bon-odori, and even today it is often danced at events such as the Takamatsu Festival in Kagawa.
With simple lyrics and melody, it’s a song anyone can enjoy, making it a great choice for background music at summer festivals and bon-odori.
If you’re interested in experiencing local traditional culture, it’s definitely a piece you should listen to at least once.
Pokémon counting songKanazawa Akiko
Incorporating the style of a traditional Japanese counting song, this piece features Pokémon appearing and counting along to dance and rhythm.
Accompanied by Akiko Kanazawa’s vocals, beloved Pokémon like Pikachu, Mudkip, and Charmander are shown dancing joyfully, giving it a friendly, approachable feel.
It aired as the sixth ending theme of the TV anime Pokémon: Advanced Generation from July to October 2005.
Enjoyed by a wide range of ages, the song brings the world of Pokémon closer to listeners.
How about singing and dancing along with family and friends?