[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
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- 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 children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs related to Setsubun and winter! (41–50)
Snowball fightMonbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)
This is a nursery song themed around the ever-popular traditional winter play: snowball fights.
It depicts children splitting into teams and throwing snow under a clear blue sky.
Because many lines repeat the same melody, it’s easy to memorize even for those who aren’t confident singers.
You’ll likely relate to the lyrics that capture that familiar moment when you suddenly find yourself getting seriously into the snowball fight.
It’s also recommended for February snow play, sports, and recreation.
Try singing it to a melody line that carries a touch of nostalgia.
Constellations of Winter (Original: Mollie Darling)Composed by William Hayes
This piece was published in 1947 as one of the songs in the government-issued textbook “Secondary Music.” The lyrics were written by Keizo Horiuchi, but the melody is borrowed from “Molly Darling,” a popular song composed in 1871 by American songwriter William Hayes, making it, so to speak, a kind of contrafact.
Interestingly, when you listen to “Molly Darling” on its own, it doesn’t evoke the solemn atmosphere of “Fuyu no Seiza” (“Winter Constellations”); instead, it comes across more as a bright popular tune.
Happy HinamatsuriComposer: Naonori Kawamura (Koyo Kawamura)
A famous song that has been sung in Japan for many years—one that every girl has probably sung at least once—is “Happy Hinamatsuri.” Although it’s originally a song for March, Hinamatsuri comes right after February ends.
Why not start practicing in February so you can sing it on the day?
Song of the Bathhouse
Speaking of February, it’s the time of year when winter’s cold is especially harsh.
At times like that, taking a bath to warm your body thoroughly is highly recommended.
This is a lively hand-play song that portrays a bath that warms both body and heart.
In this piece, instead of a bath at home, it depicts everyone heading to a public bathhouse, and the cheerful call-and-response conveys the excitement of enjoying the bath.
It then unfolds to show washing the body and soaking in the hot water.
Ending with a scene visible from the window, it evokes the image of relaxing in the bath—a song filled with happiness.
Hymn to the Snowy Mountains (Original Tune: Oh My Darling, Clementine)American folk song
Dark Ducks, who led Japan’s postwar pop scene, released “Yukiyama Sanka” in 1959.
The original tune is “Oh My Darling, Clementine.” Based on the melody of an American folk song, it features Japanese lyrics themed around snowy mountains.
The soaring vocals set against a grand drum roll are especially striking.
Precisely because it’s the season when we feel winter’s chill, let’s warm up by singing this passionate melody.
It’s also a perfect track to liven up February excursions and outings.
oshikura manju (a children’s pushing game)Composed by: Asei Kobayashi
On cold days, you just want to snuggle up to someone and feel a bit of warmth! The perfect play song for times like that is “Oshikura Manju.” A few people huddle together, link arms with the person next to them, and sing while pushing each other with their backs and bottoms.
The idea is that since everyone’s pushing one another, even if it hurts a little, no crying! As you sing and move your bodies while pushing, you gradually warm up.
The key to really feeling the warmth is to play with at least four people.
The more people you have, the more power you get, and the more fun and cozy it becomes!
White RoadComposer: Vivaldi
“Shiroi Michi” (The White Road) depicts someone walking alone along a snow-covered white path, recalling memories from days spent with their mother.
In fact, this song sets lyrics to the second movement of that famous composer Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in F minor “Winter,” RV 297! Vivaldi’s original piece also had an accompanying sonnet, though its content differs from that of “Shiroi Michi.” The lyrics, which sing of nostalgic memories, really tug at the heartstrings.
When a child sings it, it might even bring a tear to Mom’s or Dad’s eyes!