[Animal Song] Fun nursery rhymes popular with children

Panda, rabbit, koala

Panda, Bunny, Koala ♪

How about “Panda, Rabbit, Koala,” a hand-play song that became widely popular thanks to the NHK educational program Okaasan to Issho (With Mother)? The song is known for having lyrics written by Hiroo Takada.

It invites children to imitate the movements of the panda, rabbit, and koala that appear in the lyrics.

Its appeal also lies in the built-in variations and game-like elements, such as the tempo gradually speeding up.

Adding brief explanations between verses—like “Let’s line them up!”—might make it even more enjoyable.

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yamamoto

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I Stepped on the Cat

[Children’s Song] I Stepped on the Cat

It’s a famous tune, but no one knows which country the original was composed in.

The title varies by country, and in some places it’s sung as a song about a dog or a duck rather than a cat.

If you keep a cat, you may have accidentally stepped on its tail or something similar at some point.

Shōjōji’s Raccoon Dog Festival MusicSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

#56 Yuka Yanari / Shojoji no Tanukibayashi (The Raccoon Dog Festival Music of Shojoji Temple)

At Shojoji, a temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji school located in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, the tale of the Tanuki Bayashi—one of Japan’s three great tanuki legends—has been passed down.

Inspired by this story, Noguchi Ujo composed the song “Shojoji no Tanuki Bayashi.” A commemorative monument stands within the precincts of Shojoji.

Picnic

♪ Picnic <with gestures> Let's go over the hill while whistling a tune ~ ♪ [Children's song]

With its lively, energetic rhythm, “Picnic” is a sprightly song that makes you want to start walking.

Ducks, goats, dogs, and pigs appear in the lyrics.

Try singing while imitating their animal sounds! If you ask the children what sounds each animal makes before singing, they’ll be able to enjoy the song more while understanding its meaning.

Since it’s a song about heading to the fun place that is a picnic, sing it brightly and cheerfully with the children.

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Cute Hide and SeekSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao

Nursery Rhyme / Cute Hide-and-Seek / 36th Children’s Song Contest, Children’s Division

This is a gentle children’s song about a game of hide-and-seek played by adorable animals.

Hatchlings, sparrows, and puppies try their best to conceal themselves, warmly portrayed in the words of Hachirō Satō, with Yoshinao Nakada’s melody enhancing its charm even further.

First released in 1951, the piece has inspired children’s playfulness and curiosity toward animals.

The thrilling hide-and-seek unfolds in everyday scenes—gardens, rooftops, and meadows.

It’s perfect for singing with your child in fresh, green May, while thinking of the animals you might meet on a walk.

The rhythm of the lyrics and the friendly melody truly seem to express the joy of spring.