Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August: Summer-Friendly Kids’ Songs and Fingerplay Rhymes

Swim! Taiyaki-kunMasato Shimon

Swimming! Taiyaki-kun – Every day, every day, we’re grilled on the hot plate and we’re getting sick of it ~ (with actions) [Hand play / nursery rhyme]

This is a song by Masato Shimon that tells the story of a taiyaki who, fed up with its boring daily life and dreaming of freedom, runs away to the sea.

Released in December 1975, the song became a massive hit, topping the charts for 11 consecutive weeks as an insert song on the children’s program Hirake! Ponkikki.

Many listeners likely remember the taiyaki’s seafaring adventure set to a wistful melody—and its slightly bittersweet ending.

Through this piece, you can not only imagine the unique sight of a taiyaki setting out to sea, but also take the opportunity to think together with your child about the deeper question: What does freedom really mean?

Fish HeavenHiromi Shibaya

♪Fishy Paradise – “I love you,” I sardinely say to little Sayori; that’s quite a ‘tai’-rrific thing, Mr. Suzuki~♪ (with choreography)

Created to promote eating fish, this piece is a familiar tune from the fresh seafood section at supermarkets.

The lyrics feature 31 types of seafood, including Pacific saury and scallops, and convey the fun of eating fish.

It’s perfect for sparking children’s interest in fish and marine life.

After its debut in 1991, the CD release in March 2002 became a major hit, making the song widely known across generations.

Singing and dancing to it with your kids might make your time at home even more enjoyable.

Spotted garden eel!!Ryuzo Fukuda, Kazuto Ozawa

Garden Eels!! / Ryuzo Fukuda & Kazuto Ozawa (Featuring: Ryuzo Fukuda & Chisato Kawasaki)

It’s a fun exercise song that lets you pretend to be that unique creature popping its head out of the ocean sand.

I’ve heard it’s popular at preschools as a “warm-up dance.” The track was created by the unit of Ryuzo Fukuda, Kazuto Ozawa, and Skanpo, and was included on the album “Marutto Minna no Asobiuta,” released in July 2019.

With simple choreography that gently sways the body, it can help loosen children up while building their excitement for the activities to come.

Row the boat

[Song] Rowing the Boat – Summer Song, Nursery Rhyme, Children's Song ♪

We’d like to introduce the hand-play song “Ofune o Koide,” which is perfect for keeping things fun and cheerful even in the hot summer.

Moving in a way that feels like you’re rowing a boat to a pleasant rhythm naturally brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

The lyrics convey scenes like swaying waves and blowing wind, letting you feel as if you’re actually out at sea on an adventure.

It also sounds fun to sit facing a friend, hold hands, and do it together! Adding a sound effect like “Splash!” between sections of the song will make it even more exciting.

Give it a try for inspiration!

The Goldfish’s Nap

Goldfish’s Nap ♪ [Children’s song / nursery rhyme] Cute goldfish in a red kimono ~ with lyrics animation / Japanese kids song

The relaxed song “Goldfish’s Nap” is a popular children’s nursery rhyme.

If you sing it as a lullaby at nap time, some kids find it so soothing that they fall asleep right away.

The gentle movements of the goldfish—and the moments when it seems to pause completely—are adorable and make it feel as if the goldfish itself is napping.

The lyrics are easy to remember, so if you sing it repeatedly, children can sing along.

It’s also recommended to sing it together with a picture book that features goldfish.

When the Dock (Japanese knotweed) blooms

Children’s song: When Sorrel Blooms (Skampo no Saku Koro) — Lyrics by Hakushū Kitahara, Music by Kōsaku Yamada

Let me introduce “When the Dock Blooms,” a song with a gentle melody and a bright tempo.

It’s a song about a flower called sukanpo (dock) that blooms in spring.

This warm children’s song evokes nostalgia, depicting children playing happily and energetically in the fields.

Because it includes repeated phrases that help you feel the season, even children around two years old can enjoy joining in.

Of course, it’s also a soothing piece for babies from 0 years old to listen to.

Be sure to try singing it with your children.

Water Gun Song

Let's Sing the Water Gun Song!! [Seasonal Song]

Let me introduce a fingerplay for “The Water Gun Song,” perfect for water play or before getting into the pool.

This lively song lets kids feel the unique fun and sense of freedom of summertime water play.

The motion of pretending your fingers are a water gun and going “pew-pew” helps develop fingertip dexterity, imagination, and a sense of rhythm.

The tempo is slow, so even younger children can enjoy joining in.

Various plants and flowers like dahlias and maple leaves appear in the song, so showing real examples or photos may help children picture them more easily.

It’s also fun to swap in familiar plants and playground equipment from your schoolyard into the lyrics.

Give it a try!