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

Thump-thump, boom! First Graderssakushi: itō akira / sakkyoku: sakurai jun

Dokidoki Don! First Graders Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

This work portrays children about to become brand-new first graders, their hearts pounding with both excitement and anxiety.

Created by Akira Ito and Jun Sakurai, it was released in 1986.

As an original number for Fuji TV’s “Hirake! Ponkikki,” it has long been beloved.

Its brightness is striking, as the strong rhythm and positive lyrics seem to blow away the nerves about the school life that’s about to begin.

It turns the sound of a thumping, nervous heart directly into forward-moving power, making it perfect for moments when you want to be brave.

In the season of cherry blossoms, why not hum along—both the children shouldering their brand-new school bags and the adults watching over their growth?

bento (boxed lunch)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 friendsSakushi: 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 handsSakushi: 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!

Good Morning SongSakushi: 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?

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.

Let’s go to the park.Sakushi Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu

Let's go to the park.

It’s the perfect song to sing before a warm springtime stroll.

Because it can be sung call-and-response style, teachers and children—or parents and their kids—can chime in and head off to the park with fun and energy.

The lyrics and music are by Osamu Sakata, who, as with “Let’s Join the Dandelion Club,” served as a children’s song presenter.