Nursery rhymes I want to sing in July: fun summer songs
July, the beginning of summer, is hot but such a fun season, isn’t it?
How about singing joyfully in the hot summer to blow the heat away?
To prevent kids from getting heatstroke, spending time indoors singing fun songs is also recommended!
Here, we’ve gathered classic children’s songs and ones often sung at nurseries and kindergartens.
There are songs you can enjoy with hand play, too.
There are lots of songs children love, so sing and play together and feel the summer!
You can have a great time at home as well.
Use this as a guide so both kids and adults can have fun together!
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Nursery rhymes to sing in July: Fun summer songs (91–100)
Ho! Ho! Ho!Lyrics: Akira Ito / Music: Nobuyoshi Koshibe
You sometimes hear this song on NHK programs for young children.
The oldest known recording dates back to 1972, sung by Kurumi Kobato—a children’s singer who also starred as the lead voice actor in the popular volleyball anime Attack No.
1.
Since then, it has been passed down through shows like Okaasan to Issho (With Mother).
The unique lyrics in the chorus are sure to delight little kids.
Why not try singing it yourselves toward the blue summer sky?
Song of the cicadaLyrics by Yoshimi Sato / Music by Yoshinao Nakata
When the sound of cicadas reaches your ears, you can’t help but feel that summer has arrived.
If their chorus is too loud it can seem noisy, but the chirping of cicadas is closely linked with summer in Japan.
The children’s song “Cicada Song,” which is popular among kids, is highly recommended—if you sing it together while catching cicadas on a hot summer day, it makes the game even more fun.
Coming up with your own original dance moves could be enjoyable too!
sunflowerLyrics by Satoshi Kadokura / Music by Nobutsuna Sasaki
One of the symbols of summer is the sunflower.
The song “Himawari” sings about its beautiful appearance.
It was written by Satoshi Kadokura, with music composed by Nobutsuna Sasaki.
The first half of the song depicts sunflowers in the daytime, while the second half portrays them at night.
The lyrics, which compare sunflowers to other summery things, spark the imagination.
Try singing while thinking, “What kind of scene is this part describing?” The somewhat wistful ending that evokes the close of summer is also part of its charm.
Oh, oops.
On scorching hot days when you’re worried about letting kids play outside, many families set up pool play in the bath or on the balcony to enjoy some big, splashy water fun at home.
In those moments, try patting the water to the beat of a bouncy rhythm to make sounds, or play while singing out loud together—before you know it, the heat will turn into one of your joyful summer memories.
The song is short and easy to remember, so even little ones will quickly learn it as they repeat the phrases.
Jellyfish Puwarin
A popular song from NHK’s children’s program “Inai Inai Baa!” The lyrics vividly describe jellyfish drifting through the sea with the phrase “puwarin puwarin.” Through encounters with sea creatures like sea anemones and whales, the song conveys a message that nurtures curiosity about nature and living things.
Its lively rhythm and friendly melody are designed to make it fun and easy for children to sing along.
At the end of the song, there’s a scene where the jellyfish soar into the sky, evoking a sense of anticipation for a new adventure.
Released in 2014, it is widely known as a fan favorite within the show.
Singing it while imagining the cool, refreshing world of the ocean on a hot summer day might be a great way to lift your spirits.
natto
One of the hand-play songs popular with children at daycares and kindergartens is “Natto.” The lyrics feature everything from small natto to big natto, and kids play by twirling their hands as if mixing natto and stretching both hands as if pulling sticky threads.
It’s a very simple song with easy movements, so even little ones can learn it quickly and have fun.
July 10 is “Natto Day,” so if you’re looking for a hand-play song for July, this one is recommended.
Many children love natto, so they’re sure to get into it and play enthusiastically!
It's starting! (Summer ver.)
This song builds a sense of anticipation, as if something is about to begin.
It’s a fingerplay that transforms your hand into different things using one to five fingers.
If you do this fingerplay before starting an activity and end with “hands on your lap,” it helps children settle into a quiet, listening posture.
In this video, “Hajimaruyo” is in a summer version, so the hand shapes turn into various summer-themed items, making it perfect for helping children learn words associated with summer.
It’s also fun to come up with your own original choreography.