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

Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about food

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!

“Food” is something very familiar to children, isn’t it?

When they start speaking, many first learn words like “mamma,” or they remember the names of their favorite foods.

In this article, we’ve picked out “songs about food” from among many nursery rhymes.

We’ll introduce plenty of songs that feature foods kids love, like fruit, bread, and curry rice.

Some of them aren’t just for singing—you can enjoy hand games and dancing, too.

Even children who find eating difficult or are picky eaters might enjoy singing these songs.

It would be great if singing during mealtimes helps them have more fun and eat a little more.

Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes about food (21–30)

Banana Parent and ChildOsamu Sakata

Kids Song | Banana Family 3D | Nursery Rhyme | Children's Song | Red Cat Reading

Banana no Oyako by Osamu Sakata

Lyrics and melodies that make children’s hearts skip a beat.

This song is an adorable piece depicting a banana parent and child living on a southern island.

The swaying bananas in the breeze are expressed through rhythmic lyrics.

Carried by Osamu Sakata’s gentle voice, the introduction of Papa Banana, Mama Banana, and Little Banana makes you want to hum along.

Broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s a hugely popular song among children.

Sing and dance together as a family, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time!

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Takoyaki

Takoyaki (hand game)

Takoyaki

When you think of summer, you think of festivals; when you think of festivals, you think of food stalls; and then, of course, piping-hot takoyaki.

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Let me introduce the fun hand-play song “Takoyaki” that naturally brings up those associations.

Its streamlined, simple melody and lyrics, along with easy-to-understand moves you can get at a glance, make it very easy to learn—even little kids can grasp it right away, which is great.

The clever touch of letting you learn the vowels a, i, u, e, o at the end of the lyrics is also delightful.

By all means, tie on a headband and enjoy it as if you were actually making takoyaki at a festival stall!

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Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about food (31–40)

Banana Parent and Child

Banana Parent and Child | Children's Song | Kids' Song | covered by UtaSta

Banana Parent and Child

“Banana Family” is a song that incorporates elements of tongue twisters.

The lyrics introduce a family of personified bananas.

Since the syllable “na” appears repeatedly, your brain starts to get tangled as you sing.

The sequence is repeated three times in the song, with the tempo increasing toward the end.

This makes it enjoyable not only to sing but also to use as part of a game.

First, print out the lyrics and have everyone try to memorize them.

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Swim, Taiyaki-kunMasato Shimon

Swim! Taiyaki-kun

Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun by Masato Shimon

Though it’s a children’s song, Shimon Masato’s “Swim! Taiyaki-kun” remains etched in the memories of people across generations.

The unique story of a taiyaki that had only ever been grilled on a hotplate suddenly dashing out of the shop one day and setting off to swim across the open sea is unforgettable! The distinctively quirky vocals perfectly match the taiyaki-kun’s characterful lyrics.

With its relaxed melody, it’s an easy song to sing—even for older adults who aren’t confident at karaoke.

The tune naturally sinks into your ears and body, so sway along and clap your hands as you enjoy it!

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In conclusion

We introduced some songs about food! Each one was so fun you’ll want to sing it again and again.

If you sing lots of food-themed songs, you might become more interested in meals and be able to try a wider variety of foods.

Take this opportunity to sing all kinds of food songs!