[Surprising!] A children’s song that originated overseas. That familiar nursery rhyme is actually…
Nursery rhymes we often sang as children in kindergarten, nursery school, or elementary school.
Among the ones we still remember as adults, quite a few actually originated overseas.
In this article, we’ll introduce nursery rhymes with roots abroad.
We’ve picked out a variety—from songs that make you think “Come to think of it, that makes sense,” to surprising ones that have you saying, “Wait, that song too?” They’re all familiar across generations, whether it’s something you sang as a child or a song your kids are learning in nursery school.
As you listen, be sure to notice the differences between the versions we often sing and the original tunes!
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[Surprising!] Nursery rhymes that originated overseas. That familiar nursery rhyme is actually (11–20)
We Look Up to You with RespectAmerika hasshō
As a classic graduation song, Aogeba Tōtoshi is sung across generations.
The lyrics express gratitude to the teachers who supported us and the friends who shared the same time, and depict taking those feelings to heart as we spread our wings toward tomorrow.
While the nuances and content of the lyrics are very Japanese, the song actually originated in the United States! The piece said to be its source is Song for the Close of School.
Like the Japanese lyrics, it evokes the day of graduation, but its melody, closer to a hymn, is wrapped in a more solemn atmosphere.
Black Cat Tangoitaria dōyō
This song, which features a black cat as its protagonist, is based on the Italian children’s song “Volevo un gatto nero,” born in 1969.
That same year, Osamu Minagawa’s Japanese cover became a massive hit.
While the original expresses a pure wish for a cat, the Japanese version—true to its tagline, “a children’s song for adults”—stands out with its mature portrayal of the cat as a symbol of a lover.
From 1969 to 1970, the song topped the Oricon charts for 14 consecutive weeks and sold 2.6 million copies.
Its friendly melody set to a tango rhythm is not only passed down as a children’s song, but also offers the pleasure of discovering the deeper meaning of the lyrics when you listen again as an adult.
It’s a great recommendation for parents and children to enjoy together!
O BureneliSuisu min’yō
The Swiss folk song, known for its yodel-like chorus that echoes mountain calls and its lively melody, is in fact a prime example of a children’s song with origins abroad.
The original lyrics were written in 1910 by Swiss soldier-poet Zybeli, and the song has an intriguing history of traveling through the United States before reaching Japan.
In 1949, Minoru Matsuda produced a Japanese translation, shaping it into an approachable piece that depicts a dialogue with a girl living by the shores of Switzerland’s beautiful lakes.
Spreading alongside the rise of recreational activities during the postwar reconstruction period, the song became a cross-generational staple for campfires and school events, and it has also been featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.”
Sky of my hometownSukottorando min’yō
It is a gentle school song that depicts gazing at scenery as the seasons change while thinking of people living in one’s hometown.
Using a Scottish folk melody as its original tune, Kenju Owada wrote the lyrics to complete the piece.
It is sometimes said that “Comin’ Thro’ the Rye” is the original, but these lyrics were not created together with the melody, and it is said that Owada wrote “Furusato no Sora” without knowing the lyrics to “Comin’ Thro’ the Rye.” In Japan, “Furusato no Sora” has become established as a standard school song, but there are many other versions—such as The Drifters’ “Darekasan to Darekasan,” which further develops the lyrics of “Comin’ Thro’ the Rye.” Comparing the different versions might be interesting.
Watermelon-producing regionamerika min’yō
Did you know that this song with the catchy, upbeat melody is actually based on the American folk song “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”? Around 1965, Mikuzo Takada wrote original Japanese lyrics, giving the song new life as a tune to sing at campfires and for recreation.
In 1977, it was included on the LP “From the NHK TV Program ‘Uta wa Tomodachi’ / Let’s Sing Fun Game Songs,” released by Victor, with Seiji Tanaka on vocals.
You can easily picture children in nursery schools and kindergartens happily singing this piece—and part of its charm is that it can be enjoyed together with hand games and choreography.
My Humble CottageInguranndo min’yō
Hanyu no Yado has been featured in various Japanese films, dramas, and commercials, such as Grave of the Fireflies, Massan, and Twenty-Four Eyes.
Based on the English song Home! Sweet Home!, it has also been beloved overseas, appearing as an aria in operas and in jazz arrangements.
The lyrics are largely the same in both the original and the Japanese versions: although one’s home isn’t a mansion and is quite modest, no matter what others say, it is the best and most wonderful home, and one feels proud of it.
It reminds us that regardless of country, appearance or size doesn’t matter—every home has its own kind of happiness.
[Surprising!] Nursery rhymes of overseas origin. Those familiar nursery rhymes are actually (21–30)
Ogre Pantsitaria hasshō
“Oni no Pantsu” is a children’s song often heard around Setsubun, known for showcasing the ogre’s costume and strength.
Its original tune, “Funiculì, Funiculà,” which originated in Italy, describes a funicular railway, and a straightforward Japanese translation of the original lyrics is also well loved.
It is sometimes called the world’s oldest commercial jingle, and its fresh, upbeat atmosphere that makes you want to visit the place is a major part of its appeal.
It’s quite a rare case that both the faithful Japanese translation of the original “Funiculì, Funiculà” and the child-friendly parody “Oni no Pantsu” have both become established as nursery songs.