A children's song from a popular fairy tale

Ushiwakamaru

Ushiwakamaru | Today on the Gojo Bridge [Japanese Songs / Children's Songs]

When people hear “Ushiwakamaru,” they often think of the famous children’s song about his duel with Musashibō Benkei on the Gojō Bridge.

However, this song recounts the exploits of Ushiwakamaru—Minamoto no Yoshitsune—from his training on Mount Kurama all the way to the Battle of Dan-no-ura.

It’s a perfect children’s song for learning history!

Issun-bōshi (The One-Inch Boy)TAMURA Torazō

♪ Issun Boushi – One-Inch Boy | ♪ A One-Inch Boy Not Even Enough for a Finger [Japanese Songs / Shoka]

This is also a song based on a nursery rhyme.

Issun-bōshi, who is only about the size of a finger, sets off on a journey in a little bowl, meets a princess, and encounters an ogre.

Even when he’s swallowed by the ogre, he defeats it using a fighting style only someone small could manage—so cool, right? It’s a nursery rhyme that gives children courage!

KintaroTAMURA Torazō

Kintaro – Kintaro | Carrying his hatchet, Kintaro; riding on a bear, practicing like a horse [Japanese song/children’s song]

People often say they know the costume but don’t remember the story of Kintaro.

To summarize, it’s a happy tale in which the strong Kintaro helps animals, and a samurai who sees this scouts him.

Kintaro has even been made into a song like this.

I hope children can understand the Kintaro folktale by listening to the song.

Kachi-Kachi MountainRentaro Taki

Kachi-Kachi Mountain

A song inspired by the folk tale “Kachi-Kachi Yama.” It was composed by one of Japan’s most renowned musicians, Rentaro Taki.

The opening part of the original tale is not included.

The reason the rabbit did something so cruel is that a mischievous raccoon dog killed the elderly woman who had been caring for it.

Yes, this song captures the entire process of revenge.

Thinking of it that way makes it rather chilling.

By the way, Kachi-Kachi Yama is said to be set on Mount Tenno, near Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture.

If you’re curious, why not visit it at least once?

The Three Little Pigs

We did the fingerplay song “The Three Little Pigs.” [Nursery Rhymes & Finger Plays]

Its history is very long, tracing back to the 18th century: the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs.” This version turns the story into a fun fingerplay.

The familiar tale unfolds at a relaxed tempo, making it easy to remember and approachable.

The storyline is also very clear and simple, so children can act out the roles of the three pigs and the wolf.

It’s a fingerplay song perfect for kindergarten or nursery school performances and other presentations.

Cinderella's Song

Cinderella Song | Fairy Tale Songs | MAMEKYUNN

Cinderella, the fairy tale widely known through Disney’s animated and live-action films.

This story has many versions depending on the country or region, and it’s also famous for its long history.

It has elements of a princess, a fairy godmother, and romance—above all, it’s a story many girls dream about.

The glass slipper and the pumpkin carriage make our hearts flutter, too.

Here’s a lively, upbeat arrangement that sings about that very tale.

Paired with the movies or animated versions, you might find yourself loving Cinderella even more.

Snow WhitePinkfong nursery rhyme

Snow White | Princess Nursery Rhyme | Pinkfong Nursery Rhymes

This song is especially recommended for girls who love princesses.

Every girl dreams of being a princess at least once, right? As its name suggests, “Shirayukihime” is a song about the fairy tale Snow White.

With lively music and easy-to-follow storytelling, it’s sure to become a favorite among children.

Even kids who don’t know the story will want to read it after listening to this song.

Be sure to learn and sing this curiosity-sparking song.

You might even hear it differently after reading and understanding the story.