Children’s Song Medley: A playlist of classic and popular hits everyone knows

Gonbe-san’s BabySakushi: Tashiga Akira / Genkyoku: Amerika min’yō

[Hand Play] Gombei’s Baby♪

This children’s song, originally based on an American folk tune, features Japanese lyrics written by Akira Tashiga and has been beloved by people of all ages since the mid-Showa era.

The warm, gentle lyrics about Gonbe-san and a baby are sure to make you feel cozy.

Its rhythmic structure with frequent repetition makes it easy for children to sing—one of the song’s best qualities.

Adding hand motions while singing can also support children’s language development and sense of rhythm.

Try singing it with your child at daycare, kindergarten, or at home.

I love running.Sakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Satou Makoto

I love running.

It’s a familiar song at kindergarten and nursery school sports days.

The lyrics, which capture the excitement, rush, and fun of running, let you fully savor Michio Mado’s distinctive spirit—making it an essential track before any sports day.

For adults, it’s a song that makes you feel as if you’ve returned to childhood.

Yukisakushi: fushō/sakkyoku: fushō

Yuki (Snow) with vocals (Winter children's song)

It’s a beloved Japanese classic that celebrates the joy of snow.

Rather than focusing on the cold, it portrays snow as an artistic element that colors Japan’s landscapes.

With unknown lyricist and composer and being in the public domain, it has been frequently covered by various artists and used in commercials, remaining a nursery rhyme cherished by the Japanese.

spring breezeSakushi: Katō Yoshikiyo / Sakkyoku: Fositā

Spring Breeze — Yoshikiyo Katō / Foster

Set to a gentle melody that evokes the arrival of spring, this song features tender lyrics that resonate with children.

Written by Yoshikiyo Kato and composed by Stephen Foster, it was included in the “Certified Song Collection” in 1926.

The song depicts the spring breeze blowing through willow threads and across gardens, conjuring light, pleasant imagery.

It offers a soothing springtime moment not only for children but also for preschool teachers.

Once you’ve learned the lyrics, try opening a window and singing while feeling the outside breeze—highly recommended! A lovely piece that captures the refreshing spirit of spring.

Sakura, sakura

Sakura, Sakura [Lyrics]—as far as the eye can see, the Yayoi skies

It is a song about flowers that represents Japan.

The lyrics have a classical tone because it was composed at the end of the Edo period.

It’s a beautiful piece with deep emotion, and it has been loved by the Japanese for over 200 years.

When you hear “Sakura, Sakura,” you can’t help but picture cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring.

Pass through (Tōryanse)

Children’s song “Tōryanse”

It’s famous as a children’s song that dates back to the Edo period.

You often hear it at crosswalks, too.

The lyrics feel a bit eerie, but the wabi-sabi gives it a nice charm.

Tenjin-sama refers to a Shinto shrine.

In the past, travel was said to be a life-or-death endeavor, and that’s the backdrop of this song.

Kantarō the North Wind Boy

Kantaro the North Wind Kid (Mixed Chorus) 2008

Announced on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” this so-called children’s enka takes its motif from “Kogarashi Monjiro,” made famous by actor Atsuo Nakamura.

With a cute animation, it became an indispensable favorite among winter children’s songs.

Many famous singers have performed it: on “Okaasan to Issho” it was sung by Seiji Tanaka, on “Minna no Uta” by Masahiro Sakai, and on a rebroadcast of “Minna no Uta” by Saburo Kitajima, which drew a lot of attention.