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Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[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!

[Children’s Songs of the Sea] Fun Ocean-Themed Songs for Kids (21–30)

seaMonbushō shōka

[Children’s Song] Umi (The Sea) / Daisuke Yokoyama
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.

We are children of the sea.Monbushō shōka

We Are Children of the Sea [With Song] Children's Song / School Song
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.

Hey! SeaSakushi: Yamakawa Keisuke / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naosumi

[Summer Song] Hey, Sea! (Lyrics: Keisuke Yamakawa / Music: Naosumi Yamamoto) / Tokyo University of the Arts–graduate sister duo AINANA / AINANA Calendar 2023
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.

Sea AdventurePinkittsu

Sea Adventure | Adventure Song | Pinkfong Nursery Rhymes
Sea AdventurePinkittsu

“Sea Adventure” is a children’s song with a catchy melody, released by the YouTube channel Pinkfong.

It tells the story of a dog-like character exploring the ocean, and the lyrics feature a variety of sea creatures.

The animation also shows many marine animals, so be sure to check out the video as well.

Seagull SailorSakushi: Takeuchi Toshiko / Sakkyoku: Kawamura Mitsuyo

“The Seagull Sailors – Seagull sailors, sailors in a row~” (with hand motions)
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

There's A Hole At The Bottom Of The Sea | Children's Song | Super Simple Japanese
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.