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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.

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

Harvest MoonUkishima Yasuko

[Children’s Song] The Full Moon on the Fifteenth Night — Sung by Naoko Tanaka
Harvest MoonUkishima Yasuko

This famous children’s song, which begins with the opening line “Jūgoya otsukisan gokigen-san,” was released in 1920.

With lyrics by Ujō Noguchi and a melody that evokes a distinctly Japanese atmosphere, it has become a classic passed down across generations.

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butterflyaki

Children's song animation 'Chōchō' with singing — nursery rhyme, Japanese children's song
butterflyaki

This is a nursery rhyme with a long history, featured in the Shogaku Shoka-shu, Japan’s first music textbook from the Meiji era.

Depicting butterflies lightly fluttering from flower to flower under a bright sky, this song has long been cherished by the Japanese.

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red sky at eveningKusakawa Shin

♪ (Original Song) Yuyake Koyake – Sunset Glow | ♪ As the evening glow deepens and the sun sets, the bell of the mountain temple tolls [Japanese Song / Shoka]
red sky at eveningKusakawa Shin

Uko Nakamura, the lyricist, had experience as an elementary school teacher.

It is said that during his teaching days, he saw an exceptionally beautiful sunset on his way home and captured that scene in the lyrics.

Conveying the bittersweet feeling of a joyful day coming to an end, this song has been passed down as a beloved classic in Japan.

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sunsetKondō Keiko

It’s famous for its opening line, “Gingin-gira, the setting sun sinks.” Don’t you think describing the sunset as “gingin giragira” is such a poetic and lovely expression? The lyrics wonderfully convey the sun’s tremendous life force.

Please try listening to it with your child.

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carp streamerSakkyokusha fushō

♪ Koinobori – Carp Streamers | Carp Streamers Higher Than the Rooftops; The Big Black Carp Is Father [Japanese Song / Shoka]
carp streamerSakkyokusha fushō

This is a song themed around koi nobori (carp streamers) displayed on May 5th for Tango no Sekku, the Boys’ Festival.

The sight of colorful carp streamers swimming leisurely in the sky is a Japanese seasonal tradition that has continued since the Edo period.

The image of the carp streamers gliding comfortably through the air is expressed in a relaxed, expansive musical style.

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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Stardōyō

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star | Children's Song | Super Simple Japanese
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Stardōyō

Even very young children find “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” easy to sing.

As a nursery rhyme passed down with various lyrics around the world, it is immensely popular among kids.

It’s also lovely to sing it with hand motions.

Please do listen to it together with your child.

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In conclusion

In children’s songs, school songs, and nursery rhymes with the sky as their theme, the sky’s many expressions are depicted alongside the creators’ feelings and the spirit of their times.

As you savor the rich worldview conveyed through simple words, try humming along while gazing up at the sky.