Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes for Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)
Did you know that besides the famous Hina Matsuri song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri,” there are many other songs for the Doll Festival? In this article, we’ll introduce children’s songs, folk songs, and traditional play songs related to Hina Matsuri.
“I want to hear that song I listened to as a child,” “We sing ‘Ureshii Hinamatsuri’ every year… I’d like to try other songs too.” If that sounds like you, be sure to check out the Hina Matsuri songs we’re about to introduce! Each song has its own unique melody and lyrics, so you’re sure to enjoy the festival with a fresh feeling!
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Doll Festival children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes (1–10)
Doll Festival Song = Peach Blossom Festival =children’s song
These are traditional children’s songs from Chiba Prefecture: “Ohinasama Yo (1) (2) (3),” “Show Me the Hina Dolls,” and “March Third.” They all have a different feel from other Hinamatsuri songs.
If anything, they have a lively rhythm that feels more like play songs.
Hina doll(s)
The children’s song “Hinasama,” often sung in the Hida region.
In this area, there is an event called “Gandōchi,” where children go from house to house singing this song, are shown the Hina dolls, and receive sweets.
The lyrics express a wish to be shown the Hina dolls—no matter what state they’re in, just please let us see them! The Hina dolls differ in expression from house to house.
Following the Hida custom, it might be nice to sing this song and go see the Hina dolls at your friends’ homes.
Fingerplay song 'Gonin Bayashi no Fue Daiko'
Of course, the stars of the Hina dolls are the Emperor and Empress! But the Five Court Musicians, who liven up the Doll Festival from below, rarely get the spotlight, do they? The hand-play song “Goninbayashi no Fue Daiko” is a song that depicts these unsung heroes, the Five Court Musicians.
The first plays the drum (taiko), the second the flute (fue), the third the small hand drum (kotsuzumi), the fourth the drum (tsuzumi) with calls, and the fifth sings.
Even among adults, there may be few who can smoothly name all the instruments each one plays.
Hinamatsuri children's songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes (11–20)
Drawing Song: The Hina Dolls
This is about drawing hina dolls—an essential part of the Doll Festival—easily by following a song.
The drawing steps are explained to a light, simple sound, so the lyrics are easy to catch.
The drawings are clear, based on triangles and circles, making it easy even for small children to join in.
It seems best to draw a large example while having the children draw along.
After finishing the hina doll, it might be nice to have them come up with a drawing song for the emperor doll as well.
Let's decorate for HinamatsuriLyrics: Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music: Maiko Hosoda
Ohinasama Kazari Mashou depicts a heartwarming scene of a family setting up Hina dolls together.
The lyrics are by Toshihiko Shinzawa, who also wrote Niji and Sekai-ju no Kodomotachi ga.
It’s touching to see how the Hinamatsuri tradition is passed down—from a mother when she was a child, to her own child, and then again when that child becomes an adult and has children of their own.
When you decorate your Hina dolls at home, be sure to try listening to or singing this song as you work.
Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri/Girls’ Day)Lyrics by Hirosuke Hamada / Music by Ikuma Dan
A work by Ikuma Dan, one of Japan’s leading composers who produced numerous pieces across a wide range of genres, including classical works, children’s songs, and film music.
The lyrics were written by children’s author Hirosuke Hamada.
In the first verse, it depicts the Emperor and Empress dolls sitting on the tiered stand during the Peach Festival, watching over the children throughout the night.
In the second verse, it portrays the adorable scene of a child, gently watched over by the dolls, offering them sweets—hina-arare and chocolates—saying, “Please have some.”
Hinamatsuri Food Song
When you think of Hinamatsuri, colorful sweets, chirashi sushi, and lots of other delicious foods come to mind, don’t they? This song shines a spotlight on Hinamatsuri foods.
It cheerfully and playfully sings about Hinamatsuri, so I’m sure it’s a tune that even little children will love!