Rankings of Yoshinao Nakada’s Popular Songs [2026]

The Moon and the Little BoySakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao15rank/position

Moon and Boy (♪ First-day Moon ~) by Himawari 🌻 With Lyrics | Children's Song | Moon and Boy

Speaking of the moon, one of its defining features is how it changes into various shapes, like the full moon and the crescent.

“The Moon and the Little Boy” is a charming song that conveys the delight of looking at the moon’s different shapes and imagining animals they resemble.

Its gentle, unhurried tempo is memorable as well, evoking the calm feelings of a cool autumn night or the moments just before falling asleep.

The way the animals are addressed clearly conveys how the little boy is making associations from the moon.

It’s a tender piece that lets you feel both the boy’s sweet imagination and the serene atmosphere of an autumn night.

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kappamaki

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Santa Claus is mysterious.Sakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao16rank/position

Santa Claus Is Mysterious — Song: Yuko (Tomoko Nishikawa, Tomoko Yoshida)

For small children, Santa Claus is such a mysterious figure! Here’s a fun song about that wonderfully mysterious Santa.

There are parts where the same lyrics are repeated many times, but if you sing those with expressive emotion, the kids are sure to love it! The words used in the lyrics aren’t difficult, so it’s also great for singing along together.

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Hane Keisuke

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Song of the cicadasakushi: satou yoshimi / sakkyoku: nakata yoshinao17rank/position

Children's Song [Song of the Cicada] sung by Satoko Yamano

When the sound of cicadas reaches your ears, you can’t help but feel that summer has arrived.

If their chorus is too loud it can seem noisy, but the chirping of cicadas is closely linked with summer in Japan.

The children’s song “Cicada Song,” which is popular among kids, is highly recommended—if you sing it together while catching cicadas on a hot summer day, it makes the game even more fun.

Coming up with your own original dance moves could be enjoyable too!

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KOH-1

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A line of ducklingsNakata Yoshinao18rank/position

[Nursery Teacher Practical Exam 2021] Duckling Parade / Sheet Music / Beginner Single-Note / Playing and Singing

The nursery rhyme “The Duck Parade” depicts ducklings toddling and smoothly swimming as they follow their mother duck.

It was a designated song for the 2021 Nursery Teacher Certification Exam.

The light dotted rhythm evokes the image of ducks walking earnestly, wagging their tails.

To express this adorable scene, focus on the rhythm of the melody! Play clearly to avoid sounding too sweet, and let your voice bounce with energy as you sing and play.

The note with an ornamental pitch one octave higher that appears partway through serves as an accent in the piece, so try to play it with a sparkling, standout sound.

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yuri

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motherNakata Yoshinao19rank/position

FY2018 Nursery Teacher Practical Exam “Mother” Beginner Edition / Nursery Teacher Piano / Shimamura Music Kawasaki LeFRONT Store Piano Instructor

“Okaasan” (Mother), composed by Yoshinao Nakada, a composer known for numerous children’s songs and nursery rhymes, was a set piece for the 2018 nursery teacher certification exam.

It’s a heartwarming work that pairs a gentle melody with lyrics depicting a tender scene: a child speaking to their mother—who is doing laundry and housework—saying, “Mom, you smell nice.” Because the tempo is relaxed and the number of notes is small, it’s also easy to perform as a sing-and-play piece.

Start by practicing singing along with the right-hand melody; once you’re comfortable, add the left hand on the first beat of each measure, and as you gain confidence, gradually increase the number of accompaniment notes.

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yuri

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Piano Pieces for Children “Children’s Dreams” — Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao20rank/position

[Recommended Piano Recital Piece] A Dance and Song ♫ Yoshinao Nakada

This piece, with its passionate dance-like quality tinged with a Japanese flavor and its cool shifts in expression via brief vocal interludes, is included on the classic album “Kodomo no Yume,” released in September 1978.

It’s a richly expressive work where you can savor both the dynamic sections that treat chords in a percussive, dance-like manner and the gentle sections that tenderly envelop the melody as support.

Its rhythmic interest stands out—with moments like a 5/4 passage—requiring clear, accent-aware beat marking.

Because it asks for a sense of storytelling and dancing that goes beyond simply playing the piano, it’s perfect for those who want to relish the resonance of the chords and the changes in meter, and perform with stylish brilliance on the recital stage!

Children’s Piano Piece: Etude AllegroNakata Yoshinao21rank/position

Etude Allegro “Recommended Pieces for Piano Recitals” Yoshinao Nakata – Etude Allegro – CANACANA

This elegant and refreshing étude in C major is a captivating piece woven from continuous sixteenth notes and richly varied phrases.

Its brisk tempo and the brilliant shimmer of glissandi are sure to enchant audiences at recitals.

The work was released as the final piece in the acclaimed 1956 album Children’s Piano Pieces, which comprises 17 works.

By cherishing clarity of articulation while incorporating tempo changes and dynamic contrasts, performers can achieve a balance of technical proficiency and musical expression.

It is an ideal choice for those seeking to develop finger independence or looking for a dazzling recital piece.