Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August: Summer-Friendly Kids’ Songs and Fingerplay Rhymes

Swim! Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato

Swimming! Taiyaki-kun – Every day, every day, we’re grilled on the hot plate and we’re getting sick of it ~ (with actions) [Hand play / nursery rhyme]

This is a song by Masato Shimon that tells the story of a taiyaki who, fed up with its boring daily life and dreaming of freedom, runs away to the sea.

Released in December 1975, the song became a massive hit, topping the charts for 11 consecutive weeks as an insert song on the children’s program Hirake! Ponkikki.

Many listeners likely remember the taiyaki’s seafaring adventure set to a wistful melody—and its slightly bittersweet ending.

Through this piece, you can not only imagine the unique sight of a taiyaki setting out to sea, but also take the opportunity to think together with your child about the deeper question: What does freedom really mean?

To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

♪ With hand palms to the sun [with gestures] - We’re all alive, and because we’re alive, we sing 〜 ♪

Since it was featured on Minna no Uta in 1962, “Tenohira wo Taiyou ni” has been beloved by many children.

The lyrics were written by Takashi Yanase, with the music crafted by Mariko Miyagi.

The words, which portray the mystery and vitality of life, are sure to energize both singers and listeners.

Another charm of the song is how easy it is to add simple choreography that matches the lyrics, such as raising your hands or mimicking animals.

Adding movement while singing can help you immerse yourself even more in the world of the song.

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yamamoto

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Ebi-Kanix Bon DanceKeroponzu

Ebi-Kanikusu Ondo / Keropons

Keropons is a duo known for creating many popular children’s play songs, and their signature piece is “Ebi Kanix.” Originally, it was a track that incorporated aerobics-like movements, but this “Ebi Kanix Ondo” is an arrangement of that song into an ondo rhythm perfect for Bon Odori.

Bon Odori is a summer tradition, and many small children may not be very familiar with it, but with this song, they’ll likely enjoy dancing along.

Let’s draw a picture in the blue sky.Sakushi: Kazumi Kazuki / Sakkyoku: Hajime Kamishiba

[Children’s Song] Let’s draw a picture in the blue sky

A children’s song composed by Hajime Kamishiba and Kazumi Kazuki, “Let’s Paint a Picture in the Blue Sky.” Compared to other children’s songs, it’s not very well-known, but our research suggests that it’s also favored by adults.

That’s because, at first glance, the lyrics convey a bright, forward-looking message, yet the melody features occasional minor chords.

The contrast between the cheerful lyrics and the wistful melody creates a unique atmosphere.

That gap may be one reason it’s popular among adults.

Hearing this, you might think it’s aimed at grown-ups, but the vocal line is crafted with the simplicity typical of children’s songs, so even small children can enjoy singing it.

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Ryo

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sunflowerSakushi: Kadokura Satoshi / Sakkyoku: Sasaki Nobutsuna

[Nursery Rhyme] Sunflower (with lyrics)

One of the symbols of summer is the sunflower.

The song “Himawari” sings about its beautiful appearance.

It was written by Satoshi Kadokura, with music composed by Nobutsuna Sasaki.

The first half of the song depicts sunflowers in the daytime, while the second half portrays them at night.

The lyrics, which compare sunflowers to other summery things, spark the imagination.

Try singing while thinking, “What kind of scene is this part describing?” The somewhat wistful ending that evokes the close of summer is also part of its charm.

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yamamoto

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Summer MemoriesSakushi: Ema Akiko / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao

Summer Memories - Tokyo Sophia Women's Choir

This song is by the much-talked-about duo of Akiko Ema, a lyricist who represents the Showa era’s children’s songs, and the popular composer Yoshinao Nakata.

It was created at NHK’s request for a piece filled with postwar dreams and hope, and when it was first broadcast on a radio program in 1949, it reportedly received an enormous response.

Although the lyrics don’t explicitly sing of dreams or hope, the beautiful natural scenery cleanses the heart and seems to naturally stir dreams and hope.

In addition, Nakata’s melody avoids dramatic leaps; it’s gentle in tone yet very memorable and beautiful.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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The Goldfish’s Nap

Goldfish’s Nap ♪ [Children’s song / nursery rhyme] Cute goldfish in a red kimono ~ with lyrics animation / Japanese kids song

The relaxed song “Goldfish’s Nap” is a popular children’s nursery rhyme.

If you sing it as a lullaby at nap time, some kids find it so soothing that they fall asleep right away.

The gentle movements of the goldfish—and the moments when it seems to pause completely—are adorable and make it feel as if the goldfish itself is napping.

The lyrics are easy to remember, so if you sing it repeatedly, children can sing along.

It’s also recommended to sing it together with a picture book that features goldfish.

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mayumi

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