Nursery rhymes I want to sing in July: fun summer songs

Zebra Swirl

[NHK E-TV] Zebra Guruguru / With Mother (covered by UtaSta) Japanese Children’s Song, Nursery Rhymes

The rhythmic and fun “Zebra Swirl” also features lyrics that are easy for children to remember.

Let’s sing along to the cute, rhythmic words.

The repeated phrases may match the zebra’s stripes and the song’s background, capturing children’s attention.

Try singing to the rhythm while feeling the melody’s lively yet somehow nostalgic vibe.

You might broaden the fun by first asking, “What around us looks like stripes?” and then singing the song.

Ganbarappa☆Ganbarūn

Song: Ganbarappa☆Ganbaruun <with choreography> [Children’s Song, Nursery Rhyme, Hand Play, Kids, Dance] Japanese Children’s Song, Nursery Rhymes

“Gambarappa☆Gambarūn” is an uplifting song that gives you energy in the summer.

Its rhythmic melody and lyrics make it really charming.

You’ll feel more energized as you sing, so try singing along with some hand claps.

For older and middle kindergarteners, it’s also recommended to use instruments like castanets to make it even more fun.

On hot days when playing outside isn’t possible, using instruments while enjoying the song can help the children feel more united and have an even better time together.

Potato Jaguar

Potato Jaguar

From the intro, it’s exciting! Let me introduce an idea for “Potato Jaguar.” The song “Potato Jaguar” was broadcast on the TV program “Minna no Uta” from December 1991 to January 1992.

Right from the start of the track, you can hear sounds that capture children’s interest.

The lyrics are cute and the tempo is pleasant, making it perfect for kids! It could also be fun to come up with choreography together with the children.

Be sure to give it a try.

Happy Children

♪ Happy Children – ♪ It's the mysterious power of magic ~ [with choreography] [Toshihiko Shinzawa & Hirotaka Nakagawa] [Super popular on TikTok!]

It’s sure to bring a smile! Let me introduce the idea of “Happy Children.” When the temperature stays high, both adults and kids tend to get tired easily.

Many of you are probably thinking about activities that incorporate exercise to help build stamina.

How about using “Happy Children” as a warm-up before activities like jump rope or tag? The lyrics and rhythm are perfect for children, and since it has choreography too, it should help lower the risk of injury compared to jumping straight into exercise.

The Curry Rice SongLyrics by Tomorogi Yukio / Music by Mine Akira

[Hand Play] Curry Rice Song ♪ <with Actions> [Children's Songs, Nursery Rhymes, Hand Play, Kids, Dance] Japanese Children’s Song, Nursery Rhymes, Fingerplay

A hand-play song popular with children, “The Curry Rice Song.” Summer is the season for curry.

Singing this song makes you crave curry, doesn’t it? What’s more, the song teaches you the ingredients and steps to make curry, so it might be fun for parents and kids to actually cook curry together while singing it.

As an aside, in the Kanto region pork is the standard meat used in homemade curry, while in the Kansai region beef is more common.

Let’s enjoy some delicious curry and power through the hot summer.

To the Sun in the Palm of Your HandLyrics by Takashi Yanase / Music by Taku Izumi

[Children’s Song] Te no Hira o Taiyō ni ♪

A perfect children’s song for the brilliantly shining summer sun is “Tenohira o Taiyō ni” (Hold Your Palms to the Sun).

The lyrics were written by Takashi Yanase, creator of Anpanman, and the music was composed by Taku Izumi, who worked on many songs including the theme for “Tetsuko’s Room.” Joy and sadness, encounters with all kinds of friends and living creatures—this song deeply reminds us that these seemingly ordinary things are only possible because we are alive.

Although it’s a song for children, adults may feel it in a different, moving way.

There’s choreography that matches the lyrics, too, so sing and dance with all your energy and enjoy this moment of being alive!

The Star Festival (Tanabata)

Tanabata Sama – Tanabata Sama | Sasa leaves rustle, swaying under the eaves [Japanese songs and shoka]

When it comes to July events, many people probably think of Tanabata first.

Listening to “Tanabata-sama” instantly conjures up the scenes of the festival.

The lyrics are very beautiful, evoking images of gently rustling bamboo leaves and twinkling stars.

It’s a classic song you often hear in July.