[Animal Song] Fun nursery rhymes popular with children

Song of the Resounding GrasslandsSakushi: Kubota Yuzuru Sakkyoku: Maruyama Aki

Perfect for a play: “Song of the Echoing Grassland (Suho’s White Horse)” / “Grassland Love Song”!

This piece opens a series based on Mongolian folk tales.

Poet Yuzuru Kubota and composer Aki Maruyama joined forces, and it was first unveiled at a premiere concert held at the Nagoya Civic Hall in May 2000.

It was later formally published in September 2002 as the opening number in the score collection Aki Maruyama Song Collection [Supplement]: Suho’s White Horse.

The lyrics weave in images of a steppe where wind and light resonate, and its bright, easy-to-sing melody makes it accessible for children.

It works beautifully in many settings—sung alongside a story reading in schools or preschools, or used as an introductory piece for recitals and concerts.

After Man

[Splatoon × Minna no Uta] Aftamaan

After Man is a book by Dougal Dixon that imagines what animals living on Earth 50 million years after humanity’s extinction might look like.

This song was created based on that concept, and some of you may remember hearing it because it was once broadcast on Minna no Uta.

The little cowboy has arrived.Sakkyoku: Sakata Hiroo / Sakushi: Arekisu Sakkyoku Tom Tirilin Tom

Little Cowboy ♪ A little cowboy has come. Lyrics by Hiroo Sakata, music by Alexis. Tom Tirilin Tom.

This song, which depicts a lively cowboy galloping across the vast western plains, was selected in an Italian children’s song contest in 1965 and was given Japanese lyrics by Hiroo Sakata.

It vividly portrays a little cowboy from the cactus-blossoming West riding along on his horse while strumming a banjo.

The repeated “la-la-la” set to a marching rhythm is delightful and makes children naturally want to move their bodies.

It was first broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1966, and was later sung on “Okaasan to Issho.” In 1991, a single was also released by Ichiro Mizuki.

It’s a perfect children’s song for everyone to sing together with rounds and handclaps, full of energy!

Mr. Elephant

[Children’s Song] Elephant / Daisuke Yokoyama

In this song, Michio Mado’s poem is set to a gentle triple-meter melody by Ikuma Dan.

Through the image of a baby elephant, teased for its long trunk, proudly replying, “My mother’s is the same,” it tenderly conveys a heart that embraces differences.

In the 2003 “Favorite Children’s Songs” ranking, it placed seventh and has continued to be loved across generations.

It has been included in many collections, such as King Records’ “Zō-san — Michio Mado Children’s Song Collection [White Jubilee Commemoration]” and Nippon Columbia’s “Michio Mado Works — Zō-san.” It’s a song to hum along with someone dear to you, nurturing a spirit that cherishes your own individuality.

HAPPY HONEY HORSENo-zan Ho-su Pa-ku

[Official] Northern Horse Park’s Horse Song “HAPPY HONEY HORSE” – Let’s All Dance

The hand-play song about horses produced by Northern Horse Park in Tomakomai, Hokkaido is a piece that expresses the fun of interacting with horses through dance.

It’s designed so that children can physically portray the characteristics of horses—like the clip-clop of running, affectionate nuzzling, long necks, and signature gestures—in time with the rhythm.

By weaving running and jumping movements into the lyrics and using lots of easy-to-mimic onomatopoeia, the song is structured so even first-time listeners can quickly sing and dance along.

Released in April 2023, the lyrics were written by Nanami Miyoshi and the Northern Friends, with music by Shuntaro Yamauchi and Nanami Miyoshi.

You can also enjoy the music video on the park’s official website.

Watching the video before your visit and then meeting the horses on-site will likely make the experience even more memorable.

It’s the perfect track for parents and children who want to move their bodies while growing fond of horses!

Run, Kotaro!Sakushi: Ikeda Kenkichi / Sakkyoku: Ikeda Kenkichi, Maeda Nobuo

Run, Kotaro — Showa 45 (sung by Salty Sugar), lyrics by Kenkichi Ikeda, music by Kenkichi Ikeda and Nobuo Maeda

Released in July 1970 as a parody of horse-racing commentary, this Salty Sugar track sings out an imaginary derby in a comical, announcer-style delivery.

The lyrics were written by Kenkichi Ikeda, and the music was co-composed by Ikeda and Nobuo Maeda.

Its charm lies in a high-energy arrangement that fuses acoustic guitar, handclaps, and shouted calls.

The song topped the Oricon weekly chart and won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.

It later became a staple as background music for school sports days, was adapted with new lyrics for the 1996 anime Midori no Makibaō, and was covered in 2018 for Uma Musume: Pretty Derby—remaining beloved across generations.

It’s a perfect pick for enjoying announcer-style singing with kids or hyping up a sports event.

KintaroSakushi: Ishihara Wasaburō / Sakkyoku: Tamura Torazō

Kintarō [Children's Song] Lyrics: Wasaburō Ishihara / Music: Torazō Tamura

This is a children’s song that depicts a sturdy boy wrestling a bear on Mount Ashigara.

Written by Wasaburō Ishihara and composed by Torazō Tamura, it was published in June 1900 in “Shōnen Shōka, First Edition, Upper Volume.” As a representative children’s song that sings about a folktale hero in words familiar to children, it remains beloved today.

The bold figure carrying a hatchet and practicing horse-riding is vividly expressed through a lively two-beat rhythm and spirited calls that make it easy to sing while moving the body.

Because it conveys strength and energy, it’s perfect for singing with children in childcare settings or at home who are starting to take an interest in animals and folktales.

Add handclaps and gestures while singing, and it’s sure to be even more exciting.