[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)
Jabba Jabba Viva DooTakayuki Hattori
Broadcast as the Monthly Song in October 2002 on “Okaasan to Issho,” this piece is perfect for creating summer memories with kids! The lyrics joyfully depict the ocean world, featuring dolphins and turtles on adventures and whales and octopuses dancing.
It’s included on the album “NHK Okaasan to Issho Saishin Best: Crayon Rocket,” so be sure to give it a listen.
With its bright, energetic melody and lyrics full of catchy, repeating phrases, it’s easy for children to sing along—highly recommended for parents and kids to dance and have fun together at home!
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.
[Children’s Sea Songs] Fun kids’ songs themed around the sea (31–40)
Across the sea
Umi no Mukou (Beyond the Sea), featured on the YouTube channel “Super Simple Japanese,” which introduces fun Japanese nursery rhymes and kids’ songs you can sing and dance to, has racked up over 2 million views.
It’s a song that depicts a pirate ship steadily sailing across the sea, unfazed by storms or blizzards.
For children who admire pirates after watching cartoons or movies, this is sure to be an exciting track.
If you play it before a trip to the seaside, it might get them hoping, “Do you think we’ll meet pirates?”
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.
That sea is alwayssakushi: Sada Kazuo / sakkyoku: Hasebe Masatoshi
Since this is a children’s song/folk song with an ocean theme, some of you may have sung it in music class in elementary school.
“Itsudemo Ano Umi wa” is a pleasant piece with a beautiful melody that celebrates the grandeur of the sea.
Whether a child grew up in a seaside town or not, everyone has their own image of the “sea.” In that context, it’s lovely that this song expresses the sea as my friend.
The sea connects to towns and countries far away; this is a song I’d love people to sing and listen to while imagining the vastness of that sea.
Let’s go to the beach.Yamashita Makiko
It’s a fun song that makes you want to head to the summer beach without even thinking.
Familiar from NHK’s popular program “Inai Inai Baa!”, this tune is sure to capture children’s hearts.
With a simple, somewhat nostalgic feel, it’s the kind of song kids will naturally find themselves listening to.
The warm lyrics and melody, which sing about a love for the sea and nature, are perfect for nurturing sensitivity.
It’s recommended for exciting moments like summer drives or while getting ready to go swimming at the beach.
in the seaPinkittsu
The popular number “Under the Sea” from Pinkfong, an educational brand for toddlers and children from South Korea, features a light, samba-style rhythm that feels very cheerful.
What kinds of creatures live in the deep, vast ocean? Set to a relaxed melody, this delightful song lets everyone explore the underwater world together.
“Under the Sea” is an educational children’s song where kids can learn about marine life and what it’s like under the ocean while singing along.
Enjoy the underwater adventure by singing and dancing together!