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

Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs to enjoy in May! Songs perfect for the fresh green season

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherDr. Chick
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!

May is the season when fresh green leaves shine brightly and playing outside becomes so much fun.

On walks, you can hear many little birds and feel the pleasant breeze, which lifts your spirits.

At times like that, why not spend the moment singing children’s songs that let you feel the joys of spring?

We’re introducing many songs—from ones that capture the comfortable feeling of May to tunes perfect for spring field trips and fun outings.

Let’s sing children’s songs that you can enjoy together with May’s nature—everyone with friends and family!

Nursery Rhymes and Fingerplay Songs to Enjoy in May! Perfect Tunes for the Season of Fresh Greenery (61–70)

Churippu sharippunursery rhyme

tulip sheriff

Chūrip Sharip Children's Song

Simple yet profound, this nursery rhyme captivates children’s hearts.

The part where everyone stands in a circle and calls each other’s names is perfect for nurturing communication skills and social development.

Its rhythmic lyrics and melody are fun and easy to memorize.

In preschools and kindergartens, it’s also used as an icebreaker to ease the nerves of new children.

At home, singing and playing it together as a family can make for a delightful time.

It can be enjoyed from infancy.

When the spring weather invites you outdoors, why not form a circle and sing it together?

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Opened, openednursery rhyme

♪Opened, opened – Hiraita Hiraita | ♪Opened, opened, what flower has opened? [Japanese song / children’s song]

Opened, opened — a children's folk song

Long beloved as a traditional Japanese children’s song, this piece enchants with lyrics that evoke the arrival of spring.

Children enjoy joining hands to form a circle and act out flowers opening and closing.

Despite its simple words and melody, it embodies Japanese views of nature and impermanence, giving it profound appeal.

It is often sung in kindergartens and nursery schools, contributing to children’s emotional development.

Passed down since the Edo period, this song is recommended for those who want to feel the spring season or experience traditional Japanese culture.

Why not sing it with your child and enjoy the coming of spring together?

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dandelionLyrics by Satoshi Kadokura / Music by Kiyoshi Horikoshi

Dandelion [children’s song/choral piece] Lyrics: Satoshi Kadokura / Music: Kiyoshi Horikoshi — includes harmonies ♪

Dandelion Lyrics: Satoshi Kadokura / Music: Kiyoshi Horikoshi

Here is a song themed around the dandelion, a flower that heralds the arrival of spring.

Its lyrics are striking, overlaying the sight of the dandelion blooming robustly even in harsh conditions with people’s strength to live and their hopes.

Since its release in 1976, it has spread nationwide through the singing movement and has also been cherished as a labor struggle song.

In 2000 and 2002, it was included in elementary school music textbooks, becoming established as a choral piece featured in educational settings.

The melody, gentle yet powerful, is sure to resonate with many listeners.

It’s a recommended song when you want to feel the courage to face difficulties and the bonds between people.

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Tea PickingLyrics and composition: Unknown

Ministry of Education Shoka (school song): Tea Picking

Tea Picking Lyrics and Composition: Unknown

Early summer is the season for shincha (new tea).

When I pass by a tea shop, the wonderful aroma draws me in, and I end up buying fresh tea without thinking.

The “Eighty-Eighth Night,” which is also mentioned in songs as the ideal time for picking tea leaves, is the 88th day counting from the first day of spring on the traditional calendar, and it usually falls on May 1st or 2nd.

Because the number eight (a symbol of prosperity) appears twice, it’s also considered an auspicious day.

Everyone can hum the song “Chatsumi” (Tea Picking), but isn’t it strange how the lyrics in the latter half often get fuzzy? This year, let’s learn the first and second verses with the children and sing them proudly on Children’s Day.

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PicnicLyrics translation: Eiichi Hagiwara / Music: English folk song

Picnic (children’s song)

Picnic Lyrics: Eiichi Hagiwara / Music: Traditional English Folk Song

With the warm, pleasant weather in May, it makes you want to pack a bento and head out for a picnic, doesn’t it? The perfect companion for such a fun picnic is the children’s song “Picnic.” This song, which depicts the cheerful walk toward a picnic at a ranch, is based on English and African American folk songs.

The scenes featuring ducks and goats at the ranch are especially fun, with parts where you imitate their calls! WANIMA’s song “Yatte Miyou,” which was featured in au’s Santaro commercial series and is based on the melody of this song, also became a hot topic!

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Watermelon-producing regionLyrics: Takada Mikuzo / Original tune: American folk song

Watermelon’s Famous Region — Songs and Nursery Rhymes to Enjoy in July — #play #childcare #nurseryTeacher #children #athomeplay #musicplay #songplay #eurhythmics #introduction #nurseryrhyme #summer #July #infants #toddlers #piano #song

Watermelon Famous Region Lyrics by: Takada Sakuzō / Original tune: American folk song

This song is a Japanese piece based on the American folk song “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” and many of you have probably played the hand game that goes with it.

The lyricist Sakuzo Takada, who wrote the Japanese lyrics for this song, also adapted many other well-loved foreign songs in Japan, including “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “Ten Little Indians,” and “London Bridge.”

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Dog PolicemanLyrics by Yoshimi Sato / Music by Onaka Megumi

Japanese Children’s Song – Nursery Rhyme – The Dog Policeman – Inu no Omawari-san

Dog Policeman Lyrics: Yoshimi Sato / Music: Megumi Oonaka

The children’s song “The Policeman Dog” tells the story of a dog who becomes a policeman and a cat who gets lost.

Often sung on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s a tune well-known among children.

The lost cat goes to the dog policeman for help, but only cries and can’t provide any information.

In the end, even the dog policeman is at a loss and starts crying too—a comical storyline.

May brings warmer weather and more activity, so be careful not to get lost!

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