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?
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- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
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- 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 (11–20)
Banana Parent and ChildSakushi: Seki Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako
This heartwarming work by Kazuo Seki and Wakako Fukuda comically portrays the adorable everyday life of the Banana family living on a southern island.
The repeated phrases woven from the sounds of each family member’s name create a catchy rhythm that even small children will naturally hum along to.
First aired in 1982 on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it has continued to be loved in many households.
It’s also included on the album “Okaasan to Issho Memorial Album,” making it perfect for parents and children to sing together! How about spending a cozy time with everyone while feeling the bonds of family?
pine coneSakushi: Hirota Takao / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Tsuyae
This is an autumn children’s song that depicts a charming scene: a pine cone tumbles down a high mountain, and a little monkey picks it up and eats it.
The lyrics were written in 1936 by Takao Hirota, who was a first-grade elementary school student at the time, and the music was composed by Tsyae Kobayashi, a music teacher.
From the late 1950s to the 1960s, the song was included on King Records’ album “Songs for Kindergarten.” With just a single, simple, and easy-to-remember verse, it has long been loved as a seasonal song in nurseries and kindergartens.
It’s also recommended to add simple choreography and enjoy it as a hand-play song! Singing while moving your body will bring back fond memories of childhood fun playing in autumn nature.
The Bear of the Forestamerika min’yō
This nursery song, depicting a charming encounter in the forest, spread nationwide in 1972 when Dark Ducks performed it on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” With its humorous story and familiar melody, it warmly conveys the bear’s gentle thoughtfulness.
In October of the same year, a single was released by King Records, with a Russian folk song on the B-side.
Because it can be sung in an echo-song format, it’s perfect for campfires and kindergarten choruses! Its lively 4/4 rhythm makes it easy for everyone to have fun singing together while naturally learning the melody.
Brr, it’s so cold.warabeuta
A simple, short poem, yet a charming song that straightforwardly conveys the feeling of cold, just like a nursery rhyme.
In some regions, it’s said that the little boy sings lines like “came flying” or “came crying.” The fact that there are so many variations is one of the fun things about nursery rhymes, isn’t it?
Summer MemoriesSakushi: Ema Akiko / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao
A quintessential Japanese classic that paints a nostalgic summer scene.
Keinao Nakada’s gentle melody and Akiko Ema’s poetic lyrics leave a quiet afterglow in the listener’s heart.
Vivid depictions of nature—Oze shrouded in mist, the blooms of skunk cabbage, and a rhododendron-tinted sky at dusk—are especially striking.
First broadcast on an NHK radio program in 1949, it has been beloved by many ever since.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to feel the calm passage of time or indulge in fond memories of the past.
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 Through Song (21–30)
Spring MeadowSakushi: Sakata Hiroo Sakkyoku: Ichikawa Toshiharu
This is a children’s song by poet-lyricist Hiroo Sakata and composer Toshiharu Ichikawa, a pioneer of educational music, depicting a foal galloping across a pasture.
It sings of a lively young horse running about in the spring breeze, with fresh grasses and flowers sprouting all around.
It has been included for many years in lower-grade music textbooks, featuring a comfortable vocal range and an easy-to-remember melody that thoughtfully draws out children’s natural singing voices.
It is featured in Educational Art Company’s elementary school music textbooks for the 2020 and 2024 school years, with accompanying teacher’s CDs and beginner piano scores available.
Expressing the vibrant feeling of spring through a bright, light rhythm, this piece is perfect for choral singing in early childhood settings as a new season begins, or for family sing-alongs at home.
If your child loves ranches or animals, try singing it together for fun!