[Warabe-uta] Beloved Classic Songs Passed Down Through Generations
Nursery rhymes that have been passed down in Japan since long ago.
There are many types of nursery rhymes, including drawing songs, counting songs, and play songs.
Many of you probably sang and played games like Kagome Kagome and Hana Ichi Monme at least once when you were children.
In this article, we introduce popular nursery rhymes.
If you want to remember the nursery rhymes you sang as a child or enjoy them with your kids, be sure to give them a listen!
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[Warabe-uta] Beloved nostalgic songs passed down through generations (21–30)
Seven Herb Songchildren’s song
This is a children’s song about nanakusa-gayu, the rice porridge traditionally eaten around the beginning of spring (Risshun).
The “bird from Tang” mentioned in the lyrics seems to refer to the onidori, a bird said to be an omen of misfortune if it fell on a house where people lived.
It also shows that, for people in the past, birds were seen as harmful creatures that ravaged their fields.
Kagome Kagome
Kagome Kagome is a game that almost everyone has played at least once when they were little.
You form a circle and move around to the song, and the person in the middle has to guess who is standing behind them.
Many people still remember it for its rhythmic melody and distinctive lyrics.
There are numerous interpretations of the lyrics—some of them quite scary—but whether you believe them or not is up to you.
Which theory do you believe?
black kiteLyrics by Shigeru Kuzuhara / Music by Tei Yanada
When you catch sight of birds tracing circles in the high autumn sky as if they’re feeling wonderful, doesn’t your heart feel at ease? This song, with lyrics by Shigeru Kuzuhara and music by Tadashi Yanada, is a very free-spirited children’s song that depicts birds dancing through such a sky.
The playful phrases that imitate birdsong are striking, conveying the creators’ gentle wish for children to sing out joyfully.
First published in May 1918 in the song collection Taishō Shōnen Shōka, the piece can still be heard today on albums such as Let’s Sing Together: Best of Japanese Children’s Songs.
On a clear autumn day, spreading your arms like wings and singing it together as parent and child makes it even more fun.
Abuku-tatta
When it comes to children’s songs you can play in kindergartens, daycare centers, and elementary schools, “Abuku Tatta” is a classic.
Children form a circle around one person and sing this song.
Because it’s a song everyone can play together, it’s perfect for helping kids grow closer.
Even children who haven’t talked much can become friends through play, right? Try using this song to help build those bonds.
The song is short, so it’s suitable for playtime or brief breaks.
There may also be adults who played this game when they were young.
It might be nice to listen to the song and bask in a bit of nostalgia.
tea kettle lid stand (chatsubo)
It’s a hand-clapping song that lasts less than a minute.
It looks relatively easy since you just move your hands to the music, but when you actually try it, it’s quite difficult.
Being able to do it without looking at your hands is pretty advanced! The song has a unique atmosphere, so it might be a bit scary for small children, but it’s one of the nursery rhymes that has been popular for a long time.
The lyrics are about a tea jar without a lid.
Hana Ichi Monme
Hanachimonme is a game that everyone played at least once as a child.
I remember how it could get dangerous when we got carried away and our feet would bump into each other.
There’s a rumor that, despite being such a familiar game, the song is actually quite scary.
It’s also interesting that the lyrics vary slightly by region.
What would happen if people from different regions played together? It’s a classic children’s song with surprising depth.
Zuizui Zukkorobashi
If you’re Japanese, you’ve probably heard it at least once, right? In the song “Zuizuizukkorobashi,” there’s a phrase in the lyrics that says “sesame miso.” Some people might think they misheard it, but that’s actually correct.
The song describes a situation where commoners had to stay inside their homes because important people of the Edo period were passing through.
It’s also used as a hand game, so if you’re interested, give it a try.