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

bento (boxed lunch)NEW!Sakushi: Amano Chou / Sakkyoku: Ichinomiya Michiko

Obento (Lyrics by Chou Amano / Music by Michiko Ichimiya) Obento, obento, I’m so happy

This is a song that tells children who are still nervous in a new environment, “I’m excited for lunchtime!” Created by Chō Amano and Michiko Ichinomiya, it cheerfully conveys manners like washing hands before meals, greeting properly, and chewing well, all set to a lively rhythm.

It was also included on the album “ Best 60 Songs Sung at Nursery Schools, Kindergartens, and Kodomoen,” released in February 2021.

The short phrases are easy to remember, and singing together with teachers and friends is sure to make lunchtime even more enjoyable.

Make it a fun habit this spring—sing it out with a bright, energetic voice!

To become friendsNEW!Sakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

To Become Friends — Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

A heartwarming classic by Toshihiko Shinazawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, perfect for April when hearts flutter with the excitement of new encounters in a new environment.

The lyrics, themed around the importance of meeting people, can startle even adults into reflection.

Gently encouraging that first step toward making friends, this piece was included on the album “Sekai Jū no Kodomotachi ga” (Children of the World).

It teaches empathy and the wonder of being with someone.

As children enter kindergarten or school and hope to make many new friends, why not gift this song as a charm of courage?

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsNEW!Sakushi: Kimura Toshito / Sakkyoku: Amerika min’yō

If You’re Happy and You Know It (with actions)

This classic hand-play song lets you express joy with your whole body to a melody everyone has heard at least once.

It is said to originate from an American folk song, but there is a story that lyricist Toshito Kimura got the idea while working in the Philippines.

In Japan, it was sung by Kyu Sakamoto, and the single released in 1964 became a nationwide smash hit.

It is also known for having been chosen as the entrance march for the 37th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament held in 1965.

The actions of clapping hands and stomping feet are perfect for connecting hearts beyond language barriers.

If the whole class sings it together in April, when people tend to be nervous in new environments, smiles will come naturally.

Be sure to try singing it together as a way to make new friends!

My shoes are squeaking.NEW!Sakushi: Shimizu Katsura / Sakkyoku: Hirota Ryūtarō

Kutsu ga Naru (♪ Holding Hands) by Himawari 🌻 With Lyrics | Children's Song [Japan’s 100 Best Songs] Kutsu ga naru |

Spring is the season when the warm weather makes you want to go out for a walk in new shoes.

This song, perfect for April, features lyrics by Katsura Shimizu and music by Ryutaro Hirota.

You can almost picture people holding hands and walking together, and hear the light footsteps echoing under the clear sky.

In 2007, it was selected for the “100 Best Songs of Japan,” and there’s even a version sung in Japanese by the American actor Shirley Temple.

How about humming it with your child on a spring picnic in the fields, feeling as if you’ve become little birds or rabbits?

Good Morning SongNEW!Sakushi: Tanaka Tadamasa / Sakkyoku: Kawamura Koyo

Morning Assembly Song - Good Morning Song (♬ Good Morning, Good Morning) by Himawari 🌻 With Lyrics | Nursery Rhyme | Morning Song | Kindergarten/Preschool

This piece is perfect for starting the day with a cheerful greeting on an April morning, when life in a new environment begins.

With lyrics by Tadamasa Tanaka and music by Mitsuyo Kawamura, this children’s song heightens the sense of anticipation for group life through greetings with teachers and friends.

If you sing it with a lively rhythm, it will brighten up even a still-sleepy morning mood in an instant.

It’s also ideal for singing at morning gatherings in kindergartens and nursery schools.

How about singing it every morning as a routine with your child who’s feeling nervous about their new life?

aiueo good morningNEW!Sakushi: Hayama Mari / Sakkyoku: Kuwahara Kenrō

Aiue Ohayo by Himawari 🌻/With Lyrics | Children's Song Okaasan to Issho | Aiue Ohayo |

This song is a lot of fun with its playful word rhythms.

In time with the 50 sounds of hiragana, cheerful greetings, tasty-looking foods, and cute animals pop up one after another.

Created by Mari Hayama and Kenro Kuwabara, the piece was also sung on the NHK program “Okaasan to Issho.” It was included on albums such as “NHK Okaasan to Issho: Issho ni Utaou Daizenshu 40 + Karaoke 10,” released in March 1999, and has been beloved by many children.

It’s perfect for little ones encountering written characters for the first time and learning them, too! How about humming along with friends on the way to preschool or at home?

Waltz of the MountainsNEW!Sakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

Waltz of the Mountains [Children’s Song]

This is a charming waltz that depicts animals cheerfully arriving at a lovely mountain kindergarten hour by hour.

With each tick of the clock, the excitement of new friends joining is expressed through a light, buoyant rhythm.

Created by the renowned duo Miyoko Kayama and Akira Yuyama, this work is perfect for singing together with children who are starting kindergarten or moving up a grade.

Hum along to the mysteriously resonant lyrics and enjoy the bubbly feeling of spring with friends and family!