[Children’s Song] Easy Even for Piano Beginners! Introducing Nursery Rhymes with Simple Chords

The sound of insectsMonbushō shōka

[You can play it with code 🔰] Voices of Insects

A Ministry of Education school song that rhythmically depicts the chirping of insects on long autumn nights using onomatopoeia.

First included in 1910 in the “Elementary School Reader Songs,” it was later selected in 2006 for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and has remained a beloved classic for many years.

The distinctive calls of insects such as pine crickets, bell crickets, and field crickets overlap like an ensemble, evoking the atmosphere of autumn in the listener’s heart.

With a simple melody and a narrow range, it’s recommended as a practice piece for those just getting comfortable with the keyboard.

It’s also used in elementary school music materials, making it fun to play while singing together with your child.

Why not add this seasonally evocative piece to your autumn repertoire?

Ogre PantsLuigi Denza

Ogre Pants (Piano Sheet Music for Preschool) – Children's Song

“Oni no Pantsu” (The Ogre’s Underpants) is a classic hand-play song often sung in nursery schools and kindergartens around Setsubun, and it’s also world-famous as a Neapolitan popular song.

Its original tune is “Funiculì, Funiculà,” composed in 1880 to celebrate the opening of the Mount Vesuvius funicular.

In Japan, the song is loved for its unique lyrics depicting an ogre wearing tiger-skin clothing.

The key to performing it is to play with a lively, staccato touch that matches the bold melody! The left hand keeps a march-like rhythm, making it perfect for practicing steady tempo.

The chord progression is simple yet powerful, offering plenty of satisfaction even for beginners at the piano.

Press the keys firmly all the way down and play with confidence.

snowMonbushō shōka

Children’s song “Yuki” (Key of C) completed with just 3 chords! [Home Piano Lessons]

A song familiar as a Ministry of Education shoka that you hear everywhere once winter arrives.

Since it was included in a textbook published in June 1911, it has been sung across generations for over a century.

It depicts a snowy landscape with drifting flakes, contrasting a lively dog running about outdoors with a cat warming itself inside, making it fun to play while imagining the scene.

In 2007, it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” truly a classic of the Japanese winter! With a narrow range and straightforward fingering, it’s perfect for beginners to build their fundamentals.

Ride the lively rhythm and try playing with a bounce that conveys the joy of swirling snow!

Light of FirefliesSukottorando min’yō

Auld Lang Syne at Burgmüller difficulty [Free Sheet Music] #PianoSheetMusic

A Scottish folk song well known in Japan as the melody played at graduation ceremonies and when shops close.

Since its publication in the November 1881 issue of the Elementary School Song Collection, First Volume, it has been deeply etched in the hearts of the Japanese as a song that celebrates the end of learning and the start of a new journey.

Its simple pentatonic-based melody, with easy fingerings and memorable phrases, makes it ideal for beginners as a piano practice piece.

The relaxed 4/4 rhythm and gentle chord progression are perfect for settling in at the keyboard.

Start by letting the right-hand melody sing smoothly; once you’re comfortable, add the left-hand accompaniment to create a tender harmony.

By playing with feeling, you’ll find even greater joy in the piano.

Ten thousand feet in the Alpsamerika min’yō

[Sheet Music] I Tried Arranging “Alps Ichiman-jaku” with a Simple Accompaniment [Piano]

This piece, originally an American folk song, is one that just about everyone sang at least once in childhood and eagerly played along with hand games among friends.

In Japan, it became widely known after it was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in August 1962.

Its bright, lively melody is built on a very simple chord progression and an easy-to-remember rhythm, making it ideal as a practice piece for those who have just begun learning the piano.

It’s said there are as many as 29 verses to the lyrics, but when performing, it’s best to use it as repetitive practice of short phrases.

First, make sure you can play the melody firmly with your right hand; once you’re comfortable, add the left-hand accompaniment and enjoy the bouncy rhythm.

Tanabata-samaShimousa Kanichi

[Easy Piano] Tanabata-sama (with sheet music link)

With lyrics that gently portray the sound of bamboo leaves swaying in the wind and children placing their wishes on brightly colored tanzaku strips, this piece beautifully colors the night of Tanabata.

Since it was included in a textbook published in March 1941, it has been beloved across generations as a song symbolizing summer festivities.

Its simple, Japanese-style melody centered around five tones brings a quiet sense of comfort to listeners.

Because the range is narrow and doesn’t require stretching the fingers widely, it’s perfect as a practice piece for children with small hands or for those just starting piano.

The left hand can accompany with only a few chords, allowing the melody to sing fully while you enjoy the feel of playing with both hands.

Let your thoughts drift to the Star Festival that comes once a year, and try performing it with rich emotion.

maple leavesOkanoteiichi

Maple Leaf – chord piano arrangement of a children’s song – free sheet music

Momiji, a children’s song composed by Teiichi Okano that vividly portrays mountains turning colors as autumn deepens.

Since its inclusion in a textbook published in June 1911, it has been handed down across generations as a beloved classic.

In 2006, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and its beautiful melody remains cherished by many.

Its worldview likens sunlit mountain slopes at dusk and fallen leaves floating on the water’s surface to brocade, nurturing rich emotional expression simply through performance.

The melody features few leaps and smooth fingering, making it ideal for those just beginning the piano.

Once you’re comfortable, try incorporating a round-like arrangement that echoes the melody in succession to savor the beauty of overlapping harmonies.