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

A strawberry is a strawberry.Sakushi: Kotaki Kiyomi / Sakkyoku: Fujita Taishi

Strawberries are Strawberries (Okaasan to Issho) / Kentaro Hayami & Ayumi Shigemori

This is a charming song with a bright, rhythmic, and fun melody paired with heartwarming lyrics.

It was broadcast in May 1997 as the “Song of the Month” on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, with lyrics by Kiyomi Kotaki and music by Taishi Fujita.

The gently told story follows a protagonist who dreams of becoming a cake and, while chasing that dream, discovers their own true self—making it a song that enriches children’s imaginations.

Sung and beloved by Kentaro Hayami and Ayumi Shigemori, it was later carried on by Akihiro Sugita and Ryoko Tsumoda.

It is also included on the album NHK Okaasan to Issho Memorial Album and has been cherished by many children.

It’s perfect for humming during walks or outdoor play, and for singing together on spring field trips or fun outings.

When sung with family, it’s sure to become a wonderful memory that shares the joy of spring.

spring breezeSakushi: Katō Yoshikiyo / Sakkyoku: Fositā

Spring Breeze — Yoshikiyo Katō / Foster

This is a school song characterized by lyrics that depict a fresh spring landscape and a heartwarming melody.

Mr.

Yoshikiyo Kato provided the Japanese lyrics, and Mr.

Foster’s beautiful tune soothes children’s hearts.

It’s a perfect piece for children who feel anxious in a new environment, and if you sing it while cherishing skin-to-skin contact, it seems you can enjoy a pleasant childcare time.

Since its inclusion in the “Certified Song Collection” in 1926, it has continued to be loved by many people.

Evoking the arrival of spring, this song gently brings back early childhood memories and will surely become a cherished memory for children.

The Bento Box SongSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko/Shokyoku: Komori Akihiro

[Hand Play] The Bento Lunch Box Song♪

It’s a song about packing all sorts of things into your own lunchbox.

You can add fun gestures like shaping rice balls and chopping ginger while you sing.

Since many children will start bringing lunch from April, I hope they’ll enjoy their meals while singing this song.

spring breezeSakushi: Wada Tetsuzou / Sakkyoku: Hirose Ryouhei

Spring Breeze | Spring Song [Children's Song]

A charming classic that expresses the arrival of spring through the voice of the wind was created by Tetsuzo Wada and Ryohei Hirose.

The gently whispering breeze stroking the buds on the trees, playing the murmurs of a brook, and frolicking with grasses and flowers is depicted atop a warm melody.

Broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” starting in April 1972, the clear voices of the Tokyo Arakawa Children’s Chorus further heightened the breath of spring.

This is a song you’ll want to hum together with children during the season when nature’s vitality awakens.

It will gently wrap the hearts of new nursery-school entrants, who may feel uneasy amid changing surroundings, like a soft spring breeze.

one bamboo shootwarabe uta

One whole bamboo shoot

Perfect for the spring season, this song is a traditional children’s rhyme that has been loved for generations.

It features simple lyrics and a catchy melody, and its charm lies in the way children split into “oni” (tagger) and “takenoko” (bamboo shoot) roles to play.

Because kids move their bodies while singing, it’s great for developing a sense of rhythm and cooperation.

It’s also used in early childhood education, and there are videos on YouTube explaining how to play.

Sing and play energetically outdoors with family and friends, and you’re sure to enjoy the spring atmosphere even more.

Why not raise your voices together and feel the arrival of spring?

Cute Hide and SeekSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao

Nursery Rhyme / Cute Hide-and-Seek / 36th Children’s Song Contest, Children’s Division

This is a gentle children’s song about a game of hide-and-seek played by adorable animals.

Hatchlings, sparrows, and puppies try their best to conceal themselves, warmly portrayed in the words of Hachirō Satō, with Yoshinao Nakada’s melody enhancing its charm even further.

First released in 1951, the piece has inspired children’s playfulness and curiosity toward animals.

The thrilling hide-and-seek unfolds in everyday scenes—gardens, rooftops, and meadows.

It’s perfect for singing with your child in fresh, green May, while thinking of the animals you might meet on a walk.

The rhythm of the lyrics and the friendly melody truly seem to express the joy of spring.

I want to scribble on the sky.sakushi: Yamagami Michio / sakkyoku: Izumi Taku

I want to doodle in the sky by Himawari 🌻 with lyrics | Children's song |

Let us introduce a dream-filled children’s song that’s perfect for the season when May’s fresh greenery sparkles.

Created by Michio Yamagami (lyrics) and Taku Izumi (music), this piece is a delightful song that nurtures children’s rich imagination.

With lyrics brimming with free-spirited dreams—like a big apple tree, a bulldog, and a long bridge—paired with a light, cheerful melody, it’s truly charming.

It’s included on the albums “Kodomo no Uta: Paku Paku Itadakimasu!” and “Uk­iuki Wakuwaku! Kodomo no Uta,” and is also used as teaching material in kindergartens and nursery schools.

It’s a wonderful song to enjoy the joys of spring—whether you sing it while looking up at the sky on a walk, or sing along with friends while drawing pictures.