Nursery rhymes and play songs to enjoy with your baby. Gentle children's songs.

Close It, Open It

Clap Your Hands (Kiroro Ayano’s Play Song)

The children’s song “Musunde Hiraite,” which is also loved as a hand-play song.

In time with the lyrics, you make your hands into fists and open palms, clap, and at the end move both hands to the top of your head or onto your knees.

The melody is based on one composed by the French philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and in Japan the lyrics were revised multiple times before becoming the current “Musunde Hiraite.” It’s of course fine for moms and dads to sing while doing the hand motions, but babies who can do it themselves can try on their own, and for babies who might find it difficult, gently hold their hands and guide them through the motions—they’re sure to enjoy it!

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SAKI

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A Little Bear in the Rain

Children's Song: Little Bear in the Rain ♪

From NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho,” this is the song “Amefuri Kumanoko” cheerfully sung by the singing sister and brother.

With gentle piano accompaniment and clear, soothing vocals, this nursery rhyme can calm even fussy babies.

Under Yuuna’s treewarabeuta

Nursery rhyme “Under the Hibiscus tiliaceus Tree” a cappella, lullaby #Japanese lullaby

A gentle lullaby with the charm of a melody that feels like the calm breeze of a southern island.

Wind chimes resonate pleasantly in the shade of the yuna tree, and the deep love of a parent soothing a sleeping baby is sung in an unhurried tune.

Even the sound of the words “rin-rira-rin” gently wraps listeners in a sense of comfort.

Cherished and passed down since long ago across the islands of Kagoshima, this piece continues to be valued as part of local culture—appearing, for example, as material in a community theater production by the Tokunoshima Mixed Chorus.

Why not try singing it during those moments of lulling a little one to sleep?

The Bear of the Forestamerika min’yō

[River Rise] English Song 'The Bear in the Forest' (The Bear Song)

This nursery song, depicting a charming encounter in the forest, spread nationwide in 1972 when Dark Ducks performed it on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” With its humorous story and familiar melody, it warmly conveys the bear’s gentle thoughtfulness.

In October of the same year, a single was released by King Records, with a Russian folk song on the B-side.

Because it can be sung in an echo-song format, it’s perfect for campfires and kindergarten choruses! Its lively 4/4 rhythm makes it easy for everyone to have fun singing together while naturally learning the melody.

TulipSakushi: Kondo Miyako / Sakkyoku: Inoue Takeshi

Tulips (Nos. 1–3) — Lyrics by Miyako Kondo; additional lyrics and composition by Takeshi Inoue

This is one of Japan’s most beloved children’s songs, depicting a beautiful spring scene of red, white, and yellow tulips blooming in a row.

Miyako Kondo’s lyrics carry a warm message that recognizes diversity—“every flower has its own beauty”—and, together with Takeshi Inoue’s friendly melody, make it a tune that people of all ages can hum naturally.

Widely cherished in kindergarten and elementary school music classes, it was selected in 2006 for the list of 100 Best Japanese Songs.

It’s the perfect piece for when you want to feel the arrival of spring or enjoy singing with children!

campfire

Bonfire – Taki Bi | By the hedge, by the hedge, around the corner—it's a bonfire, it's a bonfire, burning fallen leaves [Japanese Song / Shoka]

This is the seasonal children’s song “Takibi,” a classic for autumn and winter.

Babies may not yet have a sense of the seasons, but its easy-to-sing nature and clear melody make it perfect to play as a video while you look after them.

Gonbe-san’s Baby

[Hand Play] Gombei’s Baby♪

Gonbe-san’s Baby was created based on an American folk song.

It’s a song featuring a character named Gonbe-san—who covers his head with a tenugui and ties it under his chin—and a baby.

It depicts a scene where the baby catches a cold, and you use your hands to show actions like holding the baby and having a bright idea.

You can enjoy a unique move where, in a fluster, you end up putting a cold compress on yourself by mistake.

Once you’re used to it, try picking up the tempo.

Give this hand play a try and make the most of this familiar melody that everyone has heard at least once.

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mutō

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