[Sky-Themed Nursery Rhymes and Songs] Children’s Songs Loved Across Generations
There are many nursery rhymes, school songs, and traditional children’s songs that take the sky as their theme or evoke images of the sky.
Even when we say “the sky,” the scenes vary widely—from the freshness of a clear blue sky, to the beauty of a sunset, to the mystery of a starry night.
In this article, we introduce heartwarming nursery rhymes, school songs, and traditional children’s songs that sing about the sky.
You might even find a familiar title that makes you hum the melody without thinking! Enjoy these classic songs that depict the sky as you gaze at it at different times of day.
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[Children’s Songs of the Sky] Timeless Kids’ Songs Loved Across Generations (11–20)
One little starShinzawa Toshihiko
The charming melody and lyrics are the key! It’s a wonderful song that makes vivid scenes come to mind as you listen.
With stars taking center stage, a variety of stories unfold.
It also sounds fun to let children imagine how the story continues using their own ideas.
Through this song, more children may become interested in the shining stars in the sky.
It’s a fantastic piece that’s sure to build excitement.
I want to scribble on the sky.sakushi: Yamagami Michio / sakkyoku: Izumi Taku
A dreamy children’s song that’s perfect for the season of fresh, shimmering greenery! Its lyrics brim with carefree dreams—like a big apple tree, a bulldog, and a long bridge—set to a light, bright melody that’s utterly charming.
It’s included on the albums “Kodomo no Uta: Pakupaku Itadakimasu!” and “Ukīuki Wakuwaku! Kodomo no Uta,” and is also used as teaching material in kindergartens and nursery schools.
It’s a wonderful track to enjoy the joy of spring—sing it while looking up at the sky on a walk, or while drawing pictures with friends.
teru teru bozu (a traditional Japanese handmade doll hung to wish for good weather)Sakushi: Asahara Kyōson / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei
This is a simple and charming children’s song in which one sings to a little doll made from a white cloth on a rainy day, wishing for sunshine.
It expresses a child’s pure feelings in a straightforward way, endearingly portraying the innocent, candid shifts of emotion—from promising a golden bell as thanks to threatening to cut off its head if the wish isn’t granted.
First published in 1921 in the magazine “Shōjo no Tomo” and officially released the following year, the piece has long been loved for its friendly melody.
It’s a perfect song for when you’re eagerly awaiting the rain to clear or when you want to bask in a sense of nostalgia.
Song of the StarsSakushi: Ide Takao / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Tsuyoshi
A song by Takao Ide and Takeshi Shibuya, first introduced on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho.” It features a simple, beautiful melody and lyrics themed around stars shining in the night sky.
With a gentle, soothing tone aimed at children, it combines familiarity with educational value and is loved by people of all ages.
Since its release, it has long been cherished by many children as a classic.
It is a popular piece also used in educational settings and childcare facilities.
Koinobori Swimming Through Space!machi akari
The famous song Koinobori is a classic children’s song so well-known that every Japanese person can sing it.
Do you know a fun parody-like version of Koinobori? Akari Machi’s “Swimming Through Space! Koinobori” tells the story of carp streamers swimming beyond the rooftop, past the clouds, all the way into outer space.
It even has a proper punchline where they get hungry and come back home, making it a real delight.
Listen to it once and you might get hooked!
MoonMonbushō shōka
It is one of Japan’s children’s songs included in the 1911 collection “Jinjō Shōgaku Shōka” (Elementary School Songs).
It depicts a perfectly round moon like a tray for the Bon Festival, and its familiar melody and lyrics are still loved by many today.
Expressing the beauty and mystery of the moon floating in the night sky, its simple yet touching message continues to resonate in Japanese hearts across generations.
At the time, the Ministry of Education adopted a policy of not disclosing the names of individual authors, reportedly to give the impression that the songs were created by the “nation.” It’s a lovely nursery song that vividly brings to mind the image of the moon floating serenely in the sky.
[Children’s Songs of the Sky] Timeless Kids’ Songs Loved Across Generations (21–30)
soap bubbleNakayama Shimpei
This song, “Shabondama” (Soap Bubbles), has been passed down for generations and is actually a very old children’s song composed in the Meiji era.
The lyricist, Ujo Noguchi, went through the painful experience of losing his eldest daughter, and it is said that his feelings over her loss are reflected in the song.