[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!
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[Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun Hand-Play Songs & Nostalgic Nursery Rhymes and Folk Songs (1–10)
Everyone’s WishesKeropons
Get everyone excited at Tanabata parties and events! We’d like to introduce “Everyone’s Wishes.” At Tanabata, people write their wishes on tanzaku paper strips and hang them on bamboo branches.
While many write about things they want or dreams for the future, it originally seems to have been about wishing for improvement in one’s skills! In the song “Everyone’s Wishes,” children are interviewed about the wishes they wrote on their tanzaku—perfect for livening up a Tanabata-themed event.
Be sure to incorporate “Everyone’s Wishes” into your celebration!
little starLyrics by Masuyo Tsuzuki / Music by Ikuma Dan
Let me introduce the well-loved song “Ohoshi-sama” (The Little Star).
Stars seem to twinkle brightly, don’t they? Have you ever thought about what that sparkle might represent? If you ask children, they’ll likely give you delightfully interesting answers.
The lyrics—suggesting that the stars are shining because they’re chatting with one another—are cute and unique, aren’t they? Planning some choreography together with the children would be a fun activity too.
By all means, try incorporating “Ohoshi-sama”!
The Milky Way between the two of usLyrics and Music: gaagaaS
The play song featured in the July 2023 issue of the monthly magazine for childcare workers, Gekkan Hiroba, is “Futari no Aida ni Amanogawa.” Created by the unit gaagaaS, who also serve as music supervisors for NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s themed around Tanabata.
It comes with choreography that babies and toddlers aged 1–2 can enjoy, making it perfect for bonding time with your child.
The hand-play expressions vary by age, so be sure to give them a try!
[Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun Hand-Play Songs & Nostalgic Nursery Rhymes and Folk Song Collection (11–20)
A Drop of Star
With its bright rhythm and easy-to-understand lyrics, “Hoshi no Hitoshizuku” is a cheerful song that makes your body start moving naturally when you listen.
Sway your body to the lyrics and dance energetically.
Crafted with captivating rhythms and lyrics, it’s designed to be enjoyed by children of all ages.
Sing and dance to it at Tanabata performances or recreational events, and it’s sure to get everyone excited together.
Tanabata SummerKatsuriki
This is a hand-play song called “Tanabata Summer” that anyone can enjoy, with simple choreography and a slow 3/4 tempo.
As the title suggests, it sings about the Tanabata story.
You wave your hands to sparkle like stars, make heart shapes, and enjoy easy-to-understand gestures—one of the fun points.
It’s a perfect song for Tanabata lessons or events in kindergartens and nurseries.
Orihime, Hikoboshi, and the Milky Way all make proper appearances!
Over the Milky WayLyrics and Music: Naomi Abe
The Tanabata song “Over the Milky Way,” written and composed by Naomi Abe, pairs a beautiful melody with very unique lyrics.
It makes you think how fun it would be to become Orihime or Hikoboshi and do the things in this song—and imagine even more! It’s a piece that truly sparks children’s imaginations.
It’s sure to delight kids.
Be sure to sing it together at nursery schools and kindergartens.
Tanabata Tanabata-sanchildren’s song
The children’s song “Tanabata-san” is not just for singing—it’s a Tanabata song you can enjoy while playing a game.
The game is “Drop the Handkerchief”! Players sit in a circle, and someone secretly drops a handkerchief behind one person.
The rules are basically the same as the standard Drop the Handkerchief.
While everyone sings “Tanabata-san,” the runner drops the handkerchief behind someone.
If the person who’s been “dropped on” notices, they chase the runner; if they fail to tag the runner before the runner sits in the vacant spot, the person who was dropped on becomes the next runner (the “it”).
There’s also another version where players pass the handkerchief around the circle, and when the song ends, the “it” has to guess who is holding it.
Give it a try as an indoor activity on Tanabata!