Throughout the world, young children are introduced to some form of nursery rhymes. In Japan, the first type of rhyme a child encounters is called "warabeuta"--songs created through play. The English translation fails to accurately capture the degree to which "warabeuta" include body movement, touch, and interaction with other singers. A unique aspect of "warabeuta" is that they are not merely sung to children; the caretaker physically touches and moves the child, emphasizing "skinship," or physical/emotional bonding. Japanese caretakers consider "warabeuta" critical for child development, as they help establish the environment for healthy growth, like "preparing the ground for a growing plant" (Yamada, 2010, personal communication). Based on the reviews of existing literature, a few personal communications with local professionals, and their own observations, the authors propose that "warabeuta" addresses five goals that are considered vital in Japanese child development: (1) Securing "Skinship"; (2) Encouraging Gradual, Natural Development; (3) Emphasizing Physical Movement; (4) Achieving a Sense of Oneness and Harmony With Others; and (5) Understanding Notions of Past, Present, Future, and the Unknown.