[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)
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.
Please let me pass.children’s song
This is a traditional Japanese children’s song handed down since the Edo period, said to have been sung along the approach to Kawasaki Daishi Temple in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa.
In a game beloved by children, two players take the role of ogres, join hands to form a gate, and everyone slips through while singing.
The lyrics include the act of offering talismans for the seven celebratory milestones of childhood and convey a sense of awe toward a sacred place.
For those who remember gathering to play it in their neighborhood when they were young, or who know the melody from pedestrian crossing signals, it is a song that can be sung with a warm sense of nostalgia.
Ochara-ka-hoi
Haven’t you all heard the chant “Ocharaka hoi” at least once? It’s a simple game where you play rock-paper-scissors in time with the chant.
The moves are easy, so it’s great because you can imitate them right away.
You don’t need any materials, so you can start whenever you want.
If regular rock-paper-scissors feels a bit dull or you’re bored with it when deciding something, try using “Ocharaka Hoi.” It’s a hand game that kids and adults alike can enjoy.
TulipLyrics by Miyako Kondo / Music by Takeshi Inoue
This is one of Japan’s most beloved children’s songs, depicting a beautiful spring scene of red, white, and yellow tulips blooming in a row.
Miyako Kondo’s lyrics carry a warm message that recognizes diversity—“every flower has its own beauty”—and, together with Takeshi Inoue’s friendly melody, make it a tune that people of all ages can hum naturally.
Widely cherished in kindergarten and elementary school music classes, it was selected in 2006 for the list of 100 Best Japanese Songs.
It’s the perfect piece for when you want to feel the arrival of spring or enjoy singing with children!
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?
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.