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.
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Nursery rhymes and children's songs about the moon (1–10)
Rabbit DanceSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei
This is a charming children’s song themed around the moon.
Set to a lively rhythm, it depicts rabbits dancing.
Lyricist Ujo Noguchi and composer Shinpei Nakayama were a renowned duo who left a major mark on Japanese children’s music.
First released in the 1920s, this piece is still beloved by many today.
If you imagine the rabbits’ cute movements and add some dance steps while you sing, you’ll likely enjoy it even more.
Why not gaze at the moon and savor the song’s atmosphere in a relaxed mood?
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.
Shōjōji’s Raccoon Dog Festival MusicSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei
Shōjōji no Tanuki-bayashi is known for its cheerful, rhythmic melody.
The lyrics were written by poet Ujō Noguchi, inspired by the legend of the raccoon dog drumming at Shōjōji Temple in Kisarazu, Chiba.
Many people may remember that in the NHK morning drama Come Come Everybody, an English parody version was used as the theme song for a radio English program.
Masashi Sada, who appeared in the show as the radio English teacher, also covered it as “Shōjōji no Tanuki-bayashi ’22 ~ COMECOME EVERYBODY ~,” which I highly recommend.
Enjoy listening to it with your kids!