[Warabe-uta] Beloved Classic Songs Passed Down Through Generations

Hana Ichi Monme

Hana Ichimonme (Kagawa Lullaby) “Hello, Lullaby” Edited and compiled by the NPO Japan Lullaby Association

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.

teru teru bozu (a traditional Japanese handmade doll hung to wish for good weather)Lyrics by Kyomura Asahara / Music by Shinpei Nakayama

Teru Teru Bozu [children’s song] ☆A song that makes babies happy☆

It’s a simple, endearing children’s song in which one sings to a little doll made from a white cloth on a rainy day, wishing for clear skies.

Akihito Asahara’s lyrics express a child’s pure feelings directly, charmingly depicting the innocent, forthright emotions that move from promising a golden bell as thanks to even threatening to cut off its head if the wish isn’t granted.

First published in 1921 in the magazine “Shōjo no Tomo” and officially released the following year, the piece has been loved by many thanks to Shinpei Nakayama’s friendly melody.

It’s the perfect song for when you’re eagerly awaiting the end of the rain or want to bask in nostalgic feelings.

pine coneLyrics by Takao Hirota / Music by Tsyae Kobayashi

pine cone

This is an autumn children’s song that depicts a charming scene: a pine cone tumbles down a high mountain, and a little monkey picks it up and eats it.

The lyrics were written in 1936 by Takao Hirota, who was a first-grade elementary school student at the time, and the music was composed by Tsyae Kobayashi, a music teacher.

From the late 1950s to the 1960s, the song was included on King Records’ album “Songs for Kindergarten.” With just a single, simple, and easy-to-remember verse, it has long been loved as a seasonal song in nurseries and kindergartens.

It’s also recommended to add simple choreography and enjoy it as a hand-play song! Singing while moving your body will bring back fond memories of childhood fun playing in autumn nature.

A tadpole is a frog’s child.

Tadpoles Are Frog Children (Summer nursery rhyme / song)

“Actually, tadpoles are really baby frogs!” The folk song Otamajakushi wa Kaeru no Ko is a fun way to teach this truth, and with its easy-to-follow melody, it’s a recommended children’s song for singing together while learning about living creatures.

The tune is based on the American folk song known as the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and since being introduced to Japan it has become familiar through various parody versions, including Otamajakushi wa Kaeru no Ko and the Yodobashi Camera commercial jingle.

the temple’s head monk

Hand play song: The Temple Priest

When it comes to simple hand-clapping songs, “Otera no Oshō-san” is probably a classic.

The choreography follows the lyrics, so even small children can pick it up quickly.

It’s great to play with friends at school, and it’s also fun for parents and children to do together.

Since it ends with rock-paper-scissors, you could even use this song for settling a match or deciding something.

The song is short, so it’s easy to play casually—that’s part of its charm.

If you try it during downtime or free moments, time might fly by before you know it.

Iroha ni konpeitō

Japanese Nursery Rhyme “I-RO-HA-NI Konpeitō” Irohani Konpeitō

When we think of the first word-association game we encounter as children, isn’t it this “Iroha ni Konpeitō”? This song, which starts with “konpeitō” and ends with “hage-atama,” is unique to listen to and makes you think along with it.

Wondering together, “What comes to mind from konpeitō…?” is fun and makes for an easy bit of brain training.

You might also enjoy creating your own various association games inspired by this song.

It’s a song that people of all ages—adults and children alike—can enjoy.

The Bento Box Song

[Hand Play] The Bento Lunch Box Song♪

When it comes to classic nursery rhymes that parents and children can enjoy together, “Obentōbako no Uta” (The Lunchbox Song) is a top choice, isn’t it? It’s fun to learn and dance the hand motions with your child that match the side dishes in a lunchbox.

It can also be a good way to learn about ingredients, spark children’s interest in food, and maybe even reduce picky eating.

You could even try packing the same side dishes mentioned in the song into a real bento.

It’s wonderful that there are so many ways to enjoy it while also learning about food.