Japanese nursery rhymes, called “douyou (童謡)” in Japanese, are an integral part of the country’s culture and education passed down through generations. These simple songs, often accompanied by actions or gestures, serve as a way to teach young children Japanese traditional values, customs and culture.
However, just because Japanese nursery rhymes are for children doesn’t mean they’re not allowed for everyone else. In fact, it might be daunting for those studying Japanese as a foreign language might to try and sing along to even simple baby songs in Japanese. However, Japanese nursery rhymes can be a great source for Japanese-language learners as it is a more achievable goal to start with. In other words, Japanese nursery rhymes make learning fun and educational.
In this article, we will take a look at 12 of the most popular Japanese nursery rhymes, including their meaning, cultural significance, and historical references. Along with offering a glimpse at Japan’s rich history and country, they are also a fun way to learn Japanese.
Why Learn, Listen and Sing to Japanese Nursery Rhymes?
1. Japanese nursery rhymes are simple and easy to understand.
The language used in nursery rhymes is usually simple, making it easy for adult learners to understand and remember the vocabulary and grammar. The repetition of phrases and sentences in douyou (童謡), which usually includes onomatopoeia and tongue-twisters, helps to reinforce language learning and memory retention.
2. They are fun and engaging
For a lot of us who hate traditional learning methods (think textbooks and assignments), these songs can be a fun and engaging way to learn Japanese. Of course, this would be nowhere near as fun as actually singing popular songs at karaoke, but it’s a great first step!
Nursery rhymes can improve pronunciation: Singing nursery rhymes can help adult learners to improve their pronunciation and intonation, which can be especially challenging when learning a new language.
3. They’re a reflection of Japanese culture
Songs provide insights into the culture of a certain language and country. Japanese nursery rhymes help us understand Japanese culture in a broader sense and from a Japanese point of view as a lot of these songs are also used to teach Japanese children about how to be a part of society.
4. They’re appropriate for all age
The theme of nursery rhymes is light and fun, making them a great tool for language learning for both children and adults. The simple vocabulary and grammar used in nursery rhymes make them accessible for children who are just starting to learn a new language, as well as for adults who may be more advanced learners.
12 Japanese Nursery Rhymes to Know
1. Amefuri 雨降り (Rainfall)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| あめ あめ ふれふれ かあさんが じゃのめでおむかえ うれしいな ピッチピッチ チャップチャップ ランランラン かけましょ かばんを かあさんの あとから ゆこゆこ かねがなる ピッチピッチ チャップチャップ ランランラン あらあら あのこはずぶぬれだ やなぎのねかたで ないている ピッチピッチ チャップチャップ ランランラン かあさん ぼくのをかしましょか きみきみ このかさ さしたまえ ピッチピッチ チャップチャップ ランランラン ぼくならいいんだ かあさんの おおきなじゃのめに はいってく ピッチピッチ チャップチャップ ランランラン | ame ame fure fure kāsan ga janome de o mukae ureshii na pitchi pitchi, chappu chappu, ran ran ran kakemasho kaban wo kāsan no ato kara yuko yuko kane ga naru pitchi pitchi, chappu chappu, ran ran ran ara ara ano ko wa zubunure da yanagi no nekata de naiteiru pitchi pitchi, chappu chappu, ran ran ran kāsan boku no wo kashimasho ka kimi kimi kono kasa sashitamae pitchi pitchi, chappu chappu, ran ran ran boku nara iin da kāsan no ōkina janome ni haitteku pitchi pitchi, chappu chappu, ran ran ran | Rain, rain, come, come My mother will pick me up with an umbrella Pitch pitch, chap chap, run run run! With my bag on my shoulders, I follow my mother A bell is ringing somewhere Pitch pitch, chap chap, run run run! Oh dear, that girl is dripping wet She is crying under the willow Pitch pitch, chap chap, run run run! Mom, mom, I’ll lend my umbrella “You, you, use this umbrella,” Pitch pitch, chap chap, run run run! I am all right, don’t worry Mother will take me under her big umbrella Pitch pitch, chap chap, run run run! |
“Amefuri”, or “Rainfall”, is a nursery rhyme about helping others in need. Cheerful even on a rainy wet day, our protagonist is happily walking home in the rain with his mother. He offers his own umbrella to a girl who is wet from the rain and crying whilst taking shelter.
2. Zou-san ぞうさん (Mr. Elephant)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| ぞうさん ぞうさん お鼻が 長いのね そうよ 母さんも 長いのよ ぞうさん ぞうさん 誰が 好きなの あのね 母さんが すきなのよ | zousan, zousan ohana ga nagai no ne sou yo, kaasan mo nagai no yo zou san, zou san dare ga suki na no ano ne, kaasan ga suki na no yo | Elephant, elephant You have such a long nose! That’s right, my mom too Has a long nose Elephant, elephant Who do you love? Well, I love my mom! |
“Zou-san”, or “Mr. Elephant”, is a simple but adorable Japanese nursery rhyme. It was first broadcast on NHK radio in 1952. In the first verse of the song, the elephant is being teased for its long nose. However, the elephant is impervious to the bullying as his love for his mom makes him proud and happy to have the same long nose. It is a cute nursery rhyme with a strong message of love and acceptance of oneself.
3. Tonbo no Megane とんぼのメガネ (The Dragonfly’s Glasses)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| とんぼの めがねは 水いろ めがね 青いおそらを とんだから とんだから とんぼの めがねは ぴか ぴか めがね おてんとさまを みてたから みてたから とんぼの めがねは 赤いろ めがね 夕焼け雲を とんだから とんだから | tonbo no megane wa mizuiro megane aoi osora wo tonda kara tonda kara tonbo no megane wa pikapika megane otentosama wo miteta kara miteta kara tonbo no megane wa akairo megane yuuyakegumo wo tonda kara tonda kara | The dragonfly’s glasses are Light-blue coloured glasses Because he flies, because he flies Under the blue sky The dragonfly’s glasses are Shiny glasses Because he looks, because he looks At the sun The dragonfly’s glasses are Red coloured glasses Because he flies, because he flies Under the sunset clouds |
A wonderful nursery rhyme that describes the scenery of nature as reflected in a dragonfly’s eyes. For children, this is a cheery song that is accompanied by fun gestures like forming circles with your hands and bringing them up to your eyes to imitate the dragonfly’s glasses. For adults that understand the deeper meaning behind the song, it inspires them to think about what kind of life they want reflected in their own eyes.
4. Ai Ai アイアイ (Aye-Aye)
(Japanese)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| アイアイ アイアイ おさるさんだよ アイアイ アイアイ みなみのしまの アイアイ アイアイ しっぽのながい アイアイ アイアイ おさるさんだよ アイアイ アイアイ おさるさんだね アイアイ アイアイ きのはのおうち アイアイ アイアイ おめめのまるい アイアイ アイアイ おさるさんだね | ai ai ai ai osarusan dayo ai ai ai ai minami no shima no ai ai ai ai shippo no nagai ai ai ai ai osarusan dayo ai ai ai aii osarusan dane ai ai ai ai ki no ha no uchi ai ai ai ai omeme no marui ai ai ai ai osarusan dane | Aye-aye Aye-aye It’s a monkey Aye-aye Aye-aye On a southern island Aye-aye Aye-aye With a long tail Aye-aye Aye-aye It’s a monkey Aye-aye Aye-aye It’s a monkey Aye-aye Aye-aye In a house made from tree leaves Aye-aye Aye-aye With round eyes Aye-aye Aye-aye It’s a monkey |
“Ai Ai” is a simple nursery rhyme that introduces a monkey that lives on a southern tropical island. The monkey in question is a type of lemur called “Aye-aye” that is native to Madagascar. Although portrayed as an adorable creature in this nursery rhyme, in its native country, it is actually considered an unlucky or demonic creature!
5. Donguri Koro Koro どんぐりころころ (Rolling Acorn)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| どんぐりころころ ドンブリコ お池にはまって さあ大変 どじょうが出て来て こんにちは 坊ちゃん一緒に 遊びましょう どんぐりころころ よろこんで しばらく一緒に 遊んだが やっぱりお山が 恋しいと 泣いてはどじょうを 困らせた | donguri korokoro, donburiko oike ni hamatte, sā taihen dojō ga dete kite, konnichi wa botchan, issho ni asobimashō donguri korokoro, yorokonde shibaraku issho ni asonda ga yappari oyama ga koishi to naite wa dojō o komaraseta | Acorn is rolling, “splash!” he goes Fallen Into the pond, oh no Loach comes swimming, “Hello, Young master acorn, let’s play together..” Acorn is rolling, and having fun Playing together for a little while is fun but So sad, still wanting to go home to the mountain Crying, loach becomes troubled |
”Donguri koro koro”, or “Rolling Acorn”, is a popular autumn nursery rhyme in Japan. It was written by Aoki Nagayoshi (青木存義) based on his own personal experience. This nursery rhyme is very well known having been published in 1947 in elementary school textbooks. Written during the Taisho period, at that time it was common for children to leave their parents for work. The song reflects the fear and anxiety of children that have no choice but to leave the comfort of their homes, but the loach, which represents relationships they make on the way, is a source of comfort. The song has no end, leaving listeners to make up a happy or sad ending themselves.
6. Usagi no Dansu ウサギのダンス (Rabbit’s Dance)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| どんぐりころころ ドンブリコ お池にはまって さあ大変ソソラ ソラ ソラ うさぎのダンス タラッタ ラッタ ラッタ ラッタ ラッタ ラッタラ 足でけりけり ピョッコピョッコ 踊る 耳にはち巻 ラッタ ラッタ ラッタラ ソソラ ソラ ソラ 可愛いダンス タラッタ ラッタ ラッタ ラッタ ラッタ ラッタラ とんではねはね ピョッコ ピョッコ 踊る 足に赤ぐつ ラッタ ラッタ ラッタラ | sosora sora sora, usagi no dansu taratta ratta ratta ratta ratta rattara ashi de keri keri, pyokko pyokko odoru mimi ni hachimaki, ratta ratta ratta ra sosora sora sora, kawaii dansu taratta ratta ratta ratta ratta rattara tonde hane hane, pyokko pyokko odoru ashi ni akagutsu, ratta ratta rattara | Sosora sora sora, the rabbit’s dance Taratta ratta ratta ratta ratta rattara Legs a-kicking, pyokko pyokko [it] dances Headband around its ears, ratta ratta ratta ra Sosora sora sora, a cute dance Taratta ratta ratta ratta ratta rattara Hop jump jump, pyokko pyokko [it] dances Red shoes on its feet, ratta ratta rattara |
Not rabbits dancing, this nursery rhyme is actually about young children dancing as lively as rabbits. Also the Taisho period, it was a time of Western influence. “Headband around its ears” actually refers to “headband around the children’s heads” and “red shoes on its feet” refers to “red shoes on the children’s feets” as part of their dance costume. It is a lively lovely song to dance along to with lots of onomatopoeia; “pyokko pyokko” means “hopping” used frequently to describe the movement of frogs and rabbits.
7. Teru Teru Bouzu てるてる坊主
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| てる てるぼうず てるぼうず 明日天気に しておくれ いつかの夢の 空ように 晴れたら 金の鈴あげよ てる てるぼうず てるぼうず 明日天気に しておくれ 私の願いを 聞いたなら 甘いお酒を たんと飲ましょ てる てるぼうず てるぼうず 明日天気に しておくれ それでも曇って 泣いたなら そなたの首を チョンと切るぞ | teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu ashita tenki ni shite okure itsuka no yume no sora no yō ni haretara kin no suzu ageyo teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu ashita tenki ni shite okure watashi no negai wo kiita nara amai o-sake wo tonto nomasho teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu ashita tenki ni shite okure sorede mo kumotte naita nara sonata no kubi wo chon to kiru zo | Teru teru bouzu, teru bouzu Make tomorrow a sunny day Like the sky I saw in a dream If it’s sunny, I will give you a golden bell Teru teru bouzu, teru bouzu Make tomorrow a sunny day If my wish comes true I’ll serve you lots of sweet rice wine Teru teru bouzu, teru bouzu Make tomorrow a sunny day If the sky is cloudy and crying Then I’ll cut your head off with a snip |
The “Teru Teru Bouzu” nursery rhyme is the Japanese equivalent of “Rain Rain Go Away”. Teru Teru Bouzu is a simple handmade rain charm made from white paper or cloth and string. It is hung at the window to pray for a sunny day tomorrow. In this nursery rhyme, what started out as a hopeful prayer for good weather tomorrow, ended scarily as a death threat. It is a popular rain nursery rhyme in Japan and nobody really pays attention to the lyrics to notice how horrifying it actually is.
8. Kotori no Uta 小鳥の歌 (Little Bird’s Song)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 小鳥は とっても 歌が好き 母さん 呼ぶのも 歌で呼ぶ ぴぴぴぴぴ ちちちちち ぴちくりぴい 小鳥は とっても 歌が好き 父さん 呼ぶのも 歌で呼ぶ ぴぴぴぴぴ ちちちちち ぴちくりぴい | kotori wa tottemo uta ga suki kaasan yobu nomo uta de yobu pipipipipi chichichichichi pichikuripii kotori wa tottemo uta ga suki tousan yobu nomo uta de yobu pipipipipi chichichichichi pichikuripii | Teru teru bouzu, teru bouzu Make tomorrow a sunny day Like the sky I saw in a dream If it’s sunny, I will give you a golden bell Teru teru bouzu, teru bouzu Make tomorrow a sunny day If my wish comes true I’ll sThe little bird really loves to sing Calling his mother, he also sings Pipipipipi Chichichichichi Pichikuripii The little bird really loves to sing Calling his father, he also sings Pipipipipi Chichichichichi Pichikuripii |
The meaning behind the song is… just as its lyrics say. An honest and straightforward nursery rhyme, sing it cheerfully and chirpily just like the little bird.
9. Biwa びわ (Loquat)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| びわはやさしい 木の実だから だっこしあって うれている うすい虹ある ろばさんの お耳みたいな 葉のかげに びわは静かな 木の実だから お日にぬるんで うれている ママといただく やぎさんの お乳よりかも まだあまく | biwa wa yasashī kinomi dakara dakko shi atte urete iru usui niji aru roba-san no omimi mitaina ha no kage ni biwa wa shizukana kinomi dakara ohi ni nurunde urete iru mama to itadaku yagisan no ochichi yori kamo mada amaku | Loquat is a gentle tree fruit, that’s why They are happy to be held A faint rainbow can be seen In the shadow of its donkey’s ears like leaves Loquat is a quite tree fruit, that’s why They are happy to be bathed in sunlight Eating them with my mom Sweeter than goat’s milk maybe |
Loquat fruits are called “biwa (枇杷)” in Japanese, and this nursery rhyme is about them. In Japan, loquats are in season from March to July, and are mainly produced in Nagasaki and Chiba prefectures. Biwa and Kotori no Uta (above) are nursery rhymes used in Japan’s 2022 Nursery Teacher Qualification Exam.
10. Chouchou ちょうちょう (Butterfly)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| ちょうちょう ちょうちょう 菜の葉にとまれ 菜の葉にあいたら 桜にとまれ 桜の花の 花から花へ とまれよ遊べ 遊べよとまれ | chouchou chouchou na no ha ni tomare na no ha ni aitara sakura ni tomare sakura no hana no hana kara hana he tomare yo asobe, asobe yo tomare | Butterfly, butterfly Stop on a leaf If you get bored with the leaves, then stop on the cherry blossoms From one cherry blossom flower to another Stop and play, play and stop |
A nursery rhyme for spring, “Butterfly” is sung to an old German tune called “Hänschen klein”. The lyrics depict a peaceful, beautiful spring with butterflies, green leaves and cherry blossoms, the symbol of spring in Japan.
11. Oni no Pantsu おにのパンツ (The Ogre’s Pants)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 鬼のパンツは いいパンツ つよいぞ つよいぞ トラの毛皮で できている つよいぞ つよいぞ ５年はいても やぶれない つよいぞ つよいぞ 10年はいても やぶれない つよいぞ つよいぞ はこう はこう 鬼のパンツ はこう はこう 鬼のパンツ あなたも あなたも あなたも あなたも みんなではこう 鬼のパンツ | oni no pantsu wa ii pantsu tsuyoi zo, tsuyoi zo tora no kegawa de dekiteiru tsuyoi zo, tsuyoi zo go-nen haite mo yaburenai tsuyoi zo, tsuyoi zo ju-nen haitemo yaburenai tsuyoi zo, tsuyoi zo hakou, hakou, oni no pantsu hakou, hakou, oni no pantsu anata mo, anata mo, anata mo anata mo minna de hakou oni no pantsu | The ogre’s pants are good pants They’re strong, they’re strong Made from a tiger’s pelt They’re strong, they’re strong Wear them for 5 years still they don’t tear They’re strong, they’re strong Wear them for 10 years still they don’t tear They’re strong, they’re strong Let’s wear, let’s wear, ogre’s pants Let’s wear, let’s wear, ogre’s pants You, you, you, and you Let’s all wear ogre’s pants |
The same tune as Neapolitan folk song “Funiculì funiculà” but with different lyrics. “Oni no Pantsu” is a favourite Japanese nursery rhyme that is always sung in kindergartens and nursery schools in Japan on Setsubun (節分) – a traditional celebration involving throwing soybeans to repel Oni. It is an energetic song with accompanying fun gestures.
12. Amefuri Otsuki 雨降りお月 (Rainfall Moon)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 雨降りお月さん 雲の蔭 お嫁にゆくときゃ 誰とゆく ひとりで傘（からかさ） さしてゆく 傘（からかさ）ないときゃ 誰とゆく シャラシャラ シャンシャン 鈴付けた お馬にゆられて 濡れてゆく いそがにゃお馬よ 夜が明けよ 手綱（たづな）の下から ちょいと見たりゃ お袖でお顔を 隠してる お袖は濡れても 干しゃ乾く 雨降りお月さん 雲の蔭 お馬にゆられて 濡れてゆく | amefuri otsukisan, kumo no kage oyome ni yuku tokya, dare to yuku hitori de karakasa, sashite yuku karakasa nai tokya, dare to yuku shara shara shan shan, suzu tsuketa ouma ni yurarete, nurete yuku isoganya ouma yo, yoru ga akeyou tazuna no shita kara, choi to mitarya osode de okao wo, kakushiteru osode wa nuretemo, hosha kawaku amefuri otsukisan, kumo no kage ouma ni yurarete, nurete yuku | Rainfall moon, hidden behind clouds When I am a bride, who shall I go with? Alone holding a paper umbrella If I don’t have a paper umbrella, who shall I go with? Shala, shala, shan, shan, goes the attached bell Jostled on the horse’s back, I go drenched Oh, please hurry horse, the night is ending From underneath the reins, you look back I hide my face with my sleeve Even if my sleeve gets wet with my tears, it will dry Rainfall moon, hidden behind clouds Jostled on the horse’s back, I go drenched |
“Amefuri Otsuki” is a nursery rhyme first released in 1925 during the Taisho period. It is quite similar to another nursery rhyme called “Kodomo no Kuni” by the same lyricist and songwriter duo. There are 2 theories about the rhyme’s plot.
The first is that it is a song that reflects an old custom in Tochigi prefecture where brides ride on horseback to the groom’s village where the groom and his family are waiting to welcome her. And, it is about the lyricist’s own personal experience of having his bride travelling in the rain to be wed, and his feelings of wanting to care for her after a difficult journey.
The second theory is that it is about a deceased woman and the horse’s bells represent the prayers during a memorial service. It also explains why the woman is crying whilst hiding her face with her sleeve, or perhaps her face cannot be seen.
Conclusion
These are just 12 of many beautiful, wonderful, and sometimes mysterious nursery rhymes there are in Japan. The short and easy Japanese verses and simple melodies make them easy to learn and memorize. Knowing some Japanese nursery rhymes also makes for a good conversation topic with other Japanese learners or even local Japanese who will be happily surprised by your hidden talent and knowledge!
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