A collection of classic nursery rhymes and hand-play songs for September! Enjoy autumn with your child through songs.

the head monk at a temple

We did the fingerplay song “Otera no Oshō-san” (The Temple Priest). — Hima Hiyo

It’s a hand-play song inspired by “The Temple Priest,” which many people may have done in the past.

You sit cross-legged facing each other like a priest and proceed by clapping each other’s hands.

It’s fun because two people can enjoy it together, and it gets even more exciting if you finish with a quick round of ‘Acchi Muite Hoi.

’ You can also make it more challenging by increasing the speed and making the choreography more complex.

Hand Play in September

[Nursery/Kindergarten] Top 5 Popular Hand-Play Songs in September: Autumn Hand-Play Medley

How about trying some handplay songs that are perfect for September? There are plenty of songs to enjoy this month, like “Tonbo no Megane,” which is about dragonflies you often see outside around September, and “Dango Dango Kuttsuita,” which fits perfectly with moon-viewing season.

Each one involves movements and hand shapes that match the lyrics, so even if it’s your first time, you can learn them quickly.

As you sing and play, imagine what September and autumn are like, and have fun!

Acorns and a Little Squirrel

[Fingerplay Song] Acorns and the Little Squirrel

It’s a cute hand play song about acorns and a little squirrel.

The lyrics involve counting, so it also works as a counting song.

Puff your hands slightly and bring them together to make the shape of an acorn.

When the little squirrel chases them and they roll away, rotate your arms in circles like winding thread to show the rolling motion.

When it asks, “How many are rolling?” let’s count together.

It’s a charming song that also helps children learn numbers.

Pompoko raccoon dogLyrics by Toshiko Murayama / Music by Michiko Ichinomiya

Children's Song: Pompoko Tanuki — Lyrics by Toshiko Murayama, Music by Michiko Ichinomiya

Tanuki, often featured in various anime and beloved by many children, take center stage in the song “Ponpoko Tanuki,” which sings about them enjoying moon-viewing.

The lyrics were written by Toshiko Murayama, with music composed by Michiko Ichinomiya.

In the song, onomatopoeic sounds of belly-drumming express how the tanuki are having fun.

If everyone imitates drumming their bellies along with it, it’s sure to liven things up.

Another charm of this song is its many catchy phrases.

Takoyaki

[Takoyaki] A hand game popular with kids! “Cut the octopus ~ cut the green onions ~” (with lyrics) nursery rhyme

Following summer, autumn is also a season full of festivals, isn’t it? And one thing you’ll always see at festival stalls is takoyaki! Osaka’s famous takoyaki can now be enjoyed anywhere in Japan.

There’s a handplay song that turns the process of making takoyaki into music, and its title is simply “Takoyaki.” How about enjoying autumn festivals while singing this song, or even trying to make takoyaki yourself? The hand movements in the song directly mirror the actions of making takoyaki.

In the latter part, which is a bit like an acrostic using the Japanese vowels a-i-u-e-o, it’s also fun to create your own choreography to match the lyrics!

Tanuki-bayashi of Shojoji (The Raccoon Dogs’ Festival Drumming at Shojoji Temple)Lyrics by Ujō Noguchi / Music by Shinpei Nakayama

Shojoji no Tanuki-bayashi [with song] – Children’s Song

Shojōji no Tanuki Bayashi is a song composed by Shinpei Nakayama with lyrics by Ujō Noguchi that depicts lively autumn tanuki.

The lyrics alone conjure beautiful scenes, full of seasonal atmosphere.

On top of that, playful onomatopoeia representing the tanuki adds a comical touch, letting you enjoy the charm while having fun.

It also seems fun to pat your belly in time with the onomatopoeia.

By the way, the “Shojōji” in the title refers to a temple in Chiba Prefecture.

Rabbit DanceLyrics by Ujō Noguchi / Music by Shinpei Nakayama

The Bunny Dance – So-sora sora-sora, the bunny’s dance~ (with choreography)

One of the events in September is the Harvest Moon festival, right? Many children probably find themselves thinking about the rabbit on the moon.

With that in mind, I’d like to introduce “Usagi no Dance” (The Rabbit’s Dance).

The lyrics are by Ujo Noguchi and the music is by Shinpei Nakayama, and it’s a hand-play song.

Its charm lies in lyrics that express a rabbit’s movements and a lively rhythm.

The choreography, especially the gestures for the rabbit’s feet and ears, looks very cute—perfect for showing off to friends! Try livening up your Harvest Moon celebration with this song.