[Children’s Songs] Let’s Sing of Spring! A Fun Collection of Nursery Rhymes, Folk Songs, and Children’s Songs

Mr. ElephantLyrics: Michio Mado / Music: Ikuma Dan

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

“Zō-san” (Mr.

Elephant) is a children’s song that just about everyone has sung at least once.

There are two verses, but it’s a very short song.

It’s easy to remember, so even very young children can sing it easily.

It’s a famous nursery rhyme that feels friendly and accessible to kids—conveying that elephants love their mothers just like children do—and from a parent’s perspective, it can be quietly moving to listen to.

The Little Train from the Land of FlowersLyrics by Junichi Kobayashi / Music by Yoshinao Nakata

HTTR Flower Country's Choo-Choo Train

The children’s song “Kisha Poppo from the Flower Country,” themed around a train, is characterized by its expansive phrases.

The various onomatopoeic words that appear in the lyrics are another highlight of the piece, with word choices that are easy for children to remember.

The lyrics were written by Jun’ichi Kobayashi, known for works like “Akai Tori,” and they make appealing use of the pleasant sound of the Japanese language, resulting in a nuanced and tasteful finish.

The music was composed by Yoshinao Nakada, famous for pieces such as “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa.” Its singable melody will have you humming along before you know it.

Buzz buzz buzzLyrics: Shiro Murano / Music: Bohemian folk song

[Children’s Song] Buzz, Buzz, Buzz [Summ, summ, summ!]

Bun Bun Bun has been sung even in elementary school classes since the 1940s.

The lyrics were refined by Shiro Murano, and the song depicts bees collecting flower nectar in spring.

Because it features many onomatopoeic words used in the title, it’s fun to sing together in a lively way.

Another highlight is the abundance of lyrics that evoke springtime scenes.

It’s nice to let your imagination wander and think, “What kind of landscape is this song describing?” Incidentally, the tune originally comes from a traditional Czech folk song, to which Japanese lyrics were added to create its current form.

spring breezeLyrics by Tetsuzo Wada / Music by Ryohei Hirose

[Children's Song] Spring Wind [Minna no Uta]

The song that expresses the warmth and freshness of spring is “Spring Wind.” The lyrics were written by Tetsuzō Wada and the music composed by Ryōhei Hirose.

The lyrics depict the arrival of the season from the perspective of the wind that blows in spring.

It’s also interesting that trees and flowers are personified.

In addition, the song features many onomatopoeic words, making it perfect for singing together in a lively, cheerful mood.

And because the song has a wonderful worldview, it seems enjoyable just to imagine the scenes painted by the lyrics.

Sakura, sakura

“Sakura Sakura” Suginami Children’s Choir

When you think of spring, isn’t the first thing that comes to mind cherry blossoms? There are many other famous flowers, but when you close your eyes, what you picture behind your eyelids is a row of cherry trees in bloom.

And this piece, “Sakura Sakura,” is a quintessential Japanese song—a classic sakura song.

It’s also well known as a practice piece for the koto.

You often hear it as background music in scenes meant to symbolize Japan.

It seems that the lyrics were a bit different before 1941, and singing it with the old lyrics can be fun too.

It’s a song that represents Japan’s beautiful four seasons—especially spring.