Nostalgic Children’s Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes: The Heart of Japan Passed Down Through Song

pine coneSakushi: Hirota Takao / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Tsuyae

pine cone

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.

teru teru bozu (a traditional Japanese handmade doll hung to wish for good weather)Sakushi: Asahara Kyōson / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

Teru Teru Bozu [children’s song] ☆A song that makes babies happy☆

It’s a simple, endearing children’s song in which one sings to a little doll made from a white cloth on a rainy day, wishing for clear skies.

Akihito Asahara’s lyrics express a child’s pure feelings directly, charmingly depicting the innocent, forthright emotions that move from promising a golden bell as thanks to even threatening to cut off its head if the wish isn’t granted.

First published in 1921 in the magazine “Shōjo no Tomo” and officially released the following year, the piece has been loved by many thanks to Shinpei Nakayama’s friendly melody.

It’s the perfect song for when you’re eagerly awaiting the end of the rain or want to bask in nostalgic feelings.

Banana Parent and ChildSakushi: Seki Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako

Banana Parent and Child | Children's Song | Kids' Song | covered by UtaSta

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?

The Bear of the Forestamerika min’yō

[River Rise] English Song 'The Bear in the Forest' (The Bear Song)

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

[Children’s Song] Oh, Cold, So Cold

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?

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Summer MemoriesSakushi: Ema Akiko / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao

Summer Memories [Choir]

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.

tidying up

♪Cleaning Up <with gestures> - ♪Clean up, clean up~ [Japanese song / children’s song]

This is a practical, everyday children’s song often sung during clean-up time at nurseries and kindergartens.

Its simple structure repeats call-and-response phrases, making it easy and friendly for young children to memorize right away.

Many arrangements speed up partway through, adding a playful touch that naturally guides kids into tidying up.

It’s also featured on childcare-related YouTube channels and is widely used as background music at home and in schools.

A perfect pick for parents who want to make tidying a fun habit and for professionals working in early childhood education.