A seemingly scary nursery rhyme: a children’s song that gives you the chills when you hear it

The Hare and the TortoiseLyrics by Kazasaburō Ishihara / Music by Benjirō Nōsho

Bunny and Turtle – Usagi To Kame | Hello, hello, Turtle, dear Mr. Turtle [Japanese Song / Shoka]

Usagi to Kame (The Hare and the Tortoise) forms a well-constructed story from beginning to end.

With lyrics by Wasaburō Ishihara and music by Benjirō Nōjo, this song is a well-known moral tale.

But if you listen closely to the words, you’ll notice slightly darker sides to the characters: the hare suddenly looks down on the tortoise, and the victorious tortoise delivers a sly jab at the end.

What makes this song interesting is not just the simple lesson, but also imagining the true meanings behind the words.

If you expand your imagination while discussing the story’s background—asking, “Why did they say that?”—you might discover a new way to enjoy it.

The monk of the mountain templeLyrics by Shoji Kubota / Music by Ryoichi Hattori

The Monk of the Mountain Temple — Vocal: AI Kiritan (with lyrics)

Many listeners were likely startled by the lyrics that, unbelievably, talk about putting a cat in a bag instead of a ball.

The gap between the light, comical melody and the slightly eerie content lurking beneath it creates the song’s peculiar charm.

Written by lyricist Yoji Kubota and composed by Ryoichi Hattori, the piece was created in 1937 (Showa 12) as a comic song for adults.

It originally stems from an Edo-period popular ditty, said to contain satire and humor that reflected the times.

It’s not merely scary; learning about the song’s background may let you sense the playful spirit of people in the past.

It can also be fun to listen while imagining with friends why the lyrics turned out this way.

Ochara-ka-hoichildren’s song

Ochyaraka Hoi (with hand motions) - 'Ochyaraka ochyaraka ochyaraka hoi' ~ [Japanese Song / Children's Song]

A traditional Japanese hand-clapping song known for its simple lyrics and lively rhythm.

Many people have probably faced each other, held hands, and enjoyed playing rock-paper-scissors while singing it.

In fact, one theory holds that “Ocharaka Hoi” depicts the lives of courtesans who, due to poverty, had no choice but to sell themselves to earn money.

What seems like an innocent children’s song may hide a sad story.

Still, because it’s perfect for nurturing a sense of rhythm and cooperation, when playing it with children, it’s best to simply enjoy it without delving into the deeper meaning.

Where are you from?children’s song

Where Are You From? [children’s play song] with lyrics

While it’s a familiar nursery rhyme, this piece carries a deep historical background.

Behind its simple, charming melody lies a surprising story.

Believed to have originated from the late Edo to early Meiji period, the song is said to reflect social contexts such as the Boshin War and famines.

It has been passed down as a children’s play song, yet in truth it can be seen as a microcosm of the adult world.

It’s great to sing along with ball games, but for children interested in Japanese history and culture, it might also be worthwhile to share the meanings embedded in its lyrics.

How many are the moons?children’s song

Nursery rhyme: “How many are you, Mr. Moon?” #Japanese nursery rhymes

It opens with a gentle question to the moon—a seemingly cute children’s song.

But if you listen through to the end, the cruel conclusion will send a chill down your spine.

What first seems like a woman’s simple errand gone wrong turns terrifying when, in the end, the dog that licked the oil is made into a drumskin.

The unsettling gap between the song’s innocent tone and its lyrics may be what gives it that eerie quality.

Now that you know the background, try listening again.

You’ll probably find yourself thinking, “Why?” and “How could that happen…?” as all kinds of possibilities come to mind.

The railroad tracks go on forever.American folk song

The Railroad Tracks Go On Forever (with Movements) / I’ve Been Working on the Railroad [Japanese Song / Shoka]

The folk song “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” was born in the United States in the late 19th century.

In Japan, some may remember hearing it on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” It’s widely seen as a hopeful song about traveling endlessly over hills and fields.

However, the original was actually a work song sung by people involved in grueling railroad construction.

It is said to have included shocking lyrics depicting exhaustion from relentless labor and even hinting at a lover’s infidelity.

Once you learn this, it’s strange how the cheerful melody starts to take on an eerie undertone.

MomotaroLyrics by Unknown / Music by Teiichi Okano

♪Momotaro – Peach Boy | ♪Momotaro-san, Momotaro-san [Japanese Song / Shoka]

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the familiar children’s song “Momotaro” has been sung across Japan for generations.

Many of us likely remember feeling excited by Momotaro’s exploits.

However, listening to the lyrics all the way through can be startlingly eye-opening, as your impression may change completely.

Lines like “defeat all the demons” and “heave-ho, seize the loot” can be heard as the deeds of a righteous hero, yet they can also sound a bit like the actions of an aggressive invader.

Behind this jarring development lies, in fact, a deep historical background.

It might be a good opportunity to explore another side of the story by discussing it together as a parent and child.