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

Spring somewhereLyrics by Soji Momota / Music by Shin Kusakawa

Spring somewhere

From late February into March, don’t you sometimes catch a fleeting sense of spring even while still feeling the cold? It’s not quite the full arrival of spring yet, but this song expresses the hints of the season you can sense in nature little by little: snow melting and flowing into the river, the calls of spring creatures, flowers budding, and so on.

Those gradual signs of spring can really brighten the heart, can’t they? The “east wind” that appears in the latter half of the lyrics refers to a spring wind blowing from the east, though nowadays it’s sometimes sung as “breeze” instead.

It’s a perfect song for those moments when you notice a small sound of spring somewhere.

Come, springLyrics by Somao Mikaze / Music by Ryutaro Hirota

♪ Come, Spring – Haru Yo Koi | ♪ Come, spring, come quickly. Little Mii-chan, who has just begun to walk [Japanese song/children’s song]

Warm spring is a season many people eagerly await, isn’t it? Calling out for such a spring to come quickly is this song, “Haruyo Koi” (“Come, Spring”).

In the lyrics, those waiting with bated breath for spring are a baby who has just learned to walk and peach blossoms still in their buds, ready to bloom at any moment.

Beyond the baby and the flower buds, of course, there are many people who long for spring’s arrival for all sorts of reasons.

Why not sing this song—urging spring to hurry along—together with your children, or even as an adult returning to a childlike spirit, and wish for the joyful season to come soon?

Opened, openednursery rhyme

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

School of MedakaLyrics by Shigeru Chaki / Music by Yoshinao Nakada

Nursery Rhyme: The Medaka School

Spring is the season when living creatures become more active.

With that in mind, how about “Medaka no Gakkō” (“The Medaka’s School”)? Many of you probably sang and enjoyed it as children.

First broadcast on an NHK radio program in 1951, it gradually came to be sung across Japan and, within a few years, became firmly established.

In 2007, it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs.

Listening to it conjures up images of medaka fish swimming in clear water and puts you in a peaceful mood.

It’s perfect for when you want to spend a laid-back, carefree moment.

one bamboo shootnursery rhyme

One whole bamboo shoot

Perfect for the spring season, this song is a traditional children’s rhyme that has been loved for generations.

It features simple lyrics and a catchy melody, and its charm lies in the way children split into “oni” (tagger) and “takenoko” (bamboo shoot) roles to play.

Because kids move their bodies while singing, it’s great for developing a sense of rhythm and cooperation.

It’s also used in early childhood education, and there are videos on YouTube explaining how to play.

Sing and play energetically outdoors with family and friends, and you’re sure to enjoy the spring atmosphere even more.

Why not raise your voices together and feel the arrival of spring?

Churippu sharippunursery rhyme

tulip sheriff

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?

Teacher and friendsLyrics by: Osamu Yoshioka / Music by: Nobuyoshi Koshibe

Sensei and Friends by Himawari 🌻 / With Lyrics | Children's Song for Starting School and Moving Up a Grade | Sensei to Otomodachi | Let’s Make Friends with Your Teacher

Written by lyricist Osamu Yoshioka and composed by Nobuyoshi Koshibe, “Sensei to Otomodachi” (Teacher and Friends) helps ease children’s anxieties through cheerful interactions and gives them a positive start to their new lives.

The lyrics depict moments of bonding with teachers and friends—holding hands, exchanging greetings, and more.

Carrying a message that encourages kids to feel safe and adjust to a new environment, the song is also marked by a bright, easy-to-remember melody.

It’s a perfect springtime song to sing with children at the start of a new school term or when entering kindergarten.