[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)
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.
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.
We are children of the sea.Monbushō shōka
When it comes to classic children’s songs about the sea, “Ware wa Umi no Ko” (We Are Children of the Sea) stands out.
First published in 1910 in the Ministry of Education’s Elementary School Reader as a song for singing, it has long been loved and cherished.
Although the lyricist and composer are unknown, it is considered a masterpiece and was selected as one of Japan’s 100 best songs.
The scene it depicts is the summer sea.
The lyrics are said to portray the growth of a boy raised by the seaside.
With imagery that evokes the sound of the wind and the sight of vast seas crowned with whitecaps, it is a work of grand scale.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to sing out clearly during the summer, picturing the ocean landscape.
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.
Carnival of the Seasakushi sakkyoku: Okada Ai
Japan has many children’s songs with ocean themes, but if you’re looking for one that simply celebrates the sea with fun and cheer, “Sea Carnival” is the perfect pick.
Like a story set at sea, it feels fantastical, and—as the title suggests—the lively piano rhythm makes it an especially pleasant piece.
Listening to this song will surely brighten your image of the ocean.
It’s a track I’d recommend to anyone seeking a sea-themed song that’s enjoyable and comfortable to sing or listen to.
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.
the bottom of the sea
“Umi no Soko” (At the Bottom of the Sea) is a song featured on the YouTube channel Super Simple Japanese, which collects Japanese children’s songs and nursery rhymes.
It’s sung to a bright, exciting melody that captures the lives of creatures living in the sea.
For children, the deep, deep ocean floor is an unknown world! If you show them pictures or photos of the creatures that appear—like octopuses, whales, sharks, and starfish—while they listen, it might spark even more interest in the ocean.
