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

What color do you like?Sakushi Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu

What Colors Do You Like? Fun Characters and the 9-Color Long Version / Popular Song from Okaasan to Issho / Lyrics & Music: Osamu Sakata / Cover: Otousan mo Issho

A wonderful song that nurtures children’s sensitivity through colors.

Its friendly lyrics paint a world of color through crayons, and the heartwarming melody blends perfectly to captivate young hearts.

The song aired as NHK’s “Song of the Month” on Okaasan to Issho from April 1984 to March 1985, and is included on albums such as NHK Okaasan to Issho 50th Anniversary Best.

It was also performed at a reconstruction support event in Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefecture, in August 2011.

Ideal not only for childcare and educational settings but also for families to enjoy singing together at home.

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

[Song♫] Let's Go to the Park / With Mother (Covered by UtaSta) [Animated PV]

This popular song from NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” is characterized by a bright tone that evokes the arrival of spring and a lively, uplifting rhythm.

Created by Osamu Sakata, it features lyrics that convey the joy of playing outdoors and a warm worldview that can be enjoyed across generations, from babies to the elderly.

It was sung by Ayumi Shigemori and Kentaro Hayami in August 1999, and around the same time it was also included on Ikkokudō’s album “Niji no Mukou ni.” It’s a heartwarming piece you’ll want to hum with someone special during a sunny walk or playtime at the park—perfect for enjoying with family and friends in the fresh green season.

Mr. ElephantSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma

Zou-san | Children's song | Red Cat Reading

Born from the collaboration of Michio Mado and Ikuma Dan, this song—portraying a warm bond between parent and child—was first broadcast on NHK Radio in May 1952.

Characterized by a gentle triple-time melody and heartwarming lyrics that cherish one’s individuality, it has been featured in many educational and children’s TV programs and is loved across generations.

The May 2007 version by Satoko Yamano and the Morinoki Children’s Choir remains one of the most beloved recordings.

With a melody that nestles close to the heart like a gentle spring breeze, it’s perfect for parents and children to hum together.

In the fresh green season, singing it while out for a walk will make for even more delightful memories.

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.

Hey, Kaba-kun!sakushi: nakagawa itsuko / sakkyoku: nakagawa hirotaka

Hey, Mr. Hippo | Children's Song [Ponkikki Song]

With its calm and gentle atmosphere, this song was released in April 2007 as a picture book with a CD, and together with illustrations by Hiroshi Abe, a former zookeeper at Asahiyama Zoo, it became a tune rooted in children’s daily lives.

Created by Hirotaka Nakagawa and Itsuko Nakagawa, the work also encourages children’s curiosity about animals through its focus on hippos.

It was featured on the TV program Hirake! Ponkikki and has long been loved by many children.

Its relaxed tempo and melody perfectly match the laid-back image of hippos, making it great for singing along with your child.

Why not hum it happily on a spring field trip or during a visit to the zoo?

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.

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.