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

[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.

[Sky Nursery Rhymes and Songs] Children’s Songs Loved Across Generations (31–40)

YukiMonbushō shōka

Ministry of Education Song: Snow
YukiMonbushō shōka

The history of this song is very old, and some of you may be surprised to learn that it is actually a song from nearly a hundred years ago.

The lyrics of Yuki ya Konko, which make you want to sing along the moment it starts snowing, are especially memorable in this children’s song.

Singing this song makes the winter scenery even more enjoyable.

Tanabata-samaNihon warabeuta

Tanabata Sama – Tanabata Sama | Sasa leaves rustle, swaying under the eaves [Japanese songs and shoka]
Tanabata-samaNihon warabeuta

Tanabata originally has its roots in China.

However, the custom of hanging wish slips on bamboo began in the Edo period and cannot be seen in other countries.

It’s a delightful time to hang the slips while thinking of wishes together with your child.

Be sure to listen to the song “Tanabata-sama” together as well.

Tanuki Bayashi of Shojoji TempleNihon warabeuta

Shojoji no Tanuki-bayashi [with song] – Children’s Song
Tanuki Bayashi of Shojoji TempleNihon warabeuta

“Sho, sho, shojōji” is a very rhythmic and cheerful children’s song.

Just imagining many tanuki dancing under the moonlight brings a smile to your face.

It’s adorable and absolutely perfect for children.

Tankō-bushi (Coal Miner’s Song)Suzuki Masao

The song Tankō-bushi has long been cherished as a folk song handed down in Fukuoka Prefecture.

As the birthplace of Tankō-bushi, the city of Tagawa in Fukuoka has a commemorative monument.

It originated from songs sung by female workers at the Mitsui Tagawa coal mine, which were later recorded and spread throughout Japan.

fireworksShimosā Kanzō

Fireworks - Lyrics by Takeshi Inoue, Music by Kan'ichi Shimofusa, Ministry of Education Song
fireworksShimosā Kanzō

Fireworks, a hallmark of Japanese summer that beautifully color the night sky.

This children’s song celebrates the long-loved tradition of summer fireworks in Japan with lively melodies and beautiful lyrics.

It’s a delightful song that makes Japan’s summer scenery even more enjoyable.

[Children's Songs of the Sky] Children's Songs Loved Across Generations (41–50)

I found the first starMonbushō shōka

As dusk falls and the darkness of night spreads, the first star begins to shine.

This song celebrates the joy of finding the brightest first-magnitude star—the very first star to appear.

The phrase “I found the first star” is very famous, but in fact the song goes up to the third star, so please listen all the way to the end.

Winter ConstellationMatsumoto Miwako

The original song dates back to the 19th century.

William Hays, a famous American composer, released “Mollie Darling.” Later, Keizo Horiuchi, the third son of the founder of Asada Ame Co., Ltd., provided the Japanese lyrics.