Children’s songs and nursery rhymes about the moon
The moon shining in the dark night is so beautiful, isn’t it?
In Japan, there’s also a tradition of moon-viewing during the Mid-Autumn full moon around September, while eating rice dumplings (dango).
In this article, we’ll introduce children’s songs that feature the beautiful moon.
We’ve gathered a variety of songs—from pieces that seem to express the moon’s beauty just as it is, to songs that spotlight the full moon of the Mid-Autumn night.
How about singing along while enjoying dango during your moon-viewing?
Even if it’s not the Mid-Autumn full moon, it’s nice to take time now and then to gaze at the moon.
Nursery rhymes and children's songs about the moon (1–10)
Moon (The moon has come out, the moon has come out)Monbushō shōka
The nursery rhyme “Tsuki” (The Moon), with its familiar opening that everyone recognizes, is well known.
It was included in the “Elementary School Songs” compiled by the Ministry of Education in 1911.
The moon carries a mysterious air and has long been said to influence the human mind, but this song is a pleasant piece that simply describes the round moon rising and then being hidden by clouds.
Beloved by children and adults alike, why not try singing it while gazing at the moon?
A Hazy Moonlit NightSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi
Oborozukiyo is a song that everyone has heard at least once, whether as a school song or a children’s song.
It was selected as a standard elementary school song in 1914, and later included in sixth-grade music textbooks in 1948, so many people probably sang it in music class.
Its classical-style lyrics enhance the beauty of the Japanese language and vividly evoke the scene of a hazy moonlit night.
When we were in elementary school, we probably sang it without paying much attention to the lyrics, so listening to it again now really resonates with the heart.
I hope not only children but adults as well will give it a listen!
Flower ShadowSakushi: Omura Kazuē / Sakkyoku: Toyota Giichi
The harvest moon appears in this children’s song, Hanakage.
The lyricist, Kanoi Omura, wrote it about his own older sister.
The song sounds like he’s speaking to the harvest moon about the sadness he feels as his beloved sister leaves home to marry far away.
The poignant melody, which further heightens that sense of loneliness, is also striking.
Listen to this song while holding close the feeling of cherishing family who may one day be separated from you.
Harvest MoonSakushi: Noguchi Ujo / Sakkyoku: Motoori Nagayo
A children’s song that sings of the sadly beautiful full moon of the fifteenth night.
Poet Ujō Noguchi and composer Nagayo Motoori created it, and it drew great attention when it was published in the magazine “Kin no Fune,” for which Noguchi served as the first editor-in-chief.
It portrays a family buffeted by the Taisho era: the nanny takes her leave, the younger sister is adopted by relatives, the mother passes away, and the family is torn apart—an aching story that brings tears to the eyes.
It might feel too lonely to listen to on the night of the harvest moon, but do try enjoying this classic children’s song together as a parent and child.
Rainy MoonSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei
“Amefuri Otsukisan” (The Moon on a Rainy Night), which depicts a bride riding on horseback in the rain, is said to be based on the scene of lyricist Ujo Noguchi’s own wife’s wedding procession.
In 1929, under the title “Amefuri Otsuki,” singer Chiyako Sato recorded the song, and it went on to become a long-running hit.
Its gentle melody is soothing, and the refined Japanese lyrics truly shine.
Though the moon cannot be seen in the rain, the lyrics brilliantly liken the hidden moon to the bride.
It’s a classic children’s song with beautiful Japanese that we should pass down to future generations.
Pippi’s Moon-Viewing DreamPokemon
Among the most charming Pokémon characters, Clefairy stands out with overwhelming popularity, and this is a warm, cute number sung by Clefairy.
Its catchy pop melody is easy to learn for everyone from small children to adults, and the addictive chorus is perfect for a group sing-along.
The adorable dance by the Clefairy crew in the official video is irresistible, too.
On a night when the summer heat has finally eased, the stars twinkle and a moon shines sleek and bright at the center of the sparkling sky.
It would be lovely to enjoy the Harvest Moon and sing this song together as a parent and child.
A bunny goes boing.Sakushi: Noritake Akihiko / Sakkyoku: Ando Takashi
This is a fun traditional children’s song that depicts beloved little bunnies hopping around.
Composed by Akihiko Noritake and Takashi Ando, it features a rhythmic, easy-to-remember melody.
It has long been cherished in preschools and kindergartens and is included in the “200 Selected Masterpieces for Children.” It’s often sung during the moon-viewing season.
Singing it while moving your bodies together with the children makes it even more enjoyable.
It might also be nice to sing while gazing up at the moon and eating dumplings.
It’s the perfect song for enjoying those long autumn evenings.