Songs for January: Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs we want children to grow familiar with
When you hear “songs for January,” what kinds of tunes come to mind?
There are many, from those often sung in childcare settings and schools to classic pieces that have been loved in Japan for many years.
Here, we’ll introduce nursery rhymes and hand-play songs that you’ll want to enjoy with children in January.
Everyone has different experiences with the songs they’ve grown up with, so try talking about them with your family and friends.
You might even come across some songs for the first time.
These are all songs that can be enjoyed across generations and that we’d love to pass on to the children who will shape the next generation.
[January Songs] Nursery rhymes and hand-play songs we want children to enjoy (1–10)
A collection of nursery rhymes perfect for January.
First, let me introduce 10 carefully selected songs to listen to in January! They’re all perfect for New Year’s celebrations or playing in the snow. Be sure to sing along with your child and joyfully celebrate the start of a new year!
Snow KobōzuLyrics by: Toshiko Murayama / Composer: Unknown
A snow-themed song included on King Records’ release Yuttari Doyo 60.
It originally comes from a foreign tune and has been sung with various lyrics.
In this version, the lyrics tell of a “yuki no kobōzu” (little snow monk) who comes from the sky, falls into a pond, turns into water, and disappears.
Whether it’s a fairy or more of a conceptual being, it sounds fun to sing while chatting together about “What exactly is a yuki no kobōzu?” Another recommendation is that you can change poses for verses one, two, and three as you sing.
New Year (Japanese New Year)Lyrics by Kume Azuma / Music by Rentarō Taki
This song is famous for its lyrics brimming with excitement, asking, “How many more sleeps until New Year’s Day?” The lyrics were written by children’s story author Kume Azuma, and the music was composed by Japan’s proud master composer, Rentarō Taki.
It also touches on traditional Japanese New Year’s games, so why not sing it with children who aren’t familiar with them and learn what the games are like together? With lyrics full of anticipation for the New Year and a gentle, friendly melody, it’s a song you’ll want to hear as the year draws to a close.
Sing it with plenty of energy and welcome a joyful New Year!
Kantarō the North Wind KidLyrics by Takao Ide / Music by Wakako Fukuda
It’s said that this song was created with the concept of an enka tune for children, inspired by the TV drama “Kogarashi Monjirō.” It was first presented on “Minna no Uta” in 1974, sung at the time by Masaaki Sakai, and a remake version sung by Saburō Kitajima was released in 1982.
Many people were likely charmed by the cute animation of Kantarō, with his rosy cheeks and fair complexion.
The song has appeared multiple times in elementary school music textbooks and can be considered a winter classic loved by a wide range of generations.
The Song of the Twelve Zodiac Animals
We sing the twelve zodiac signs in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit.
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Strictly speaking, “子” is pronounced “ne,” but the trick is to sing it rhythmically as “nee.” Since there’s a melody, kids may quickly memorize the lyrics.
It’s also fun to add handclaps or claps in the middle, so it might be a great song for everyone to sing together when you gather for New Year’s.
It’s a perfect piece when you want to give children a chance to get familiar with the twelve zodiac signs.
The Snow PainterLyrics by Akihiko Noritake / Music by Takashi Ando
It uses a metaphor that snow falls and turns the world white, as if painted with white paint.
There’s an onomatopoeic expression for the falling snow, the repeatedly appearing keyword “white,” and above all, the gentle melody that you’ll want to remember and hum along to.
It’s a snow-themed song that adults should definitely listen to as well.
Adding simple choreography and dancing to it would be nice, too.
It’s fun to sing as-is, but it’s also great to let your imagination run with questions like, “What does a snow painter mean, anyway?”
little foxLyrics: Katsuo Masaru / Music: German folk song
Based on a traditional German folk song, this piece is full of charm that captivates children’s hearts.
It depicts an adorable little fox enjoying dressing up in nature, and just listening to it warms the heart.
Since it was included in the Ministry of Education’s textbook in 1947, it has been beloved by many children.
The lyrics beautifully reflect Japan’s four seasons and culture.
It’s perfect for singing with family, or in nursery schools and kindergartens.
Highly recommended when you want to share with children the beauty of nature and the joy of dressing up.
Great Cold, Little Coldchildren’s song
This song is a traditional children’s folk tune that expresses the cold of the Japanese winter.
It’s characterized by a simple, familiar melody, and children often sing it while playing—perfect for sensing the changing seasons.
The lyrics vary slightly by region, but all convey the severity of winter.
How about singing it with your family on a cold day? If you huddle together as you sing, it will surely warm your hearts.
Loved for many years as a winter tradition, it’s a piece that can be enjoyed across generations.