[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 (31–40)
the temple’s head monk
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.
A tadpole is a frog’s child.
“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 rice cracker is done.
This is a children’s song where beanbags are imagined as rice crackers.
Beanbags are familiar to older generations, but kids of the 2000s might not know them well.
It could be refreshing to put down your smartphone or computer once in a while and try playing with beanbags.
The song is simple and easy to learn, so even small children can enjoy it.
It might also be nice for parents and children to make beanbags together to play along with the song.
When playing outside, you can substitute leaves or stones for beanbags.
It’s easy to enjoy, so give it a try.
Sunset glow and dusk
“Yuyake Koyake” is a familiar tune often heard in the 5 p.
m.
chimes or announcements at parks, schools, and community centers.
The fact that this song makes you feel it’s time to head home is proof of how long it’s been loved.
Its short lyrics are part of the charm—easy to remember and easy to sing.
And the second verse, which you rarely hear outside of elementary school classes, might already feel nostalgic.
If you listen to it again after a long time, it may bring back memories from those days and let you bask in that sense of nostalgia.
This year's peonies
“Kotoshi no Botan” is a song that most Japanese people have probably heard at least once.
Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, many will recognize it once they hear the melody.
If you’re an adult thinking, “What was that song again?”, give it a listen—you’ll likely feel a wave of childhood nostalgia.
It’s also a short song, so even young children can learn it quickly.
It might be nice to sing it in kindergarten or elementary school.
It’s also recommended for parents and children to sing together, since it’s something you can enjoy as a family.
[Warabe-uta] Beloved Nostalgic Songs Passed Down Through Generations (41–50)
Bet one and two
This nostalgic Japanese counting song, sung to a traditional tune, is called “Ikakake Nikakete” (“One flick, two flicks”).
It follows the numbers and is sung with a pleasant rhythm.
At first you might think it’s a cute children’s counting song, but surprisingly, partway through it shifts into a slightly spooky, story-like narrative.
Still, true to its nursery-rhyme roots, it ends with a game of rock-paper-scissors—keeping kids entertained all the way through.
It’s also nice that it teaches a bit of history, set in Kagoshima, Kyushu.
The lyrics vary by region, each with its own expressions.
Why not look into the different versions?
Daruma doll
When it comes to traditional children’s songs you can play with teachers and friends at daycare or kindergarten, “Daruma-san” is a classic.
You sit like a daruma doll and play a staring game.
You don’t need any props, so it’s easy to play anytime.
The staring game is fun for all ages, so try it with friends, siblings, parents—anyone.
The song is simple too, so you can learn it quickly.
Be sure to sing along while you play.
Adults can enjoy it as a way to feel like a child again, so try it with your kids.