Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun hand-play songs and a nostalgic collection of traditional nursery rhymes and folk songs

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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 Song Collection (11–20)

Tanabata bustleMe and you.

[July Tanabata hand play] Tanabata Bata-Bata ≪Must read≫ Tips and arrangements for use in childcare are listed in the description below ↓ Lyrics/Music: Boku to Kimi.

Tanabata batabata, you and me.

A great and easy way to learn about Tanabata is the song “Tanabata Bata-Bata,” sung by the play-song creators Boku to Kimi.

The lyrics closely follow Orihime and Hikoboshi on the day of Tanabata and are memorable, making it perfect for studying the holiday with children.

You can also do hand motions to match lyrics like putting on makeup or shaving, so it’s ideal for Tanabata day activities.

It could be fun to think with the kids about getting ready for their ‘date’ and weave those ideas into the lyrics.

There are parts where you can shout energetically, too, so be sure to enjoy it together with the children!

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Tanabata RhapsodyLyrics by Shinnosuke Hashimoto / Music by Shinichi Yamamoto

Tanabata Rhapsody (Tanabata Friendship Dance)

Tanabata Rhapsody Lyrics: Shinnosuke Hashimoto / Music: Shinichi Yamamoto

Tanabata Rhapsody is a song by Team Ichinosuke, a play-song unit made up of active childcare workers.

It’s included on their first mini-album, “① – Run! Children of the Earth.” The song depicts Orihime and Hikoboshi getting excited as the long-awaited Tanabata approaches, and children writing their wishes on tanzaku paper.

On Team Ichinosuke’s official YouTube channel, there’s also a dance that’s perfect for a school performance, so be sure to try it with the kids!

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bamboo leaves and tanzaku (paper strips)children’s song

[Nursery Rhyme] Sasani Tanzaku (I'll sing it for you)

Bamboo leaves, tanzaku, children's song

The children’s song “Sasa ni Tanzaku” portrays people dancing to coincide with the Tanabata festival held at a temple.

There are many ways to enjoy the piece, such as singing it as a round or dancing in a circle around bamboo leaves as the lyrics describe.

If you wear a yukata and dance with a fan, you can soak up the summer festival atmosphere and enjoy the song even more! Because the short lyrics are repeated many times, even first-time listeners should be able to sing along after hearing it a few times.

In addition to the more well-known Tanabata songs, it’s nice to spend the day with a piece like this for a slightly different take on the holiday!

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The Night of Tanabatafingerplay song

Tanabata Night (For ages 3 and up)

Tanabata Night Hand Play Song

“Tanabata no Yoru” is a hand-clapping song played in pairs while singing.

Tanabata is the event where Princess Orihime and Prince Hikoboshi can meet just once a year.

This song also serves as a little fortune-telling to see whether the two will manage to meet on Tanabata.

While singing, you clap each other’s hands, and at the end, after counting “one, two, three,” both players put out either their right or left hand.

If the hands match, it means Orihime and Hikoboshi were able to meet.

Cute, isn’t it? Be sure to enjoy it at your Tanabata party!

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Tanabata Hand Play Songfingerplay song

Tsuzuki Gakuen Fukuoka Junior College of Childhood Education: “Tanabata Hand Play”

Tanabata hand play song / hand-clapping song

This is a recommended hand-play song for Tanabata! It’s a summer hand-play song that’s sung every year at the Dazaifu Tanabata Festival.

It was originally created by members of the Recreation Research Club at Fukuoka Junior College for Children, and it has been passed down and sung ever since.

The lyrics are gentle: Hikoboshi and Orihime safely meet on Tanabata and grant everyone’s wishes.

The choreography is simple, so children of different ages can enjoy it together!

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Princess Orihime and Prince HikoboshiStrawberry Club

Princess Orihime and Prince Hikoboshi — Tanabata

Orihime-sama and Hikoboshi-sama Strawberry Club

A happy entertainer who brings you fun times through singing, dancing, and play! Ichigo Club began their activities with the desire to become big brother and big sister figures who sing familiar play songs for children.

This track is their original song, “Orihime and Hikoboshi.” Its gentle, beautiful melody will enchant adults as well.

It’s a Tanabata song we definitely want children to hear.

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Tanabata Children’s Songs: Fun Hand-Play Songs & Nostalgic Traditional Nursery Rhymes and Folk Songs (21–30)

Seasonal constellations♪Singing Sister of Coppel

[Song of Coper] Seasonal Constellations ♪ <With Hand Motions>

Seasonal Constellations ♪ Copel Song Lady

Let me introduce a star-themed song, “Constellations of the Seasons.” It’s a unique piece that helps you learn constellations through singing! The standout feature is its wonderful lyrics that make you want to look up at the sky in each season and search for constellations.

It’s perfect for sparking interest in constellations and stars, and could be a great fit as an introduction to Tanabata as well.

The lyrics pique children’s curiosity, making it easy to incorporate into everyday childcare activities and to smoothly explain the origins and meaning of Tanabata.

Be sure to try using “Constellations of the Seasons.”

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