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 songs for the fresh green season (31–40)

Squeeze, squeeze, kashiwa mochi.Lyrics: Tomoko Sakura / Music: Tatsuyuki Ozawa

A nursery classic to sing: “Kashiwa Mochi Gyuggyu” [Children’s Day, nursery music play, hand-play song]

Kashiwamochi Gyugyu Lyrics: Tomoko Sakura / Composition: Tatsuyuki Ozawa

An adorable children’s song that rhythmically depicts the fun of making kashiwa-mochi.

Its structure lets kids sing while doing hand-play motions, which naturally draws out their body movements and helps develop a sense of rhythm.

Featured in numerous early childhood education books—such as “Instant Hand-Play & Piano Accompaniment for Ages 0–2”—the song is widely used in kindergartens and nurseries.

Try singing it at home with your child while enjoying the hand-play.

And after the fun, how about some real kashiwa-mochi for a snack?

Raise the rankinglower

PicnicTakashi Deguchi

[Finger Play] "Picnic" [Takashi's Hand Play & Children's Songs] Japanese Children’s Song, Finger Play Songs

Takashi, Picnic Exit

A song that gently portrays the fun of a picnic in a meadow and warm interactions with flowers and insects, highlighted by Takashi Deguchi’s uniquely soothing vocals.

Released on an album in November 2022, it was also featured on a children’s educational TV program.

Perfect as a fingerplay song for singing and dancing with kids—ideal for activities at daycare and kindergarten, as well as family bonding time.

Since numbers appear in the lyrics, it’s also great for practicing counting!

Raise the rankinglower

If you're happy and you know it, clap your handsAmerican folk song (Lyrics by Toshito Kimura)

[Hand Play] If You're Happy and You Know It ♪ (Maatan)

If You're Happy and You Know It — American folk song (lyrics by Toshihito Kimura)

Watch “If You’re Happy and You Know It – American Folk Song (Lyrics by Toshihito Kimura)” on YouTube

Beloved for many years as a hand-play song, this piece was born in 1959, inspired by YMCA work camp activities in the Philippines.

Its warm melody carries wishes for peace and friendship, and its lyrics charmingly express happiness with the whole body.

In May 1964, Kyu Sakamoto recorded the song, achieving an astonishing 700,000 in sales.

It was chosen as the entry march for the opening ceremony of the 37th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 1965, and in 2007 it was selected for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Songs of Japan.” Despite its simple structure, it is used in childcare and educational settings as a participatory piece that can be enjoyed while moving the body, with hand claps, foot stomps, and more.

Raise the rankinglower

What color do you like?Lyrics and Music: Osamu Sakata

What Colors Do You Like? Fun Characters and the 9-Color Long Version / Popular Song from Okaasan to Issho / Lyrics & Music: Osamu Sakata / Cover: Otousan mo Issho

What Color Do You Like? Lyrics and Music by Osamu Sakata

A wonderful song that nurtures children’s sensitivity through colors.

Its friendly lyrics paint a world of color through crayons, and the heartwarming melody blends perfectly to captivate young hearts.

The song aired as NHK’s “Song of the Month” on Okaasan to Issho from April 1984 to March 1985, and is included on albums such as NHK Okaasan to Issho 50th Anniversary Best.

It was also performed at a reconstruction support event in Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefecture, in August 2011.

Ideal not only for childcare and educational settings but also for families to enjoy singing together at home.

Raise the rankinglower

Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-catLyrics and Music by Naosumi Yamamoto

Kobuta, Tanuki, Kitsune, Neko [Song by Mama and Papa] - Okaasan to Issho nursery rhyme hand play

Kobuta Tanuki Kitsune Neko Lyrics and Music: Naosumi Yamamoto

A hand-play nursery song by Naotsumi Yamamoto that captures children’s hearts with adorable animal sounds and a friendly melody.

The lyrics cleverly link four animals in a word-chain style, blending the fun of moving your body with hand-play choreography.

Broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and later beloved in choral versions as well, it has continued to be cherished by many parents and children.

Why not become animals together with your child, move your arms and legs wide, and enjoy a moment full of smiles?

Raise the rankinglower

Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs to enjoy in May! Perfect songs for the fresh green season (41–50)

Applause for you!Lyrics: Aritarou / Music: Taro Masuda

Clap for you! (With gestures) A big clap for the one I love—sending claps flying your way~ ♪ [Okaasan to Issho / Okaits]

Applause for You! Lyrics: Aritarou / Music: Taro Masuda

This refreshing piece, themed around handclaps, was broadcast as the Monthly Song for February 2023 on NHK E-TV’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Its lyrics, which convey gratitude and encouragement through the act of clapping, gently embrace feelings too deep for words and soothe the listener’s heart.

In the video, the older performers in colorful costumes sing and dance joyfully in front of a dazzling floral set, leaving a lasting impression.

It’s a heartwarming work that cheers on children who strive every day and gives courage and energy to parents raising them.

Raise the rankinglower

Song of a little birdLyrics by Junichi Yoda / Music by Yasushi Akutagawa

♪ Little Bird Song (with hand motions)

Kotori no Uta Lyrics: Junichi Yoda / Music: Yasushi Akutagawa

This charming children’s song features a bright, light melody and adorable onomatopoeia that evokes birds chirping.

Depicting a little bird gently calling for its mother and father, it was released in 1954, and its tender lyrics expressing love for parents have warmed hearts across generations.

Many people likely sang it in nursery school or kindergarten when they were young.

In educational settings, it is often sung during May’s Bird Week.

It’s a perfect song for families to enjoy together with hand-play actions.

Raise the rankinglower