Children’s songs of the world: songs passed down and sung by children overseas
We’re introducing nursery rhymes and children’s songs that have been sung across countries and regions around the world!
From songs found in Japanese textbooks to tunes actually sung overseas and popular songs used in English education, we’ve gathered a selection from various perspectives.
As you’ll see in this article, there are actually many songs people in Japan think are Japanese that are originally from other countries.
If you want to know “famous foreign nursery rhymes in Japan” or you’d like to sing children’s songs in other languages, be sure to check these out and give them a try!
- [Surprising!] A children’s song that originated overseas. That familiar nursery rhyme is actually…
- A classic Mother Goose tune. A Mother Goose song that’s popular with children.
- Folk Songs of the World | Hometown Songs Passed Down Abroad
- [Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.
- A seemingly scary nursery rhyme: a children’s song that gives you the chills when you hear it
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
- Nostalgic Children’s Songs, Folk Songs, and Nursery Rhymes: The Heart of Japan Passed Down Through Song
- Ministry of Education songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes. The heart of Japan passed down in song.
- Get pumped with popular songs from “Okaasan to Issho”! A collection of timeless tunes everyone will want to sing together
- [Minna no Uta] Tear-jerking masterpiece. A moving song you want to hear again.
- Let's sing together! A collection of nursery rhymes everyone knows
- [Christmas Songs] Christmas songs to sing with children
- Nursery rhymes you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular songs everyone can enjoy together.
Nursery Rhymes of the World: Children's Songs Passed Down Overseas (21–30)
Katyusha
Katyusha is a song that became popular during the Soviet era and has continued to be loved as a Russian folk song.
“Katyusha” is a diminutive nickname for the Russian girl’s name Ekaterina.
In Japan, it’s somewhat like Hisako or Masako being affectionately shortened to Chako-chan.
Mary Had A Little Lamb
It’s one of the most popular and well-known numbers in Mother Goose.
In Japan, it’s familiar as “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” The video is a rock-style cover by Stevie Ray Vaughan, who was hugely popular as a master of white blues rock.
World nursery rhymes: Children's songs passed down overseas (31–40)
Yankee Doodle
The Japanese title is “Arupusu Ichiman Jaku.” It’s an American folk song and a patriotic song from the Revolutionary War.
However, the exact origins of the melody and lyrics are unclear.
It was first introduced to Japan in 1853, when Perry arrived; it was played as a marching tune when his crew disembarked from the Black Ships.
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands
A song by Kyu Sakamoto.
It is based on a traditional American folk tune.
Released in 1964, it became a huge hit and has since been loved as a children’s song.
Outside Japan, it is sung in countries such as Spain, and there is also an English version, “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
Jingle Bells
In 1857, Reverend James Lord Pierpont wrote and composed a song to be sung at his church’s Thanksgiving service.
It caused quite a sensation and spread throughout the United States.
Many artists covered it, and in Japan it also became popular through anime, video games, and children’s programs.
Turkey in the Straw
Under the name “Oklahoma Mixer,” this classic tune is used in Japan for events like sports days and folk dances.
It’s an American folk song titled “Turkey in the Straw,” featuring a cheerful country-western melody that feels pleasant.
Oranges and Lemons
Among the old English nursery rhymes known as Mother Goose, this is one of the most famous.
It has been honored by various artists—for example, it served as the title of an album released in 1989 by the English rock band XTC, and it is quoted in The Poe Clan, a representative work by shoujo manga artist Moto Hagio.