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Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Children’s Songs for June] Fun finger-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes perfect for the rainy season

The rainy season makes you long for summer.

When it rains day after day, many children make teru-teru bozu and wish, “Please be sunny!”

Precisely because it’s a time when it’s hard to play outside as much as you’d like, why not have fun by singing children’s songs and hand-play songs together?

In this article, we’ll introduce children’s songs and hand-play songs that are perfect for June, the month of the rainy season.

We’ve selected a wide range, from famous songs like “Katatatsumuri” (Snail) to hand-play favorites popular with children in nursery schools and kindergartens.

Let’s change our perspective and turn a rainy day into a fun one!

[June Nursery Rhymes] Fun Hand-Play Songs and Traditional Children’s Songs Perfect for the Rainy Season (1–10)

weather forecast

Kasama Tomobe Tomobe Kindergarten Childcare Information “Hand Games & Song Games Vol. 60: Weather Forecast”
weather forecast

During the rainy season in June, you can’t help wondering every day, “Will it rain today?” and “Should I bring an umbrella?” At times like that, try singing ‘Tenki Yohō’ while doing a hand play activity.

There’s even choreography where you kick off the shoes you’re wearing to predict the weather as you sing, making it a song everyone can enjoy together.

Grandfather’s ClockHenry Clay Work

Nursery rhyme [Grandfather's Clock] song♪
Grandfather's ClockHenry Clay Work

A timeless ballad passed down across generations to the sound of a ticking clock.

Set to a simple, familiar melody, it unfolds a moving story that portrays the bond between a grandfather and his old clock.

First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, it continues to be cherished by people of all ages to this day.

Ken Hirai’s cover also became a major hit.

It’s a song to savor during the rainy season—gathered with family around the piano as you listen to the patter of the rain, or lending an ear to your grandmother’s reminiscences.

Pitchanponyukichan, wanwan, u-tan, kukku-

[Dance] Picchan-pon / Peek-a-boo! (Inai Inai Baa!) / Aki Watanabe
Pitchanponyukichan, wanwan, u-tan, kukku-

A cute song that rhythmically expresses the sound of falling rain.

It captures the excitement of a rainy day—going for a walk in rain boots and twirling colorful umbrellas—set to a lively tempo.

It was included on the March 2018 album “NHK Inai Inai Baa! Homerarechatta,” with a DVD released around the same time.

Perfect for the rainy season, it’s a tune you can enjoy singing and moving to indoors on those restless, can’t-go-out rainy days.

[June Nursery Rhymes] Fun Hand-Play Songs and Traditional Children's Songs Perfect for the Rainy Season (11–20)

A Rainy Day on the Ranch

Rainy Day Farm | Children's Song Medley | Children's Songs | Nursery Rhymes | Lia and Chacha | LiaChaCha
A Rainy Day on the Ranch

Set on a rainy day at a farm, this friendly song portrays the animals having fun.

Cows, sheep, and chickens play in the rain and stroll under umbrellas, all depicted with a bright and charming melody.

Released in September 2024 as an original song on the YouTube channel “LiaChaCha,” this piece is perfect for June, when indoor play increases during the rainy season, and is a tune kids can sing and enjoy together.

It’s sure to blow away those rainy-day blues.

Snack Song

[Children's Song] ♬ The Snack Song <with Choreography>
Snack Song

A hand-play song that makes snack time—something children always look forward to—an even more special moment.

Its short lyrics and rhythmic melody are full of charm that naturally invites clapping along.

Singing while doing the hand movements helps children learn the difference between the right and left hand and supports the development of their hands and fingertips.

This piece will bring a warm, cheerful mood not only to snack time at nurseries and kindergartens, but also at home.

It’s also recommended to sing it as part of a recreation activity on June 10, Time Day.

Wonderful dadSakushi sakkyoku: Maeda Keiko

Lovely Daddy [Song] Lyrics and Music: Keiko Maeda
Wonderful dadSakushi sakkyoku: Maeda Keiko

A song characterized by a warm melody and simple, down-to-earth rhythm.

It’s written in a range that’s easy for children to sing, and its affectionate lyrics resonate with the heart.

Released in May 2009, the piece has been included in compilation albums of children’s songs, and various creators have released arranged versions as well.

It’s a perfect song for cherished family moments at home, for singing time in nurseries and kindergartens, and for Father’s Day events—any occasion that celebrates family.

Are you good at brushing your teeth?Sakushi: Enoki Fujio / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako

Are You Good at Brushing Your Teeth? / With Mother (Covered by UtaSta) [Make Brushing Fun!]
Are you good at brushing your teeth?Sakushi: Enoki Fujio / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako

This is an adorable song designed to make toothbrushing time fun.

Featured on the NHK educational program “Okaasan to Issho,” it has been beloved since the 1980s, with a bright, lighthearted melody that stands out.

Its upbeat tempo naturally makes children want to move, and within the show it has become established as the cue for brushing teeth.

With lyrics and choreography that make everyday habits like handwashing and toothbrushing enjoyable, it’s sure to capture children’s interest.

Just like on the show, it’s also recommended as a signal to start toothbrushing time at home.