[Childcare] Summer songs: Full of fun! Summer nursery rhymes & finger-play songs

Hey! SeaLyrics by Keisuke Yamakawa / Music by Naosumi Yamamoto

[Summer Song] Hey, Sea! (Lyrics: Keisuke Yamakawa / Music: Naosumi Yamamoto) / Tokyo University of the Arts–graduate sister duo AINANA / AINANA Calendar 2023

When you think of summer, many of you probably picture the blue ocean.

In times like that, we recommend this song, “Hey! Ocean,” which lets you feel the sea’s vastness and beauty, as well as the gentleness and power of nature.

The lyrics are charming, as if you’re really speaking to the ocean, making it perfect to sing with energetic children full of summer spirit.

Move your body to the bright, free-flowing melody and rhythm, and you’ll likely feel your spirits lift! Try singing from your diaphragm, imagining your voice carrying far into the distance.

Let's dance, Ondo!

Let's dance, Ondo!

This is a participatory Bon Odori song that everyone can enjoy moving their bodies to.

The comical vocals and lively rhythm combine to create an atmosphere that naturally makes you want to dance as you listen.

The choreography that matches the lyrics is easy to follow, making it perfect for getting everyone excited at preschools or local summer festivals.

With moves like fireworks and hand claps, you’ll listen on with anticipation, wondering what comes next.

The instrumental tones are vibrant, and the balance with the vocals is exquisite.

A major appeal is that children can shout along, move their bodies, and have fun together.

Whether dancing in yukata or hero costumes, this song lets you fully feel the bustle of summer.

Genki Ondo

Genki Ondo / Okaasan to Issho / Hand Play

It’s a bright and lively Bon Odori song.

Set to a poppy rhythm, it features moves like the “hungry tummy growl” pose and big-voice gestures that naturally make kids want to move.

The choreography is easy to follow and full of the joy of dancing together.

Its energetic tempo and friendly vocals will further boost the festive mood.

The clear rhythm and catchy melody stick in your head, and moving freely to the music brings out smiles.

Popular as a versatile number for kindergartens and local summer festivals, it’s perfect for summer events where everyone can dance, sing, and feel energized.

Anpanman Ondo

Anpanman Ondo: Let’s dance together with Anpanman!!

Let’s all dance together! Here are some ideas for the “Anpanman Ondo.” Let’s dance the “Anpanman Ondo” with the beloved characters from “Go! Anpanman,” popular in the anime, movies, and picture books! The song has four verses, but the choreography stays the same, so it should be easy for children to learn, right? Moving their bodies to the rhythm can not only develop motor skills and a sense of rhythm, but also help nurture emotional expression—like “I did it!” and “I can dance for fun!”—and boost their self-esteem.

Zunpa Ondo

Zunpa Ondo rec Bon Dance Kendō Satowa Association Summer Festival Bon Odori Tournament 23.07.16

It’s a lively, cheerful festival song that spreads a bright, bustling atmosphere.

Packed with elements kids can connect with right away—like twirling their bodies and moving their arms and legs briskly—it features a light, upbeat tempo.

Drums and flutes boost the rhythm, and the continual development makes you smile as you move along.

You’ll also enjoy a sing-along-friendly melody that naturally makes you want to hum while matching the dance moves.

The changing sections keep things interesting, so it never gets dull to listen to.

It’s a perfect highlight for summer events or Bon Odori at preschools, bringing the whole venue together as one.

This energetic track, great for dancing with children, is also ideal for creating lasting summer memories.

It’s Hamu Hamu ON-DO, Ham-chans!

It's Ham-Ham ON-DO, Ham-Hams!

“Hamham ON-DO da, Ham-chans!” by the Ham-chans is an energetic Bon Odori dance song born from the anime Hamtaro.

All the small, cute characters make an appearance, and a lively rhythm unfolds that makes you want to dance.

With its brisk tempo, it’s fun to join in with call-and-response and hand claps, which will boost children’s eagerness to participate.

The instruments are lively, and the atmosphere builds in step with the song’s progression.

The vocal expressions are rich as well, with a structure that lets each character’s personality shine through.

Even children who don’t know the anime can enjoy it, and using it at summer festivals or school events will create a time filled with smiles.

Ponchararin on a moonlit night

Ponchararin on a Moonlit Night (Okaasan to Issho) / Yuzo Imai, Shoko Haida, Hiromichi Sato, Yoriko Taki

It’s a lively ondo song featuring a variety of animals.

The rhythm moves at a comfortable pace, packed with a fun energy that makes you want to move your body.

You can enjoy imagining the movements of raccoon dogs, rabbits, and fireflies.

The instrumentation is cleverly arranged, and the layered sounds create a distinctly summery atmosphere.

The dance choreography is easy to learn, so even children new to Bon Odori can quickly join the circle and have fun.

Through both song and dance, this piece evokes the bustle of a nighttime scene.

As an ondo that colors summer festival memories, it’s beloved by many children.