Abstract
This study aimed to determine the characteristics of children's songs called 'warabe-uta' in terms of the subject content they provide in school-level music education. First, a literature review was conducted to determine the characteristics and educational significance of children's songs. Various aspects of their educational significance were identified. Second, the study discussed widespread inclusion of children's songs in education in the 1960s and the state of this inclusion in the 2000s. The educational content in these movements was considered. Finally, the study analyzed various aspects of the songs' educational significance in comparison with the characteristics of the educational content of school music lessons. In conclusion, two characteristics of the educational content of children's songs were identified:t he use of these songs in music lessons (1) provides students with an integrated experience of musical production and (2) is linked with holistic education that fosters motivation and creativity. Incorporating children's songs into lessons enables students to learn playfully via creative self-expression.
