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

What is your name?

A current daycare teacher tried playing “Anata no O-Namae wa” on the piano: a super easy classic

When you’re in a new class or have just started preschool, it can be hard to remember your friends’ names, right? At times like that, use the song “What Is Your Name?” as a self-introduction game to help everyone learn names! Everyone sings the line “What is your name?” and then, in turn, each person says their own name and adds a little highlight about themselves.

It’s great for memorizing everyone’s names, and because you’re communicating while singing, even shy children may find it easier to join in.

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When spring comesNEW!Fukuda Sho

[Spring・Creatures・Flowers] When Spring Comes / Sho Fukuda [Play song/Nursery care/Kindergarten/Parenting/Children’s song/March/April/Expressive play/Singing games/Infants/Toddlers]

This is a delightful children’s song that invites kids to move their bodies as if they’ve become the flowers and creatures discovered in spring, all under the warm sunshine.

Centered on the theme of springtime nature, it’s widely loved in early childhood settings as an expressive play activity where children enjoy gestures that match the lyrics.

Released in May 2017 and included in the CD book “Chotto Dake Taisou ~Hoick CD Book~,” the piece was created by Sho Fukuda, a former nursery teacher and children’s song writer.

Its major appeal lies in not only following set movements, but also incorporating children’s ideas—changing the lyrics or choosing poses freely.

It’s perfect for introducing a class activity to explore spring together, or for parents and children to play before a walk—an ideal song for savoring the arrival of spring with the whole body while expanding the imagination.

FlowerNEW!Sato Hitomi

Flowers [Spring Children's Song] March April Nursery Song/Piano Accompaniment

This song paints an elegant and beautiful Japanese scene—like watching a gently flowing river and rows of cherry trees in full bloom under the soft spring sunlight.

Released in November 1900 (Meiji 33) by Rentaro Taki as part of the song collection “Shiki” (Four Seasons), it has been cherished by many across generations.

Hitomi Sato, together with her puppet companions, presents it with gentle piano and vocals so that even difficult words are easy for children to understand.

If you sing while imagining the lovely imagery in the lyrics—such as the spring riverside and the hazy moon at dusk—your heart will feel warm and cozy.

It’s a perfect tune for parents and children to hum together during March’s Hinamatsuri, the preschool graduation season, or while strolling along the riverside for cherry-blossom viewing.

Be sure to sing it with your child as you feel the arrival of spring.

Hello, my friendsNEW!Sakushi: Oikawa Nemuko / Sakkyoku: Matsumoto Toshiaki

Hello My Friends [Children’s Song] Lyrics: Nemuko Oikawa / Music: Toshiaki Matsumoto Ponkickies♪

This is a classic song by Nemuko Oikawa and Toshiaki Matsumoto, themed around natural scenery like the sky, clouds, and flowers, as well as greetings to friends.

It was broadcast as the ending theme of Fuji TV’s “Hirake! Ponkikki” starting in April 1990, and was included on a single released in May of the same year.

Many people who were children at the time likely remember it as the gentle farewell at the end of the show.

Its words, which seem to call out to children around the world and to nature itself, evoke a sense of anticipation for new encounters.

In March, when farewells and new beginnings intersect, this piece is perfect for children about to graduate from kindergarten or move up a grade.

Like waving toward the wide world, try singing it together at home or in your preschool!

Singing HandsNEW!Sakushi: Namura Hiroshi / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi

Singing Hands

This song celebrates the joy of joining small hands and forming a circle together.

The words woven by Hiroshi Namura gently evoke the feeling of connection with friends through the act of holding hands, while Nobuyoshi Koshiji’s buoyant melody lifts the heart.

It’s wonderful how everyone’s breathing naturally synchronizes as they sing along with handclaps.

The piece was included in albums such as the 1992 release “Songs for Class Choirs for Lower and Middle Grades: Utae Tenohira,” and it has long been cherished in educational settings.

It has also been carried forward by choirs led by Norisaburo Kamata and others.

It’s a perfect song for deepening bonds during times like the period leading up to graduation or advancement, or when building a new class in the spring as children meet new friends.

Huh, where is it?NEW!Sakushi: Kanzawa Toshiko / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi

Where Are You? [E Tele] Lyrics: Toshiko Kamizawa / Composition: Nobuyoshi Koshibe Okaasan to Issho♪

This is a very unique and fun fingerplay song where you search for where animals’ body parts are.

As you respond to the prompts by pointing “up,” “down,” and “sideways,” or by touching your own body, children’s powers of observation and curiosity will naturally be drawn out.

Written by lyricist Toshiko Kanzawa and composed by Nobuyoshi Koshibe, this piece has been loved across generations since it was included on the album “NHK Okaasan to Issho,” released in April 1992 as a related song to the NHK program Okaasan to Issho.

March, when children are on the verge of graduating or moving up a grade and you can feel their growth, is the perfect time for this—whether in nursery schools and kindergartens or at home spending one-on-one playtime with your child.

Enjoy warm springtime moments together with lots of laughter!

A Hazy Moonlit NightSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi

Ministry of Education Song: Oborozukiyo (Hazy Moonlit Night)

This is a famous Ministry of Education shoka (school song).

Ever since it was included in elementary school textbooks in the Taisho era, it has continued to be sung up to the present day.

Its elevated verse depicts a spring evening like a painted scene.

It has also been featured in pop music, with artists such as Noriyuki Makihara and Akiko Yano arranging and using the piece.