Nostalgic Children’s Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes: The Heart of Japan Passed Down Through Song
When we hear the gentle melodies of nostalgic children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes, memories from our early childhood come vividly rushing back, as if we’ve crossed time and space.
Perhaps you, too, have a “song of nostalgia” that has stayed with you since you were young.
In this article, we introduce iconic Japanese children’s songs (shoka), folk songs and nursery rhymes cherished and passed down across the regions, as well as beloved tunes often featured in school performances and recreational activities.
Shall we set off on a heartwarming sonic journey into the world of children’s songs that softly reflect Japan’s seasons, culture, and everyday life?
- [Warabe-uta] Beloved Classic Songs Passed Down Through Generations
- Japanese Shoka, Children's Songs, and Nursery Rhymes | Timeless masterpieces that resonate in the heart, passed down across generations
- Nursery rhymes to sing in spring: a collection of classic songs you'll want to sing with your children
- Ranking of Popular Children's Songs [2026]
- [Minna no Uta] Beloved Across Generations: Nostalgic Classics and Popular Songs
- [Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
- [Elementary School Music] List of Popular and Nostalgic Songs That Have Appeared in Textbooks
- Children’s Song Medley: A playlist of classic and popular hits everyone knows
- [Minna no Uta] Tear-jerking masterpiece. A moving song you want to hear again.
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
- Japanese counting songs: nostalgic temari (handball) songs and children’s folk songs
- Kyoto’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
[Nostalgic Children's Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes] The Heart of Japan Passed Down in Song (1–10)
snowMonbushō shōka
This is a Ministry of Education shoka (school song) that sings of the calm and beautiful arrival of spring.
It was published in the 1910 collection “Shōka for the Ordinary Elementary School Reader.” The lyrics, which express the joy of spring visiting the mountains, villages, and fields, embody the Japanese people’s delicate sensitivity to the seasons.
The piece also showcases masterful use of particles—using ni to indicate the state of flowers blooming and de for the action of birds singing—conveying the beauty of the Japanese language.
Frequently sung at seasonal events such as the spring term opening and entrance ceremonies, it is a classic that perfectly suits those who wish to spend a heartwarming moment while feeling the changes of nature.
hometownSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi
Blue mountains, pure waters, and memories of childhood play.
The melody that gently embraces the nostalgic scenery of one’s hometown and feelings for family and friends living far away possesses a universal charm that resonates with everyone’s heart.
First released in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, this piece strongly reflects the rural landscapes and lifestyles of Japan at the time.
It was also sung at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving many people.
It is truly a song that symbolizes the spirit of Japan.
Close It, Open ItMonbushō shōka
This is a nursery rhyme that’s very popular in childcare settings and children’s programs.
Many of you may remember singing it while doing hand motions when you were little.
Because it’s fun to sing while moving your fingers, it’s now often sung not only as a recreation activity in preschools and kindergartens, but also in day service programs for the elderly.
[Nostalgic Children's Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes] The Heart of Japan Passed Down in Song (11–20)
Mr. ElephantSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma
Created by Michio Mado and Ikuma Dan, this piece was first broadcast on NHK Radio in May 1952.
Characterized by a gentle triple-time melody and heartwarming lyrics that inspire affection for one’s individuality, it has been frequently featured on educational and children’s television programs and is beloved across generations.
Its melody, as tender as a spring breeze, is perfect for parents and children to hum together.
Singing it while taking a walk will make for even more delightful memories.
FlowerTaki Rentarō
A renowned Japanese song that depicts a serene spring scene and people spending time peacefully while gazing at the cherry blossoms along the Sumida River.
It is a work by Rentaro Taki, who composed numerous children’s songs and school songs.
In 2006, it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and in Sumida City, Tokyo—through which the Sumida River flows—it is also cherished as the “favorite song of the citizens.” It’s a classic tune that makes you want to sing it when spring arrives.
King Kamehameha of the Southern Islandssakushi: itō akira / sakkyoku: morita kōichi
This is a heartwarming song that lightens the spirit, depicting the laid-back daily life of King Hamehameha and his family on a southern island.
The unique premise is that everyone on the island shares the same name, and their relaxed tropical lifestyle is sung over a warm melody.
It was first broadcast in 1976 on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” performed by Ado Mizumori and Top Gallant.
The accompanying puppet-show visuals also drew attention, and the song was released that June as a double A-side single.
Sing it with the whole family and you’re sure to enjoy a delightful time!
Gonbe-san’s BabySakushi: Tashiga Akira / Genkyoku: Amerika min’yō
This children’s song, originally based on an American folk tune, features Japanese lyrics written by Akira Tashiga and has been beloved by people of all ages since the mid-Showa era.
The warm, gentle lyrics about Gonbe-san and a baby are sure to make you feel cozy.
Its rhythmic structure with frequent repetition makes it easy for children to sing—one of the song’s best qualities.
Adding hand motions while singing can also support children’s language development and sense of rhythm.
Try singing it with your child at daycare, kindergarten, or at home.