Nostalgic Children’s Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes: The Heart of Japan Passed Down Through Song
When we hear the gentle melodies of nostalgic children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes, memories from our early childhood come vividly rushing back, as if we’ve crossed time and space.
Perhaps you, too, have a “song of nostalgia” that has stayed with you since you were young.
In this article, we introduce iconic Japanese children’s songs (shoka), folk songs and nursery rhymes cherished and passed down across the regions, as well as beloved tunes often featured in school performances and recreational activities.
Shall we set off on a heartwarming sonic journey into the world of children’s songs that softly reflect Japan’s seasons, culture, and everyday life?
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- [Minna no Uta] Beloved Across Generations: Nostalgic Classics and Popular Songs
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- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
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- Kyoto’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- Children’s songs of the world: songs passed down and sung by children overseas
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[Nostalgic Children's Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes] The Heart of Japan Passed Down in Song (1–10)
snowMonbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)
This is a Ministry of Education shoka (school song) that sings of the calm and beautiful arrival of spring.
It was published in the 1910 collection “Shōka for the Ordinary Elementary School Reader.” The lyrics, which express the joy of spring visiting the mountains, villages, and fields, embody the Japanese people’s delicate sensitivity to the seasons.
The piece also showcases masterful use of particles—using ni to indicate the state of flowers blooming and de for the action of birds singing—conveying the beauty of the Japanese language.
Frequently sung at seasonal events such as the spring term opening and entrance ceremonies, it is a classic that perfectly suits those who wish to spend a heartwarming moment while feeling the changes of nature.
King Kamehameha of the Southern IslandsLyrics by Akira Ito / Music by Koichi Morita
This is a heartwarming song that lightens the spirit, depicting the laid-back daily life of King Hamehameha and his family on a southern island.
The unique premise is that everyone on the island shares the same name, and their relaxed tropical lifestyle is sung over a warm melody.
It was first broadcast in 1976 on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” performed by Ado Mizumori and Top Gallant.
The accompanying puppet-show visuals also drew attention, and the song was released that June as a double A-side single.
Sing it with the whole family and you’re sure to enjoy a delightful time!
Ten thousand feet in the AlpsNEW!
When it comes to hand-clapping songs played face-to-face by two people, this is probably the one everyone thinks of.
Its melody originates from the American marching song “Yankee Doodle,” but the snappy Japanese lyrics give it a unique charm.
The “Koyari” mentioned in the lyrics refers to a rocky peak near the summit of Mount Yarigatake in the Japanese Alps, at an elevation of around 3,000 meters.
The song paints a grand scene of dancing in such a place.
It spread nationwide after being featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in August 1962.
It’s perfect for livening up a hand-clapping game by changing the tempo, and if you sing it while hiking or camping, the landscape will overlap with the world of the lyrics, making for unforgettable memories!
[Nostalgic Children's Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes] The Heart of Japan Passed Down in Song (11–20)
Gonbe-san’s BabyLyrics: Akira Tashiga / Original: American folk song
This children’s song, originally based on an American folk tune, features Japanese lyrics written by Akira Tashiga and has been beloved by people of all ages since the mid-Showa era.
The warm, gentle lyrics about Gonbe-san and a baby are sure to make you feel cozy.
Its rhythmic structure with frequent repetition makes it easy for children to sing—one of the song’s best qualities.
Adding hand motions while singing can also support children’s language development and sense of rhythm.
Try singing it with your child at daycare, kindergarten, or at home.
pine coneLyrics by Takao Hirota / Music by Tsyae Kobayashi
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.
teru teru bozu (a traditional Japanese handmade doll hung to wish for good weather)Lyrics by Kyomura Asahara / Music by Shinpei Nakayama
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.
Banana Parent and ChildLyrics by Kazuo Seki / Music by Wakako Fukuda
This heartwarming work by Kazuo Seki and Wakako Fukuda comically portrays the adorable everyday life of the Banana family living on a southern island.
The repeated phrases woven from the sounds of each family member’s name create a catchy rhythm that even small children will naturally hum along to.
First aired in 1982 on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it has continued to be loved in many households.
It’s also included on the album “Okaasan to Issho Memorial Album,” making it perfect for parents and children to sing together! How about spending a cozy time with everyone while feeling the bonds of family?