[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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[Children’s Songs of the Sea] Fun Ocean-Themed Songs for Kids (21–30)
seaMonbushō shōka
When it comes to children’s songs about the sea, this is probably the first one many people think of.
The song “Umi” (“The Sea”) was originally published in 1941 as a Ministry of Education song.
Since then, it has continued to be sung by many children, and in 2007 it was selected as one of the 100 Japanese Songs.
It has a gentle, beautiful melody that lets you picture seascapes just by listening.
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.
Sea Dance
There are many songs with an ocean theme, but we want to protect our beautiful seas and encourage people to learn about them.
With that wish in mind, let’s sing “Umi Dance” during the summer beach season.
Its upbeat, catchy rhythm makes it a lively number that’s perfect for singing and dancing together.
The charm of the song is that you can have fun while learning about what’s good and bad for the marine environment.
Through the song and dance, you can discover what’s important to keep the seas surrounding Japan clean and healthy forever.
If you come up with choreography and dance together, it will be great fun for school plays and recitals, too.
Seagull SailorSakushi: Takeuchi Toshiko / Sakkyoku: Kawamura Mitsuyo
The famous Japanese children’s sea song “Kamome no Suisansan (Seagull Sailors)” was released in 1937.
It’s a well-known ocean-themed song recognized by everyone from grandparents to today’s children.
As the title suggests, it’s a song about seagulls, and as you listen, you can picture the vast ocean, the sun sparkling on the water’s surface, and the seagulls looking so comfortable.
It’s a tune you can dance to with simple movements, but it also sounds fun to pretend to be a seagull and enjoy some water play.
Since it’s short and the lyrics are simple, children should find it easy to learn.
The bottom of the sea with a holeSuper Simple Songs
I wonder what’s at the bottom of the sea? Let’s all go exploring together.
This is a curious song where you keep stacking new lyrics onto the ones you sang first, and by the end it turns into a very long passage.
It’s a fun track you can enjoy like a game—seeing how much you can remember and how smoothly you can keep your tongue moving as you sing.
With elements like tongue twisters and wordplay, “At the Holey Bottom of the Sea” might have you stumbling or forgetting the words and bursting into laughter.
The lyrics keep getting longer and longer, so it’s hard to sing smoothly, but give it a try with your friends or group!
Fish Rice ExerciseKeroponzu
There are many kinds of fish and sea creatures in the ocean.
Surrounded by the sea, Japan is blessed with an abundance of seafood.
What’s the name of the fish that shows up on our dining table? And what’s the name of that favorite fish of yours? Let’s have fun learning those things by singing and dancing along to “Sakana Gohan Taisō.” Both the lyrics and the dance moves are comical, so it’s a lot of fun to dance together at places like kindergartens.
Master “Sakana Gohan Taisō,” where you can learn about fish, and dance with a lively, upbeat tempo.
Hey! SeaSakushi: Yamakawa Keisuke / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naosumi
“Hey, Sea!” is a song that lets you feel the ocean’s vastness and beauty, as well as nature’s gentleness and strength.
The lyrics are charming, as if you’re actually speaking to the sea, making it perfect to sing with energetic, lively children in the hot summer.
If you move your body to the bright, free-flowing melody and rhythm while you sing, it’s sure to lift your spirits! Use a strong voice from your diaphragm and try singing as if you’re sending your voice far into the distance.