[Sea Nursery Rhymes] Fun children's songs themed around the sea
During summer vacation, many families probably go to the beach with their children, don’t they? There are so many ways to play at the beach that you can enjoy yourself all day without getting bored.
In this article, we introduce children’s songs and nursery rhymes related to the sea.
In addition to classics like “Umi” and “Ware wa Umi no Ko,” we’ve gathered sea-themed songs that kids are sure to love.
It’s perfect for when you want to listen to summery nursery rhymes or discover various songs about the ocean.
Some songs are great for singing and dancing, so on days that are too hot, try having fun moving your body indoors at home!
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[Sea Nursery Rhymes] Fun Children’s Songs with an Ocean Theme (11–20)
Glide, glide, glide through the sea.
This song is packed with the excitement of exploring the sea.
Swimming alongside sailors and meeting creatures like seahorses and turtles will spark children’s curiosity.
The song has been featured on Pokémon Kids TV and is popular with kids.
It’s perfect for parents and children to enjoy together with hand motions! If you show pictures of sea creatures while singing, it might help nurture language and knowledge through play.
Mambo Jimbetatsu!Sakushi sakkyoku: Beppu Nodoka
This is a playful song where beloved ocean creatures like sunfish and whale sharks make one cheerful entrance after another to a lively beat.
Created by Nodoka Beppu, who draws inspiration from children’s smiles, the song features catchy phrases that make the most of the sounds of each animal’s name.
The video on the childcare website is also very popular, suggesting it’s widely enjoyed in real settings.
Dancing as if you’re ocean creatures might spark children’s rich expressive abilities.
Spotted garden eel!!Ryūzō Fukuda · Kazuto Ozawa
It’s a fun exercise song that lets you pretend to be that unique creature popping its head out of the ocean sand.
I’ve heard it’s popular at preschools as a “warm-up dance.” The track was created by the unit of Ryuzo Fukuda, Kazuto Ozawa, and Skanpo, and was included on the album “Marutto Minna no Asobiuta,” released in July 2019.
With simple choreography that gently sways the body, it can help loosen children up while building their excitement for the activities to come.
waves and seashells
For those looking for children’s songs with seaside or sandy beach themes, “Nami to Kaigara” is recommended.
The lyrics, centered on the theme of “seashells,” match perfectly with a melody that evokes a bright, sunny sea.
It could be fun to turn the seashells that appear in the lyrics into illustrations and quiz the kids: “Which seashell is this?” If you’re good at playing instruments like the piano or percussion, showcase your performance along with the children’s singing.
Precisely because it’s a hot summer, enjoy a song that conjures up a refreshing beach.
coconutŌnaka Toraji
Composed by Toraji Onaka, this piece is set to a beautiful poem by Toson Shimazaki.
Its lyrics delicately depict seaside scenery and a traveler’s thoughts, resonating deeply with listeners.
Since its release in the 1920s, it has been cherished for many years and widely loved.
Frequently featured in school music classes, it has been passed down across generations.
It’s a perfect song to listen to by the sea in summer; hum it while gazing at the ocean, and you’ll surely feel your heart soothed.
It’s also a wonderful choice when you feel a touch of homesickness on your travels.
Squid squid dolphinFukuda Wakako
This is a fun song about beloved ocean friends that kids adore.
When it first aired on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in the early 2000s, its lively rhythm and unique title captured children’s hearts.
Composed by Wakako Fukuda, the song features sea creatures like dolphins and squid, and is designed to let listeners enjoy the sounds and rhythms of the words.
It’s a cheerful tune that kids can sing and dance to, making it perfect for summer vacation activities or as a fun warm-up before heading to the beach.
Sing and dance together, and you’re sure to create unforgettable memories!
[Children’s Songs of the Sea] Fun Ocean-Themed Songs for Kids (21–30)
Song of the SeashoreSakushi: Hayashi Kokei / Sakkyoku: Narita Tamezō
Hamabe no Uta (Song of the Seashore), with lyrics by Kokei Hayashi and music by Tamezō Narita, is a gentle lyrical song of the sea that evokes serene, majestic images of the ocean and shoreline, wrapping the listener in tenderness.
Long beloved in Japan, it was selected in 2007 as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Its slightly nostalgic, wistful melody and the beautiful lyrics—depicting a walk along the beach while reminiscing about days gone by—leave a strong impression.
The chorus, which ascends by semitones, seems to express rising emotions, making it natural to sing it with heartfelt feeling.
