RAG MusicJapanese Songs
Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

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

Here are nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs for August that you can sing and enjoy! We’ve got a full lineup: songs that capture the fun of summer, tunes about tasty foods you’ll crave in the heat, and songs perfect for August events.

We also introduce tracks you can enjoy with fingerplays and dances, so try using them for indoor play during the sweltering summer or for activities in childcare settings.

Many are classic summer songs that have been passed down for generations, making them perfect for family time at home as well.

Teach children summer songs and enjoy a delightful time together while reminiscing about the past!

[Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August] Summer-Friendly Kids’ Songs & Hand-Play Songs (41–50)

A quiet lakeside

Quiet Lakeside [Children’s Song / School Song] Chorus Animation / Japanese song
A quiet lakeside

“Shizukana Kohan” (Quiet Lakeside) is a German folk song to which Keizo Horiuchi added Japanese lyrics.

Its gentle tempo and catchy, memorable melody make it popular with children, who sing it cheerfully and with enthusiasm.

Because it’s a beloved song, many people of all ages know it, which is another reason it’s so enjoyable.

Forming a circle and holding hands while singing with the children can create a sense of unity and make it even more fun.

Since it’s a bright, lively tune, it’s also recommended for summer events.

[Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August] Summer Fun Kids’ Songs & Hand-Play Songs (51–60)

wind chime

Hearing the sound of wind chimes in the hot summer gives you a sense of elegance, doesn’t it? With its relaxed tempo and gentle lyrics, “Wind Chimes” is a pleasant children’s song that evokes the feeling of summer.

It’s also great to sing while holding a baby for a nap or when they start to cry.

Showing what an actual wind chime looks like can make it easier to imagine the lyrics, too.

Try singing this wind chime song with children to make the summer heat feel cooler.

It might even become a song that reminds you of your summer memories.

Hey! SeaSakushi: Yamakawa Keisuke / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naosumi

[Summer Song] Hey, Sea! (Lyrics: Keisuke Yamakawa / Music: Naosumi Yamamoto) / Tokyo University of the Arts–graduate sister duo AINANA / AINANA Calendar 2023
Hey! SeaSakushi: Yamakawa Keisuke / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naosumi

When you think of summer, many of you probably picture the blue ocean.

In times like that, we recommend this song, “Hey! Ocean,” which lets you feel the sea’s vastness and beauty, as well as the gentleness and power of nature.

The lyrics are charming, as if you’re really speaking to the ocean, making it perfect to sing with energetic children full of summer spirit.

Move your body to the bright, free-flowing melody and rhythm, and you’ll likely feel your spirits lift! Try singing from your diaphragm, imagining your voice carrying far into the distance.

Oh, oops.Sakushi: Sakata Hiroo / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

Hot, hot—I can’t help it! Lyrics by Hiroo Sakata, music by Akira Yuyama. Hot hot hot!
Oh, oops.Sakushi: Sakata Hiroo / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

The song’s thumping, bouncy rhythm is intriguing, and even from the title you can imagine the sweltering, sweaty heat of midsummer.

There are many children’s songs about summer, but this one stands out for its playful, rhyme-heavy word choices that feel almost like rap, and its rhythmic feel makes it fun to sing.

It’s a track you’ll want to belt out together, with feeling, on an unbearably hot midsummer day.

Let’s dance, Ondo!

This is a participatory Bon Odori song that everyone can enjoy moving their bodies to.

The comical vocals and lively rhythm combine to create an atmosphere that naturally makes you want to dance as you listen.

The choreography that matches the lyrics is easy to follow, making it perfect for getting everyone excited at preschools or local summer festivals.

With moves like fireworks and hand claps, you’ll listen on with anticipation, wondering what comes next.

The instrumental tones are vibrant, and the balance with the vocals is exquisite.

A major appeal is that children can shout along, move their bodies, and have fun together.

Whether dancing in yukata or hero costumes, this song lets you fully feel the bustle of summer.

Tanuki Lord’s Ondo

Tanuki Lord's Bon Dance: Junpeke Dance Paralyrhythm
Tanuki Lord's Ondo

“Tanuki no Tonosama Ondo” is a playful ondo that portrays the cheerful world of tanuki.

The song weaves in humorous scenes, inviting dancers to move as if enjoying a story.

Its tempo is calm yet easy to follow, making it perfect for Bon Odori.

The vocals are gentle, creating a soothing atmosphere that children can sing along to with ease.

Traditional Japanese instruments envelop the piece, giving it a distinctly Japanese sensibility.

The choreography—like handclaps and the tanuki’s tummy-patting—makes movements easy to express, welcoming participants of all ages.

This song, which lets you experience the tanuki’s delightful tale through music and dance, will color a memorable moment of summer.

Mitsuya Cider

We did the hand play song “Mitsuya Cider.”
Mitsuya Cider

In the hot summer, you can’t help but crave a cold carbonated drink, and one fingerplay song that’s perfect for that season is “Mitsuya Cider.” It features counting-song elements and dynamic movements, making it a great choice to sing and play with young children.

Many kids aren’t fond of fizzy drinks, but this activity might spark their interest.