[Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.

wild chrysanthemumLyrics by Nobuo Ishimori / Music by Kan'ichi Shimofusa

Ministry of Education Song: Field Chrysanthemum

This song, featuring wild chrysanthemums that bloom from autumn to early winter, takes them as its main motif.

In the first verse, the faint fragrance rising from the small, pale purple blossoms evokes the feeling of autumn.

The second verse depicts insects alighting on those flowers, and in the third, it conveys a warm wish for the wild chrysanthemums to keep blooming without giving in, even as the season turns from autumn to the colder winter.

There are many varieties of wild chrysanthemums beyond the pale purple kind, so after listening to this song, try looking around to see what kinds of wild chrysanthemums are blooming near you.

Smiley CosmosLyrics by Michio Mado / Music by Shigeru Isobe

Laughing Cosmos (with Lyrics) | “September” “Autumn” “Age 3” “Nursery (younger class)”

This is a children’s song composed by Tadasu Isobe, who was active as a composer and choral conductor.

When you think of autumn, many people picture cosmos flowers, right? “Smiley Cosmos” portrays cosmos that are always grinning, smiling at the scenery and at people.

Perhaps the gently swaying cosmos are being described as “laughing”! It’s an adorable song that will put a smile on the faces of those who sing it.

Give it a try with children at daycare or kindergarten!

bright red maple leavesLyrics and Music: Chika Fujimoto

With cheerful lyrics♪ 'Bright Red Maple Leaves' [Nursery hand-play song, children's song, music play]

“Bright Red Maple Leaves” evokes the image of crimson-tinted maple leaves fluttering down.

The lyrics include a cute depiction that likens a maple leaf to a baby’s hand.

When the leaves are falling, try expressing the fluttering motion by ringing bells or other instruments, or play by gently tossing up pieces of construction paper cut into maple-leaf shapes.

In the second verse, ginkgo leaves appear, and it sings about comparing a baby’s bottom to a ginkgo leaf.

Enjoy singing while appreciating both autumn colors—maple and ginkgo.

In autumn, the evening is best.Lyrics: Sei Shōnagon / Music: M. Sato

III. Autumn is at dusk (from the suite for mixed chorus and piano “Spring in the dawn”)

Autumn Dusk is an excerpt focusing on the autumn section from Sei Shonagon’s famous essay The Pillow Book.

In sharp contrast to the Heian period’s original atmosphere, it has been arranged as a bright, pop-style mixed chorus piece.

The lyrics sing the autumn passage of The Pillow Book with slight adaptations.

Based on the evening twilight that Sei Shonagon considered the most beautiful scene of autumn, the song portrays the season’s rich sensibilities: crows returning to the mountains in the setting sun, wild geese flying in orderly flocks, and the sounds of insects and wind after night falls.

It expresses the sentiment of finding elegance in all these autumnal scenes.

You know, Aki is...Lyrics by Morichiyoko / Composer: SHIKAMON

You know, it’s autumn — by Himawari 🌻 (♪ Autumn, autumn is a warm color) with lyrics | Children’s song from “Okaasan to Issho” | Anone Akiwane | In Autumn

This is the monthly song from NHK’s program “Okaasan to Issho” for September 2004.

It was sung by Yuuzou Imai and Shouko Haida, who were the “older brother” and “older sister” singers at the time.

The lyrics, from a child’s perspective, describe autumn colors, seasonal foods, and scenes that evoke the feeling of fall.

The way the song captures the fun of autumn through a child’s eyes and portrays warm family moments, combined with its calming melody, makes it truly heartwarming.

It’s a highly recommended track to enjoy with your family.

Moon (Out it came, out it came—the moon!)

Tsuki (♪ Deta deta tsuki ga~) by Himawari 🌻 With Lyrics | Full Moon

“Moon” is perfect for the Harvest Moon night, when we enjoy gazing at a big, perfectly round moon.

Though the melody is gentle, it paints a lively scene of the round moon peeking out from the night’s dark clouds.

The song goes on to portray a realistic Harvest Moon, with the moon repeatedly hiding in and emerging from the clouds.

Even though we see the moon all the time, there’s something about the big Harvest Moon that gets us more excited than usual.

Try not to get too carried away, and let this song help you etch the moon’s beauty into your memory once again.

Under the big chestnut treeLyrics: Hiroo Sakata / Music: Traditional

Under the Big Chestnut Tree (hand play song)

This nursery rhyme, which evokes the feeling of autumn, is a familiar song for many older adults.

It sings about the fun times spent with friends under a chestnut tree.

With its simple lyrics and rhythmic melody, it’s easy to sing.

It’s also popular as a hand-play song, so it’s nice to move your body while singing.

Some of you may remember doing hand-play along with the song when you were little, or with your children or grandchildren.

Those happy memories might come back to you.

Why not enjoy a heartwarming moment by singing together and savoring the season?