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.
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Nursery rhymes and children's songs about the moon (1–10)
Pippi's Moon-Viewing DreamPokemon
Among the most charming Pokémon characters, Clefairy stands out with overwhelming popularity, and this is a warm, cute number sung by Clefairy.
Its catchy pop melody is easy to learn for everyone from small children to adults, and the addictive chorus is perfect for a group sing-along.
The adorable dance by the Clefairy crew in the official video is irresistible, too.
On a night when the summer heat has finally eased, the stars twinkle and a moon shines sleek and bright at the center of the sparkling sky.
It would be lovely to enjoy the Harvest Moon and sing this song together as a parent and child.
Desert of the MoonLyrics by Masao Kato / Music by Suguru Sasaki
It is a classic children’s song for which composer Suguru Sasaki set music to Moon Desert, a work of poetry and illustrations by Masao Kato, who was a painter and poet.
In 1932, Harumi Yanai recorded it, and it has been loved across generations as a children’s song ever since.
The story of a prince and princess riding camels across the desert on a hazy moonlit night is wonderfully romantic, isn’t it? The lyrics that conjure vivid scenes and the beautiful melody are sure to color any moonlit night.
Be sure to listen to it on an evening when a beautiful moon is out.
Shōjōji’s Raccoon Dog Festival MusicLyrics by Ujō Noguchi / Music by Shinpei Nakayama
Shōjōji no Tanuki-bayashi is known for its cheerful, rhythmic melody.
The lyrics were written by poet Ujō Noguchi, inspired by the legend of the raccoon dog drumming at Shōjōji Temple in Kisarazu, Chiba.
Many people may remember that in the NHK morning drama Come Come Everybody, an English parody version was used as the theme song for a radio English program.
Masashi Sada, who appeared in the show as the radio English teacher, also covered it as “Shōjōji no Tanuki-bayashi ’22 ~ COMECOME EVERYBODY ~,” which I highly recommend.
Enjoy listening to it with your kids!
Children’s songs and nursery rhymes about the moon (11–20)
Rainy MoonLyrics by Ujō Noguchi / Music by Shinpei Nakayama
“Amefuri Otsukisan” (The Moon on a Rainy Night), which depicts a bride riding on horseback in the rain, is said to be based on the scene of lyricist Ujo Noguchi’s own wife’s wedding procession.
In 1929, under the title “Amefuri Otsuki,” singer Chiyako Sato recorded the song, and it went on to become a long-running hit.
Its gentle melody is soothing, and the refined Japanese lyrics truly shine.
Though the moon cannot be seen in the rain, the lyrics brilliantly liken the hidden moon to the bride.
It’s a classic children’s song with beautiful Japanese that we should pass down to future generations.
How many moons are there?children’s song
The lullaby-style moon song “Otsuki-san Ikutsu” is beloved by many.
Its gentle, unhurried melody is perfect for lulling little ones to sleep and suits a moonlit night where the moon’s light softly shines.
The lyrics begin by asking the moon its age and then unfold into various stories.
The words vary slightly by region; in Yamaguchi Prefecture, for example, it’s sung as “Atosama Nanbo” instead of addressing the moon.
Try looking up the versions from different areas and sing along!
Moon over the Ruined CastleLyrics: Bansui Doi / Music: Rentaro Taki
Many people have heard “Kojo no Tsuki” in music class.
In fact, the Tokyo Music School—later the Faculty of Music at Tokyo University of the Arts—commissioned the poet Doi Banshū to write the lyrics as a submission for a middle school song contest, and Rentarō Taki composed the melody.
It is also a historic piece that first incorporated elements of Western music in Japan.
Even after the age of the samurai came to an end, the moon remained high in the sky, continuing to illuminate ruined castles and the land below—a song that depicts such an era of rise and fall.
The lyrics may seem difficult at first glance, but why not listen while savoring the beautiful, classical Japanese language?
Full Moon Night's Mochi Poundingchildren’s song
On the night of the harvest moon, when the moon looks more beautiful than ever, we offer rice dumplings, don’t we? This song, “Jūgoya-san no Mochitsuki,” describes making those dumplings by pounding mochi.
It’s a hand-play song you can enjoy while singing in pairs, so it’s perfect to sing with family or friends! One person keeps a steady tempo the whole time, moving both hands up and down as if pounding mochi.
The other person also keeps the rhythm, and in between, makes kneading motions to match the lyrics.
If your timing and rhythm aren’t in sync, you’ll bump into each other, so coordinate your breathing and have fun playing together!