Children’s songs and nursery rhymes about the moon
The moon shining in the dark night is so beautiful, isn’t it?
In Japan, there’s also a tradition of moon-viewing during the Mid-Autumn full moon around September, while eating rice dumplings (dango).
In this article, we’ll introduce children’s songs that feature the beautiful moon.
We’ve gathered a variety of songs—from pieces that seem to express the moon’s beauty just as it is, to songs that spotlight the full moon of the Mid-Autumn night.
How about singing along while enjoying dango during your moon-viewing?
Even if it’s not the Mid-Autumn full moon, it’s nice to take time now and then to gaze at the moon.
Nursery rhymes and children's songs about the moon (1–10)
Moon (The moon has come out, the moon has come out)Monbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)
The nursery rhyme “Tsuki” (The Moon), with its familiar opening that everyone recognizes, is well known.
It was included in the “Elementary School Songs” compiled by the Ministry of Education in 1911.
The moon carries a mysterious air and has long been said to influence the human mind, but this song is a pleasant piece that simply describes the round moon rising and then being hidden by clouds.
Beloved by children and adults alike, why not try singing it while gazing at the moon?
A Hazy Moonlit NightLyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano / Music by Teiichi Okano
Oborozukiyo is a song that everyone has heard at least once, whether as a school song or a children’s song.
It was selected as a standard elementary school song in 1914, and later included in sixth-grade music textbooks in 1948, so many people probably sang it in music class.
Its classical-style lyrics enhance the beauty of the Japanese language and vividly evoke the scene of a hazy moonlit night.
When we were in elementary school, we probably sang it without paying much attention to the lyrics, so listening to it again now really resonates with the heart.
I hope not only children but adults as well will give it a listen!
Harvest MoonLyrics by Ujō Noguchi / Music by Nagayo Motoori
A children’s song that sings of the sadly beautiful full moon of the fifteenth night.
Poet Ujō Noguchi and composer Nagayo Motoori created it, and it drew great attention when it was published in the magazine “Kin no Fune,” for which Noguchi served as the first editor-in-chief.
It portrays a family buffeted by the Taisho era: the nanny takes her leave, the younger sister is adopted by relatives, the mother passes away, and the family is torn apart—an aching story that brings tears to the eyes.
It might feel too lonely to listen to on the night of the harvest moon, but do try enjoying this classic children’s song together as a parent and child.
A bunny goes boing.Lyrics by Akihiko Noritake / Music by Takashi Ando
This is a fun traditional children’s song that depicts beloved little bunnies hopping around.
Composed by Akihiko Noritake and Takashi Ando, it features a rhythmic, easy-to-remember melody.
It has long been cherished in preschools and kindergartens and is included in the “200 Selected Masterpieces for Children.” It’s often sung during the moon-viewing season.
Singing it while moving your bodies together with the children makes it even more enjoyable.
It might also be nice to sing while gazing up at the moon and eating dumplings.
It’s the perfect song for enjoying those long autumn evenings.
Flower ShadowLyrics by Kazué Omura / Music by Giichi Toyota
The harvest moon appears in this children’s song, Hanakage.
The lyricist, Kanoi Omura, wrote it about his own older sister.
The song sounds like he’s speaking to the harvest moon about the sadness he feels as his beloved sister leaves home to marry far away.
The poignant melody, which further heightens that sense of loneliness, is also striking.
Listen to this song while holding close the feeling of cherishing family who may one day be separated from you.
Rabbit DanceLyrics by Ujō Noguchi / Music by Shinpei Nakayama
This is a charming children’s song themed around the moon.
Set to a lively rhythm, it depicts rabbits dancing.
Lyricist Ujo Noguchi and composer Shinpei Nakayama were a renowned duo who left a major mark on Japanese children’s music.
First released in the 1920s, this piece is still beloved by many today.
If you imagine the rabbits’ cute movements and add some dance steps while you sing, you’ll likely enjoy it even more.
Why not gaze at the moon and savor the song’s atmosphere in a relaxed mood?
Good evening, Mr. Moon.
This piece features a gentle melody that even infants can feel familiar with, and its unique lyrics—perfect for play activities and little theater performances—leave a strong impression.
The piano part is easy to play and beautiful, making it ideal not only for nurseries and kindergartens but also for parent-child sing-alongs.
The song depicts a small child gazing at the moon, thinking and chatting, with a heartwarming exchange with a friendly cloud.
With its soul-cleansing quality, this song lets adults return to a childlike state and enjoy a moment of calm.