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 hand-play songs to enjoy in May! Perfect songs for the fresh green season (1–10)

A strawberry is a strawberry.Lyrics: Kiyomi Kotaki / Music: Taishi Fujita

Strawberries are Strawberries (Okaasan to Issho) / Kentaro Hayami & Ayumi Shigemori

Strawberries Are Strawberries Lyrics by Kiyomi Kotaki / Music by Taishi Fujita

This is a charming song with a bright, rhythmic, and fun melody paired with heartwarming lyrics.

It was broadcast in May 1997 as the “Song of the Month” on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, with lyrics by Kiyomi Kotaki and music by Taishi Fujita.

The gently told story follows a protagonist who dreams of becoming a cake and, while chasing that dream, discovers their own true self—making it a song that enriches children’s imaginations.

Sung and beloved by Kentaro Hayami and Ayumi Shigemori, it was later carried on by Akihiro Sugita and Ryoko Tsumoda.

It is also included on the album NHK Okaasan to Issho Memorial Album and has been cherished by many children.

It’s perfect for humming during walks or outdoor play, and for singing together on spring field trips or fun outings.

When sung with family, it’s sure to become a wonderful memory that shares the joy of spring.

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I want to scribble on the sky.Lyrics by: Michio Yamagami / Music by: Taku Izumi

I want to doodle in the sky by Himawari 🌻 with lyrics | Children's song |

I want to doodle in the sky Lyrics: Michio Yamagami / Music: Taku Izumi

Let us introduce a dream-filled children’s song that’s perfect for the season when May’s fresh greenery sparkles.

Created by Michio Yamagami (lyrics) and Taku Izumi (music), this piece is a delightful song that nurtures children’s rich imagination.

With lyrics brimming with free-spirited dreams—like a big apple tree, a bulldog, and a long bridge—paired with a light, cheerful melody, it’s truly charming.

It’s included on the albums “Kodomo no Uta: Paku Paku Itadakimasu!” and “Ukiuki Wakuwaku! Kodomo no Uta,” and is also used as teaching material in kindergartens and nursery schools.

It’s a wonderful song to enjoy the joys of spring—whether you sing it while looking up at the sky on a walk, or sing along with friends while drawing pictures.

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The Turtle’s ExcursionLyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa

Let’s sing at home: “The Turtle’s Field Trip”

The Turtles’ Excursion Lyrics: Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music: Hirotaka Nakagawa

An adorable song starring a laid-back turtle, its bright and breezy melody is sure to soothe the heart.

The scenes—like getting a backpack ready three days before a field trip, and finally arriving at the meeting spot around noon—are brimming with humor that makes you smile.

With lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa, the piece was first released to the world in 1994 on the album “Sora to Tomodachi,” and has since become widely loved in kindergartens and nursery schools.

In November 2021, it was also included on the album “Toshihiko Shinzawa & Hirotaka Nakagawa Songs <30th Anniversary Commemorative Children’s Chorus Edition>,” celebrating 30 years of their partnership.

It’s a fun song through which children can learn the value of going at their own pace.

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Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs to enjoy in May! Perfect songs for the season of fresh greenery (11–20)

What color do you like?Lyrics by Osamu Sakata / Music by Yuki Inui

[Baby Stops Crying] What Color Do You Like? / Together with Mother (Covered by UtaSuta) [Crayon/Colors/Memorization Song]

What Color Do You Like? Lyrics by Osamu Sakata / Music by Yūki Inui

With its bright, rhythmic melody and friendly lyrics, this heartwarming song helps nurture children’s sense of color.

The gentle voices of Osamu Sakata and Yuko Kanzaki lead listeners into a world of colors like red, blue, yellow, and green.

Released by Victor Entertainment in June 1992, it was featured as the Song of the Month for June and July on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Filled with a soothing melody and elements that make learning color names fun, it’s perfect for singing together with friends and family during walks or outdoor playtime.

It’s also a great pick for spring, when fresh greenery shines, as a way to spark interest in the colors all around us.

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The Bento Box SongLyrics by Yoshiko Kayama / Music by Akihiro Kobayashi

[Hand Play Song] The Bento Box Song [With Choreography]

Obentobako no Uta Lyrics: Yoshiko Kayama / Music: Akihiro Kobayashi

This is a fingerplay song, beloved by children, that cheerfully introduces the contents of a lunchbox.

Miyako Kayama’s warm lyrics perfectly match Akihiro Komori’s bright, friendly melody, resulting in an uplifting tune.

It’s fun to sing while doing the hand motions, and the lively storytelling is part of its charm.

Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in August 1978, the song was featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and the Nippon TV network’s “Ohayō! Kodomo Show,” gaining widespread popularity.

It’s a delightful song that makes moments centered on food—like packing lunches or getting ready for a field trip—even more enjoyable.

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Story FingerLyrics by: Yoshiko Kayama / Music by: Akira Yuyama

Mr. Story Finger (🎵 This finger is Papa~) by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics [Children’s Song | One of Japan’s 100 Selected Songs]

Ohanashi Yubi-san Lyrics: Yoshiko Kayama / Music: Akira Yuyama

This is a heartwarming children’s song that you can enjoy while doing hand play.

By imagining your fingers as cute family members, it unfolds like a conversation between characters, so it’s great fun to sing while moving your fingers together with your child! Created by Yoshiko Kayama and Akira Yuyama, the piece was first introduced in February 1962 on the NHK radio program “Toddler Time,” and has been included on many classic recordings, such as the album “Children’s Songs by Age (2) Ages 1–2.” Its simple lyrics and melody are charming and perfect for parent-child bonding.

Widely loved as a staple hand-play song that’s hugely popular in kindergartens and nursery schools, it has also been featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” The bright, cheerful melody makes it easy to sing and is sure to bring a smile to your child’s face.

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Playing bus (pretend bus play)Lyrics by: Yoshiko Kayama / Music by: Akira Yuyama

Bus Pretend Play (♪ We’re riding on a big bus ~ To our neighbor, hey!) by Himawari 🌻 With Lyrics | Children’s Song | BUS GOKKO | Vehicle Song, Eurhythmics, Nursery Teacher Exam Set Piece 2019

Bus Pretend Play Lyrics: Yoshiko Kayama / Music: Akira Yuyama

This lively children’s song by Yoshiko Kayama and Akira Yuyama captures the excitement of setting off on a trip in a big bus.

Set to a rhythmic melody, it gently portrays children enjoying pretend play with vehicles.

It’s a song you can sing while moving your hands and body, so it naturally brings smiles to children’s faces.

Long cherished in childcare and educational settings, it’s also used as a play song.

With spring outing season approaching, why not sing it together as a family before a walk or a day out? If everyone enjoys it while keeping the beat, it will surely create wonderful memories in children’s hearts.

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