Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

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

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!

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!

[Warabe-uta] Beloved Nostalgic Songs Passed Down Through Generations (41–50)

Daruma doll

Nursery Rhyme “Daruma-san”: Childcare Tips Useful for Practicum and Training

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.

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There once was a stick.

Cute cook

There once was a stick.

When it comes to classic drawing songs, this is the one.

If you’re Japanese, you’ve probably drawn along to it at least once.

It’s exciting when the cute little chef turns out just like the song says, isn’t it? Even if it doesn’t come out perfectly, everyone’s personality shows through, which is fun too.

I think it would be interesting to use this song as inspiration to make your own drawing song.

Some people have probably done just that.

First, master this song and try drawing lots of cute little chefs.

Singing it with friends is fun as well.

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yomogi-jōbu nochildren’s song

Spring children's song / For the April–May seasonal festivals: [Yomogi-Jobu no]. I'd like to play it to coincide with the festival.

A children's song of sturdy mugwort

An old traditional children’s song.

From the lyrics that mention plants like iris and mugwort, you can sense how people once lived in harmony with abundant nature.

The verses depicting children playfully slapping each other’s bottoms are simple yet heartwarming.

Through this song, we can share with children the playful spirit of the past and the joy of interacting with nature.

How about forming a circle and singing together while playing in a spring meadow? It’s sure to become a cherished memory.

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This year's peonies

This year's peony ♪ This year's peonies are fine peonies — a children's song/play song — Peony in this year

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.

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In conclusion

So many nostalgic nursery rhymes.

Each one has its own story, and you can see how they’ve continued to be loved across generations.

These songs are a precious cultural heritage that everyone can feel close to, no matter their age.

Sing them with your family and friends, and you’re sure to create wonderful memories.