[February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!
February brings Setsubun and the chant “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!” In nurseries and kindergartens, there are likely many chances to sing songs related to Setsubun.
But in fact, there are plenty of songs perfect for February beyond just Setsubun tunes! In this article, we introduce songs connected to February and children’s songs that are perfect for the harshly cold season.
Many of them can be sung with hand-play motions, so children are sure to enjoy them.
Please make use of them on days when it’s too cold to play outside or during music time.
- [Snow Songs for Winter] Children's Snow Nursery Rhymes and Hand-Play Songs
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
- [Childcare] Fun Songs for 2-Year-Olds to Sing! Recommended Song Collection
- [Setsubun Song] Demons out, fortune in! Bean-throwing songs to enjoy on Setsubun
- Songs for January: Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs we want children to grow familiar with
- Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes for March: fun spring hand-play songs.
- [Children’s Songs] Let’s Sing of Spring! A Fun Collection of Nursery Rhymes, Folk Songs, and Children’s Songs
- December children's songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes: fun winter hand-play songs
- Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about food
- A collection of parody versions of the children's song 'Oshogatsu'
- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
- [For 0-year-olds] Recommended songs for babies: A special feature on bonding play and traditional nursery rhymes
- Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about animals
[Songs for February] Introducing nursery rhymes, folk songs, children’s songs, and hand-play songs related to Setsubun and winter! (11–20)
I like winter.Music by Takeshi Shibuya
This warm-hearted song depicts children enjoying the winter chill.
You can almost picture everyone gathering around a hot pot after coming in from the cold.
Composed by Takeshi Shibuya, the piece was released in January 1995.
It was broadcast on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho” and has been beloved for many years.
Centered on finding joy even in the cold of winter and sharing heartwarming moments with others, it’s also hugely popular as a winter song in nursery schools and kindergartens.
It’s perfect for singing with family and friends on chilly days.
Cha-Cha-Cha of the SnowmanComposed by: Aki Tashiga
This is another winter fingerplay song that’s popular with children.
Even the title, “Snowman Cha-Cha-Cha,” gives off a fun vibe, doesn’t it? It’s a delightful, whimsical song about building a snowman and then watching it start to dance.
Ogre’s HornsMusic by Mika Kutsuna
This song was created as part of a eurhythmics (rhythmic education) program to warm children’s hearts during the chilly month of February.
It features a lively rhythm and playfully inventive melody, designed to help children enjoy and grow familiar with music.
Listening to it may bring back nostalgic memories of bean-throwing festivities at nursery schools and kindergartens.
It’s perfect not only for eurhythmics and music classes, but also for parents and children to enjoy at home.
Dance and sing with energy, and let’s get through the cold winter together.
Thunder God has arrived.Composed by: Tsubasa Suzuki
This piece is a popular hand-play song joyfully sung in nurseries and kindergartens.
A thunder-god-like figure suddenly appears, and if you don’t hide certain parts of your body, they’ll be taken—an unusual concept that captivates children.
With its brisk rhythm and simple melodic line, it’s designed so kids can naturally join in—another standout point! In July 2014, a picture book of the same name was released, allowing for multiple ways to enjoy it: sing after reading, or read after singing.
It’s a perfect song for February, when cold winter days mean more time spent indoors.
Singing while moving the body can also help improve children’s body awareness and concentration.
Kocho-ko ChocogaagaaS
This is a hand-play song by gaagaaS, popular in childcare and early childhood settings.
The theme is Valentine’s Day, and it’s a fun piece featuring a wordplay that blends “kocho-kocho” (tickle-tickle) with “chocolate.” It includes suggested ways to play tailored to ages 0 to 2, so children can enjoy it according to their developmental stage.
The song is also available on YouTube and TikTok, and is loved by many childcare workers and parents.
As a fun, seasonal hand-play song, why not enjoy it with children around Valentine’s Day?
Horn, horn, hoooorn!Composed by: Tsubasa Suzuki
The hand-play song created by Tsubasa Suzuki is hugely popular in nurseries and kindergartens.
With lyrics themed around animal horns and fun choreography, it sparks children’s imaginations.
Kids use their hands to mimic the horns of rhinos and reindeer, and get excited at the “No!” phrase.
Spreading on YouTube around 2018 and included on the album “Inai Inai Waoh!,” the song also gained attention through a collaboration video with the YouTube channel BonBon Academy.
It’s a perfect winter tune for moving your body and playing indoors on cold days.
[February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs related to Setsubun and winter! (21–30)
While Oni is awaychildren’s song
Speaking of Setsubun, bean-throwing—driving away oni, which symbolize evil—is essential, isn’t it? This is a children’s song that depicts preparing for the bean-throwing while the oni aren’t around.
The lyrics express the scene of roasting beans while the oni are away and the crackling sound of the beans ringing out.
Shaking the container to check the sound of the beans is also an important point, and it naturally connects to movement activities like swaying the body.
Using a shaker filled with real beans is recommended, as you can enjoy the sound while clearly conveying the mood of the song.