Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes about insects
We’ve put together a collection of children’s songs about insects.
Don’t worry—by insects we don’t mean the kind everyone dislikes, like cockroaches, but rather the beloved ones such as butterflies, ladybugs, honeybees, and red dragonflies.
The selection includes a variety of songs: newer children’s tunes, folk songs, traditional nursery rhymes, and classic playground songs.
Many boys in particular seem to love insects, so teaching them these songs might make them happy.
Cute insect songs are also popular with toddlers, so they’re definitely worth learning.
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Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes about insects (11–20)
butterfly
Based on an old German nursery rhyme, the kokugaku scholar Nomura Akiashi adapted the lyrics of a children’s song that had been sung throughout the Okazaki area of Aichi Prefecture, adding new words, and it was published in 1881 in the Ministry of Education’s Shogaku Shoka-shu under the title “Chōchō.” The widely known version today dates from 1947, at which time verses from the second onward were abolished.
Mushiking Samba!
It’s the ending theme of the anime “Mushiking: The King of Beetles – Legend of the Forest People,” which aired in 2005.
The song is performed by an idol group called Kaori@livedoor PHOENIX, released under an alternate name to match the anime.
It’s an upbeat track with choreography and rap sections that call out the names of the beetles that appear in the show.
red dragonfly
It is a representative Japanese children’s song with lyrics by Miki Roppo and music by Yamada Kōsaku.
It was used in 1955 as an insert song in the film “Here Lies a Spring” and again in 1961 as an insert song in the film “Red Dragonfly at Sunset.” It was also featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” It is one of the 100 Selected Japanese Songs.
Song of the cicada
The lyrics were written by Yoshimi Sato, known for “The Doggy Policeman,” and the music was composed by Yoshinao Nakata, the creator of children’s songs such as “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” and “Medaka no Gakko.” It’s a piece crafted by some of Japan’s leading composers of children’s songs.
Although it was written over 50 years ago, its humorous lyrics keep it from feeling old-fashioned.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
This song is based on the picture book of the same name for young children, published in 1969 by American picture-book author Eric Carle.
The original lyrics were written by the author himself, but the Japanese lyrics were provided by Mori Hisashi, who also translated the book, and Toshihiko Shinzawa—known for composing songs such as “Sayonara Bokutachi no Youchien”—handled both composition and vocals.
Japanese beetle
Its first appearance was in the 1922 magazine Kin no Tō.
The lyricist, Ujō Noguchi, together with Hakushū Kitahara and Yaso Saijō, was celebrated as one of the three great poets of children’s songs.
Among the children’s songs he created in collaboration with composer Shinpei Nakayama are, in addition to this piece, Shabondama (Soap Bubbles), Ano Machi Kono Machi (That Town, This Town), Amefuri Otsukisan (Rainy Moon), and Shōjōji no Tanukibayashi (The Raccoon Dog Parade of Shōjōji).
Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes about insects (21–30)
Roly-poly pill bugLyrics and music by Toshihiko Shinzawa
A fingerplay song that gently portrays the cute looks and movements of small creatures was created by Toshihiko Shinzawa.
With warm lyrics and melody, it depicts encounters with the little creatures often seen in nature, making it an engaging piece that stimulates children’s curiosity.
Featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in December 2024, this work includes creative elements that let children enjoy expressing the adorable behaviors of animals through hand motions.
It can be used in kindergartens and preschools, and also serves as a tool for parents and children to bond while fostering an interest in nature.
With soothing lyrics and an approachable tune, it’s a perfect song for making happy memories during walks and outdoor play.