Lovely children's song

[Elementary School Music] List of Popular and Nostalgic Songs That Have Appeared in Textbooks

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Bassist and radio listenerkappamaki
A Kyoto-based bassist who loves radio and ska punk. I mostly inhabit the ani-radio scene, but I’m not a professional. I’m a bit unusual in that I’ve built up my anison knowledge through ani-radio. My love of ska punk centers on Japanese bands. I’ve also worked as a staffer at a music studio. I’m always running around in circles every day.

Do you remember the songs you sang in elementary school music class or the pieces you played on the recorder?

Songs learned in childhood are deeply engraved in our memories, and sometimes a fragment of the melody pops into your head out of the blue.

In this article, we’ll introduce songs that were featured in elementary school textbooks, as well as pieces that are still included today.

From nostalgic children’s songs to recent J-pop, the genres are diverse.

Of course, you can simply listen and reminisce, but it’s also great to listen with family or friends and let the conversation bloom with memories!

[Elementary School Music] List of Popular and Nostalgic Songs That Have Appeared in Textbooks (31–40)

strollInoue Azumi

Sampo (My Neighbor Totoro) Sato no Uta Hey Let’s Go (Totoro)

strollInoue Azumi

I think many kindergartens and nursery schools use this song for their recitals.

On TV, the film My Neighbor Totoro is broadcast regularly, so it feels like people have been humming this song since they were little.

Its march-like tempo makes it a great teaching material for elementary school music classes when practicing instruments.

You often hear it as a marching piece at sports days, too—truly an all-around song.

The lyrics are by Rieko Nakagawa, and the music is by Joe Hisaishi, who composes widely for Ghibli films.

Azumi Inoue’s singing voice also fits this song perfectly!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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Sugarcane field

Ryoko Moriyama “Sugarcane Field” (from ‘Concert Tour 2007–2008’)

Sugarcane field

The classic song “Sugarcane Field,” which expresses the sound of the wind in words and quietly sings of searing sorrow, anger, and prayers for peace, has been passed down by many singers since its premiere at a 1967 concert.

The version recorded by Ryoko Moriyama in 2001 won the Best Vocal Performance at the 44th Japan Record Awards in 2002.

In 2003, a drama of the same title starring Sanma Akashiya, inspired by this song, was released and deeply moved many people in Japan.

If you’re interested in how Naohiko Terashima, who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, created this piece and the stories behind it, please look into it yourself.

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Orchestra of Life

Orchestra of Life (Hotate Children's Choir, 2019)

Orchestra of Life

This is a piece by Kensuke Yugeda that straightforwardly conveys the beauty of nature and the preciousness of life.

It’s included in the fourth-grade music textbook published by Kyoiku Geijutsu Sha and is likely a song familiar to many children.

Said to have been inspired by a walk in the forest, the work was released in April 2020.

Its evocative depiction of natural sounds—like birdsong and the rustling of trees—likened to an orchestra is striking and may resonate with listeners.

It’s a perfect choice not only for school music classes but also for moments when you want to feel close to nature.

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In conclusion

Were there any songs you remember singing, or ones included in your child’s textbook? If you’re a parent, you might find it fun just to flip through your child’s music textbook.

This playlist could spark lively conversations at home—please enjoy it during your family time!