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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Children’s Songs and Nursery Rhymes about the Moon (21–30)
Autumn MoonSakushi sakkyoku: Taki Rentarō
Another moon-themed song by Rentaro Taki, who composed the famous Kojo no Tsuki, is Aki no Tsuki (Autumn Moon).
This piece is the autumn section from his song cycle Shiki (Four Seasons), which portrays the seasons throughout the year.
While the lyrics for the other seasons were written by different lyricists, Taki himself wrote the words for this song.
It expresses the feeling that, although the moon always seems to shine the same, the autumn moon alone somehow has a slightly different atmosphere that stirs various emotions.
Be sure to listen to this one alongside Kojo no Tsuki!
A Round Worldsakushi: Koba Nadeko / sakkyoku: Shibakusa Rei
In “A Round World,” a perfectly round moon and an equally round sun make their appearance.
The gently flowing, swaying melody is so pleasant that kids will surely find themselves humming along! The lyrics paint a whimsical scene where many things, like the moon and the sun, turn perfectly round and float in the sky.
Through this fairy-tale-like world, it also seems to convey the idea that even when we’re angry or facing something unpleasant, if we keep a soft, rounded heart like the moon and the sun, everyone will naturally find themselves smiling.
Pompoko raccoon dogSakushi: Murayama Toshiko / Sakkyoku: Ichinomiya Michiko
Humans might not be the only ones who feel like moon-viewing when they see a beautiful moon.
In “Pompoko Tanuki,” the song describes raccoons (tanuki) enjoying the moon-viewing.
It portrays tanuki living in the mountains who, upon seeing the beautiful moon, happily drum on their bellies with a pom-pom sound.
The lyrics feel like something out of a fairy tale—so dreamy! It’s also fun to sing while mimicking the tanuki, matching the belly-drumming motions.
Try expressing the joy of seeing the beautiful moon through both song and movement.
Waltz of the MoonIsayama Mio
The song that shows us a mysterious world guided by the moon is Mio Isayama’s “Moon Waltz.” Released in 2004, it was broadcast the same year on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” From the time it aired, inquiries poured in, and it has been rebroadcast multiple times due to its popularity.
The song depicts a girl who loses her way in a forest on a night when the moon shines beautifully, experiencing one wonder after another.
Just listening to the song makes you feel as if you’re reading a picture book!
In conclusion
We’ve introduced some children’s songs about the moon—what did you think? You can truly feel the moon’s beauty just by listening to the music like this.
Sing together with your family and friends, gaze at the beautiful moon, and enjoy a delightful moonlit night!