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

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.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerSakushi: Sakkyoku: Jonī Māku-su

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Christmas song Santa Claus children’s song nursery rhyme Japanese song Minna no Uta ♬ Rudolph with the bright red nose~ Melody Line♪

This song, a Christmas classic, is based on the best-selling children’s book “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and was written and composed by American songwriter Johnny Marks.

It, too, became a hit that reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts.

Although it’s a Christmas song, its story—conveying courage and hope to children, along with Santa’s kindness—is the reason it continues to be loved today.

Cute Fish ShopSakushi: Katō Shōgo / Sakkyoku: Yamaguchi Yasuji

Cute fishmonger

This is a children’s song about kids playing fishmonger.

Its snappy Edo-style rhythm and cute lyrics make your spirits lift—it’s a lively tune.

It also has a nostalgic Showa-era vibe.

It reminds us that fish used to be sold door-to-door.

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.

rainfallsakushi: kitahara hakushū / sakkyoku: nakayama shinpei

Rainfall - children's song - with lyrics

It’s a cheerful melody that feels as if you’re enjoying a rainy day, almost like skipping along.

The lyricist, Hakushu Kitahara, was a great poet renowned not only for children’s songs but also for poetry, tanka, and folk songs.

This masterpiece evokes a story within the song: a child frolicking with their mother, concern for a child in trouble, and a mother watching over her child.

Santa Claus the ScatterbrainSakushi: Yoshioka Osamu / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Asei

Santa Claus the Scatterbrain

This song is a huge hit with children as a classic Christmas tune.

Since Japan originally didn’t have the custom of celebrating Christmas, there naturally weren’t any Christmas songs.

That’s why this song, “Awatenbō no Santa Claus” (The Hasty Santa Claus), was created.

In other words, it isn’t an English translation but a song written by a Japanese composer.

The catchy melody was composed by Asei Kobayashi, famous not only as a TV personality but also for writing numerous commercial jingles.

Happy HinamatsuriSakushi: Yamano Saburou / Sakkyoku: Kawamura Naonori

Happy Hinamatsuri (with lyrics) Uresii Hinamaturi

Hinamatsuri, the Peach Festival, is a celebration that prays for girls’ healthy growth.

It features a song so important to the Japanese that there is hardly a year when one doesn’t hear it.

Despite the title including the word “happy,” there are various theories as to why the melody is in a minor key.

One explanation links to the lyricist Saburo Yamano (Sato Hachiro): it is said that around the time his older sister was about to be married, she passed away from tuberculosis—an event thought to resonate with the song’s lyrics.