[Children’s Songs] Let’s Sing of Spring! A Fun Collection of Nursery Rhymes, Folk Songs, and Children’s Songs

Spring has come.Lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano / Music by Teiichi Okano

Children's song: Spring Has Come

When it comes to spring songs and children’s songs, many people probably think of this one first.

The song “Haru ga Kita” (Spring Has Come) has a long history; it was released in 1910, in the 45th year of the Meiji era, and is widely known and sung by both children and adults as one of the quintessential songs of spring.

It has also been selected for the ‘100 Best Japanese Songs,’ a list featuring songs meant to be enjoyed by parents and children and to be passed down for generations.

The song has three verses, a relaxed tempo, and simple lyrics, making it easy even for young children to sing.

It’s a springtime children’s song that grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy together.

butterflyLyrics by Akiashi Nomura / Music by Spanish folk song

Children's song animation 'Chōchō' with singing — nursery rhyme, Japanese children's song

As a spring children’s song, “Butterfly” is practically indispensable—almost everyone knows it.

Like many nursery rhymes, it’s actually an overseas tune that later received Japanese lyrics.

The original is a German children’s song themed around a little boy named “Little Hans” who sets off on a journey.

While the first verse is by far the most famous, there are actually four verses: sparrows appear in the second, dragonflies in the third, and swallows in the fourth.

It’s one of those songs that instantly puts you in a spring mood the moment you hum it.

lazybonesnursery rhyme

Hamamatsu City: Introducing April's nursery rhymes for rhythmics (Eurhythmics)

The children’s song handed down in Saga Prefecture has horsetail shoots as its theme, heralding the arrival of spring.

The lyrics call out to the sprouts as they peek up from the soil.

There are many ways to enjoy it—swaying together as parent and child or playing with a cloth, for example.

Reflecting the local culture, it is a cherished tradition passed down across generations.

It also seems to encourage interaction with springtime nature and promote rhythm and language development.

Widely enjoyed by various ages in nursery schools and kindergartens, it is a lovely song that expresses hopes for children’s healthy growth.

dandelionLyrics by Satoshi Kadokura / Music by Kiyoshi Horikoshi

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

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.

spring breezeLyrics: Yoshikiyo Kato / Music: Foster

Spring Breeze — Yoshikiyo Katō / Foster

Born from lyrics by Yoshikiyo Kato and a melody by Stephen Foster, “Harukaze” (Spring Breeze) is a song that captures the arrival of spring and its refreshing feel.

The lyrics depict the spring breeze blowing in many places, conjuring light, pleasant imagery.

At the same time, there is a part that wishes the wind would not blow, evoking a small drama within peaceful everyday life.

This song lets you feel the warmth of spring while also tasting a touch of wistfulness and impatience.

It’s a piece that offers a comfortable springtime moment not only to children but also to preschool teachers.

yomogi-jōbu nochildren’s song

Spring children's song / For the April–May seasonal festivals: [Yomogi-Jobu no]. I'd like to play it to coincide with the festival.

“Yomogi Jobuno” is a warm children’s song that evokes old-fashioned playfulness.

Depicting children chasing each other while playfully patting one another’s bottoms, the song teaches the joy of moving your body and feeling close to nature.

The lyrics are simple, yet they hint at the wisdom of living in harmony with a rich natural world and the time-honored customs enjoyed within a community.

It also sparks the imagination about the age-old charm of plants like iris and mugwort.

Why not include it during cherry-blossom viewing that heralds spring, or when playing outdoors over spring break? You’ll be able to spend a memorable time with this song.

Green breezeLyrics: Katsura Shimizu / Music: Shin Kusakawa

Japanese children's song: Midori no Soyokaze (The Green Breeze)

When we think of spring, we often picture flowers in full bloom, but the fresh-green season that follows the cherry blossoms is also wonderfully pleasant.

Perfect for that time of year, the song “Midori no Soyokaze” (“Green Breeze”) features lyrics by Katsura Shimizu and music by Shin Kusakawa, and was released in 1948 (Showa 23).

Its refreshing, cheerful melody makes you feel as if you can sense the wind brushing past when you close your eyes.

It was also used in commercials: for Hebel Haus in 2006 and for Taisho Kampo Stomach Medicine in 2019.