This is a delightful collection of Japanese children's songs with lyrics, sheet music and cultural notes. Simple, singable, and engaging, the traditional songs of Japanese children combine the unique charm of Japan with the universal appeal of children's music everywhere. Some of the fifteen songs in this collection are current throughout Japan. Others are little known outside a small area. All have deep roots in history and tradition. Several are game songs that will be enjoyed by all children who have played "London Bridge is Falling Down" or "The Farmer in the Dell." Mr. Berger's commentary on each song illuminates many facets of Japanese culture; and his arrangements, with easy piano accompaniments, make the songs suitable for unison or two-part singing by children or adults. The complete Japanese text, in both Japanese characters and Roman alphabet, is included for each song, together with a singable English version and a literal translation.

Fifteen Japanese lullabies, folk and games songs with piano accompaniments.

The Japanese say that ‘folk song is the heart’s home town’. Traditional folk songs (min’yo) from the countryside are strongly linked to their places of origin and continue to play a role there. Today, however, they are also taught as a quasi-art music, arranged for stage and television, quoted in Westernized popular songs and so forth.