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[Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun hand-play songs and a nostalgic collection of traditional nursery rhymes and folk songs
July 7 is Tanabata.
Every year, you see large bamboo branches beautifully decorated in various places, don’t you? Have you decided on your wish to write on a tanzaku yet? In this article, we introduce children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes perfect for Tanabata.
We’ve gathered pieces themed around Tanabata, starting with the classic “Tanabata-sama” that everyone knows.
There are also songs you can dance to at nursery and kindergarten recitals, as well as hand-play games to enjoy at Tanabata parties.
Use this as a reference and enjoy a fun time with your child!
[Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun Hand-Play Songs & Nostalgic Nursery Rhymes and Folk Songs (1–10)
One little starToshihiko Niizawa
The charming melody and lyrics are the highlights! Let us introduce “Ohoshisama Hitotsu.” It’s a wonderful song that evokes vivid scenes as you listen.
With stars as the main motif, a variety of stories unfold.
It could be fun for children to use their imaginations to think up what happens next.
Through the Tanabata festival, some children may become interested in stars or deepen their curiosity about them.
This is one of those wonderful songs that’s sure to spark excitement.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Hand play with a song everyone knows! Let’s introduce “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” It’s also one of the songs often sung as a lullaby.
How about incorporating it into your activities as a hand play this time? Imagine your palms as stars and express the sparkling, shining stars.
The choreography is easy to understand and doesn’t have any complex movements, so it seems enjoyable from infant to preschool classes.
Try adding “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to eurhythmics, morning meetings, or closing circles.
Wish Upon a Star
We would like to introduce “When You Wish Upon a Star,” a song used in Disney’s film Pinocchio.
As one of the world’s most beloved classics, “When You Wish Upon a Star” is likely a tune everyone has heard at least once.
Try adding simple hand motions to the relaxed rhythm and beautiful melody.
The choreography follows the lyrics, making it easy for both children and adults to learn.
Consider incorporating “When You Wish Upon a Star” as this month’s featured song or as the theme song for your Tanabata event.
The stars are good friendsMe and you.
Let’s have fun with a fingerplay! Introducing “Ohoshisama wa Nakayoshi.” This is a great idea for anyone looking for fingerplay activities that match the season or special events.
“Ohoshisama wa Nakayoshi” is a unique fingerplay where you use your palms as stars while you play.
The rhythm is pleasant and the tempo is gentle, so it can be enjoyed by a wide range of children, from infants to preschoolers.
The lyrics are cute too, so try singing and playing together with the kids.
It also works well as an introduction before a Tanabata craft activity!
Tanabata-sama
Speaking of Tanabata, this is the song that comes to mind, right? This famous tune, known by everyone, was once adopted as a Ministry of Education school song, and children have been singing it for generations.
That shows just how cherished the Tanabata festival has been in Japan.
Of course, it’s still a classic today, so if you have children, be sure to teach it to them and sing along together.
Milky WayLyrics: Rie Fujimaki / Composition: Kan Wakamatsu
This piece, Amanogawa, is filled with many expressive moments—like changes in dynamics and tempo—and is also popular as a school choir song.
It can be sung by mixed voices, so it’s often performed in junior high and high schools.
The song’s appeal lies in the dynamic power of its chorus and the beauty of its lyrics.
Since it’s themed around stars, understanding the literary lyrics that use stars as metaphors will deepen your appreciation of the piece.
It’s a song that children, of course, and adults alike can enjoy!
I want to see you on July 7.
Let’s sing it to the melody of “Yankee Doodle”! We’re introducing “I Want to See You on July 7th.” Isn’t “Yankee Doodle” a tune everyone has heard before? This time, let’s enjoy the hand game “I Want to See You on July 7th” set to that melody! The choreography is short and simple, so it seems easy for both children and adults to try.
If you incorporate it along with the origin of Tanabata and the meaning of the festival, it should help deepen children’s understanding, too.