Nursery rhymes perfect for April: A collection of classic spring songs that capture the season

rainbowSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

Niji – Colorful Palette [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO] (Hirotaka Nakagawa / Toshihiko Shinzawa)

A gem of a song by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, it gently sings of hopeful expectations for tomorrow, themed around meeting a seven-colored rainbow in the garden after the rain.

Since its release in 1990, it has been loved by many for its lyrics that depict small everyday joys and its warm melody.

In 2020, it was featured as the commercial song for Kao’s “Attack ZERO,” revealing new charm alongside striking visuals starring Tori Matsuzaka and others.

It’s a tune you’ll want the whole family to hum together, especially when you’re feeling down.

ladybugSakushi: Shimizu Aki / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Tsuyae

Ladybug | Spring song | Insect song | Children's song | Nursery | With lyrics | Ichigo Club

A children’s song lovingly sung by Aki Shimizu and Tsuyae Kobayashi about a small red insect.

Set to a bright, lighthearted melody, it gently portrays the charming creature with its red body and distinctive black spots.

The song is included on the albums “Kodomo no Uta 200,” “Let’s Sing About Nature!,” and in the 1981 publication “Minna no Uta: 86 Songs,” and has long been beloved by many children.

With its friendly tune, it’s the kind of song you’ll find yourself humming on a leisurely spring day while out for a stroll.

It’s perfect not only for music activities in nurseries and kindergartens, but also for families to enjoy together while experiencing the nature of spring.

What color do you like?Sakushi: Sakata Osamu / Sakkyoku: Inui Yuki

[Baby Stops Crying] What Color Do You Like? / Together with Mother (Covered by UtaSuta) [Crayon/Colors/Memorization Song]

With its bright, rhythmic melody and friendly lyrics, this heartwarming song helps nurture children’s sense of color.

The gentle voices of Osamu Sakata and Yuko Kanzaki lead listeners into a world of colors like red, blue, yellow, and green.

Released by Victor Entertainment in June 1992, it was featured as the Song of the Month for June and July on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Filled with a soothing melody and elements that make learning color names fun, it’s perfect for singing together with friends and family during walks or outdoor playtime.

It’s also a great pick for spring, when fresh greenery shines, as a way to spark interest in the colors all around us.

What is your name?Indoneshia min’yō

Your Name (a hand-play song for two people)

This is a hand-play song rooted in a traditional Indonesian folk tune, widely beloved in early childhood education settings.

It helps children become familiar with their own names and those of their friends, fostering communication while they enjoy learning names.

The melody is bright and approachable, designed so children can sing along happily.

It is often sung at the start of activities or during morning gatherings and is used as a hand-play song in preschool environments.

The piece is included mainly in piano collections for educators, such as “Songs for Children: Easy Piano Accompaniment You Can Play—Perfect for Nursery Schools and Kindergartens.” Recommended for childcare settings, it has a warm atmosphere that eases anxiety in new environments and helps children build relationships with friends.

Height comparisonSakkyoku: Nakayama Shimpei / Sakushi: Umino Atsushi

Comparing Heights by Atsushi Umino / Shimpei Nakayama

This is a heartwarming children’s song about comparing heights on Boys’ Day (Tango no Sekku).

The lyrics gently portray brotherly love and family bonds, evoking the warm feeling of watching over children as they grow.

Since its release in 1923, it has long been cherished as a classic tied to traditional Japanese celebrations.

Perfect for the season of starting kindergarten or moving up a grade, it can help ease the anxieties of children facing a new environment.

Singing while measuring heights or adding simple hand motions will relax the kids and make it more fun.

And when everyone sings together in unison, it’s sure to strengthen bonds with new friends.

Early Spring OdeSakushi: Ichimasa Yoshimaru / Sakkyoku: Akira Nakata

Early Spring Ode | With Lyrics | Spring In Name Only, The Cold Of The Wind | Songs and Lyrical Songs for Adults | Romanized: JP subs / English: EN subs

A song that beautifully portrays the longing for the arrival of spring.

Amid the cold wind, it expresses the faint breath of spring through delicate words and an elegant melody.

Since its release in 1913, this piece has continued to be loved by many, and it seems well-suited to accompany children as they embark on a new school year.

For those who wish to express through song the mixed feelings of anticipation and anxiety that come with a changing season and a new environment, this is highly recommended.

When everyone sings it together, it’s sure to warm the heart.

Japanese bush warblerSakushi: Hayashi Ryūha / Sakkyoku: Inoue Takeshi

Uguisu (Japanese bush warbler) - Children's Song ♪ Spring Song ♪ With Dance Moves ♪

This children’s song weaves the beautiful chirping of the bush warbler, which heralds the arrival of spring, into a gentle melody and story.

Created by Yanagiha Hayashi and Takeshi Inoue, it tenderly portrays the bird perched on a plum branch announcing spring, as well as its descent from snow-laden mountains to the village, in a way that resonates with children.

Its calm triple meter and phrases that imitate the warbler’s call are distinctive, offering a cheerful, singable melody line that evokes the warmth of spring.

Beloved in schools and homes alike, it has also been covered by artists such as Saori Yuki and Shoko Yasuda.

It’s a perfect song to enjoy singing with children during spring, a season rich with opportunities to connect with nature.