Rankings of Yoshinao Nakada’s Popular Songs [2026]

Mother in the EveningSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao31rank/position

Evening Mother (♬ The kanakana cicadas chirped in the distance) by Himawari 🌻 with lyrics | Children's song | Evening mom |

Another classic autumn song by lyricist Hachiro Sato and composer Yoshinao Nakada, the creators of “Kawaii Kakurenbo” (Cute Hide-and-Seek) and “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” (I Found Little Autumn).

This piece portrays the somewhat lonely scenery of an autumn evening and the warmth of a mother felt within it.

With the gentle, heart-penetrating melodies so characteristic of Yoshinao Nakada, it resonates deeply with listeners.

The work spread through radio and other media in the 1950s, and can be heard on albums such as “Yoshinao Nakada: Selected Children’s Songs – Kawaii Kakurenbo / Medaka no Gakko.” There is a touching anecdote that at Hachiro Sato’s funeral in 1973, all the attendees sang the song accompanied by Nakada himself on piano—an episode that conveys the depth of their bond and the special power of this song.

It is a tender, embracing piece, perfect for moments of thinking about family on an autumn evening.

Touch it, and autumn will feel lonely.Sakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao32rank/position

Touch it and autumn grows lonely — lyrics by Hachirō Satō, music by Yoshinao Nakada

Kinao Nakata, the composer of “If You Touch It, Autumn Will Feel Lonely,” also created pieces such as “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” (I Found a Little Autumn) and “Natsu no Omoide” (Memories of Summer).

He originally aspired to be a jazz pianist, but had to give up because his hands were small, so he switched to composing and produced many memorable masterpieces that have stayed in our hearts.

In the lyrics featuring autumn plants like chestnuts and balsam, you can sense the fragrance of the season.

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sasashina

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Tonton FriendsSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao33rank/position

[Children’s Song] Ton-ton Friends

In the new environment of kindergarten or nursery school, you’re sure to make lots of friends.

It will be a place where you laugh with different friends, sometimes get scolded, goof around, and create many memories.

You can sense a touch of anticipation in the music about what might happen.

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Araki Jakkan

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Kindergarten starting in springSakushi: Yoda Jun’ichi / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao34rank/position

[Children’s Song] From Spring: Kindergarten (with lyrics) / Lyrics by Junichi Yoda, Music by Yoshinao Nakata, Arrangement by Shirō Hayakawa / Entrance Ceremony, Events, Kindergarten / Piano Accompaniment, Singing with Piano

This is a children’s song that brims with the joy of starting a new preschool life along with the warm spring weather.

It features short, repeated phrases and a bright melody, gently conveying children’s anticipation for the kindergarten or nursery days ahead.

The lyrics were written by Junichi Yoda, and the music was composed by Yoshinao Nakata.

Loved since the postwar era, it has been included in many collections of seasonal songs, beginning with the album “Spring Entrance and Enrollment Songs,” released in March 2010.

It’s perfect as an introduction to ease the nerves of children at entrance or advancement ceremonies.

If the teacher plays it on the piano and everyone sings along or claps in rhythm, it will set the stage for a wonderful, smile-filled start.

Song of the cicadasakushi: satou yoshimi / sakkyoku: nakata yoshinao35rank/position

Cicada Song, childcare, kindergarten, piano, beginner, sing-and-play, sheet music

When you think of summer traditions, the sound of cicadas comes to mind, doesn’t it? Yet when you actually try to catch one and search with your eyes, they’re surprisingly hard to spot, so many people have probably relied on their calls to find them.

In this “Song of the Cicada,” the cicadas’ distinctive calls and the process of locating them by sound are depicted.

It sounds fun to go cicada hunting while singing this song, doesn’t it?

A town where snow fallsSakushi: Uchimura Naoya / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao36rank/position

Snowy Town by Chieko Baisho

Takashi Hideo, also known as a leading chanson singer in Japan, released the song “Yuki no Furu Machi o” in 1952, during his career as an actor and singer.

The lyrics were written by Naoya Uchimura, who worked as a playwright, and the music was composed by Yoshinao Nakada, known for works such as “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa.” Created as an insert song for the serial radio drama “Eriko to Tomoni,” it became a hit.

Interweaving a melancholy melody with lyrics that depict wintry scenes, the piece expresses the poignant longing of a heart awaiting spring.

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mutō

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Frog ChorusSakushi: Kitahara Hakushū / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao37rank/position

Japanese Children’s Song – Dōyō – Chorus of Frogs – Kaeru no Gasshō

The chorus of frogs, with croaks that seem to come from nowhere, can feel just like a song—“Frogs’ Chorus.” Because the lyrics mimic frog calls, even babies will be surprised yet delighted by the unusual sounds they aren’t used to hearing! Although the song tends to focus on frog calls, it’s also fun to make parody versions with other animals like pigs or ducks to teach different sounds.

Once you can sing it together, try singing it as a round! Until then, Mom and Dad can sing it as a round for your little one to enjoy.

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SAKI

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Ms. HimawariSakushi: Koharu Kyuichiro / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao38rank/position

Himawari-san by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics | Summer Children's Song |

A song that portrays everyday summer life from a child’s innocent perspective, as if talking to a big flower under the blazing sun.

Lively scenes like playing with water guns and wearing straw hats also appear, making it easy to picture a joyful summer day just by listening.

This work is known as a classic often loved in childcare settings.

In addition to singing it at nurseries and kindergartens, it might be nice to sing it at home with your child, using hand motions to share the fun of summer.

mochi poundingSakushi: Kobayashi Junichi / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao39rank/position

Children’s song “Mochitsuki” (Mochi Pounding), lyrics by Jun’ichi Kobayashi, music by Yoshinao Nakata

This song splendidly captures traditional New Year’s scenes in Japan, masterfully expressed by the renowned duo of children’s music! Jun’ichi Kobayashi’s warm lyrics pair perfectly with Yoshinao Nakada’s friendly melody, joyfully portraying the lively atmosphere of rice-cake pounding.

Released in the 1950s, the song has continued to be sung by many people and cherished as a classic New Year’s tune.

It’s an excellent choice for setting a festive New Year mood or introducing children to Japan’s traditional culture.

Sing it together with family and friends, and it will surely become a delightful memory.

Let’s sing of springSakushi: Kobayashi Junichi / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao40rank/position

Let's sing of spring

Amid the gentle light of spring, this heartwarming song—crafted by Junichi Kobayashi and Yoshinao Nakada—tenderly accompanies the feelings of new students.

Its melody is light and approachable, making it easy for children to hum along.

The lyrics weave in expressions of spring’s arrival in languages from around the world, offering the charm of shared joy that transcends borders.

Since the 1970s, it has been included in elementary school music textbooks and widely used in music education.

Long cherished by many, it’s a perfect piece to sing at entrance ceremonies and spring events as children take their first steps into a new environment.