Children’s Song Medley: A playlist of classic and popular hits everyone knows

I love running.Lyrics by Michio Mado / Composed by Makoto Sato

I love running.

It’s a familiar song at kindergarten and nursery school sports days.

The lyrics, which capture the excitement, rush, and fun of running, let you fully savor Michio Mado’s distinctive spirit—making it an essential track before any sports day.

For adults, it’s a song that makes you feel as if you’ve returned to childhood.

Mr. ElephantLyrics by Michio Mado / Music composed by Ikuma Dan

“Elephant – Zou San | Elephant, elephant, your nose is so long, isn’t it? [Japanese Song / Children’s Song]”

Just when you think it’s a warm, laid-back song, it turns out to be about a bullied baby elephant who tells its mother, “They made fun of me for having a long trunk,” and the song carries the message that there’s nothing to worry about because both the mother and the baby have long trunks.

Bullying is something that often happens in children’s worlds, isn’t it?

YukiLyrics: Unknown / Music: Unknown

Yuki (Snow) with vocals (Winter children's song)

It’s a beloved Japanese classic that celebrates the joy of snow.

Rather than focusing on the cold, it portrays snow as an artistic element that colors Japan’s landscapes.

With unknown lyricist and composer and being in the public domain, it has been frequently covered by various artists and used in commercials, remaining a nursery rhyme cherished by the Japanese.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerLyrics and Music by Johnny Marks

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Christmas song Santa Claus children’s song nursery rhyme Japanese song Minna no Uta ♬ Rudolph with the bright red nose~ Melody Line♪

This song, a Christmas classic, is based on the best-selling children’s book “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and was written and composed by American songwriter Johnny Marks.

It, too, became a hit that reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts.

Although it’s a Christmas song, its story—conveying courage and hope to children, along with Santa’s kindness—is the reason it continues to be loved today.

Cute Fish ShopLyrics by Shogo Kato / Music by Yasuji Yamaguchi

Cute fishmonger

This is a children’s song about kids playing fishmonger.

Its snappy Edo-style rhythm and cute lyrics make your spirits lift—it’s a lively tune.

It also has a nostalgic Showa-era vibe.

It reminds us that fish used to be sold door-to-door.

Santa Claus the ScatterbrainLyrics by Osamu Yoshioka / Music by Asei Kobayashi

Santa Claus the Scatterbrain

This song is a huge hit with children as a classic Christmas tune.

Since Japan originally didn’t have the custom of celebrating Christmas, there naturally weren’t any Christmas songs.

That’s why this song, “Awatenbō no Santa Claus” (The Hasty Santa Claus), was created.

In other words, it isn’t an English translation but a song written by a Japanese composer.

The catchy melody was composed by Asei Kobayashi, famous not only as a TV personality but also for writing numerous commercial jingles.

Happy HinamatsuriLyrics by Saburō Yamano / Music by Naonori Kawamura

Happy Hinamatsuri (with lyrics) Uresii Hinamaturi

Hinamatsuri, the Peach Festival, is a celebration that prays for girls’ healthy growth.

It features a song so important to the Japanese that there is hardly a year when one doesn’t hear it.

Despite the title including the word “happy,” there are various theories as to why the melody is in a minor key.

One explanation links to the lyricist Saburo Yamano (Sato Hachiro): it is said that around the time his older sister was about to be married, she passed away from tuberculosis—an event thought to resonate with the song’s lyrics.