Songs to Listen to on Children’s Day | A Curated Selection of Music for Tango no Sekku!
As Children’s Day approaches, is there a song that you suddenly find yourself humming?Nursery rhymes and seasonal songs related to Tango no Sekku have long been cherished across generations as an important part of Japanese culture.In this article, we’ll introduce songs associated with Tango no Sekku that will fill you with nostalgia the moment you hear them—from those everyone knows to classic tunes whose lyrics you might not actually remember.Singing them with your child will make seasonal traditions feel closer and more fun.Enjoy them together with your family!
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Songs to Enjoy on Children’s Day | A Curated Selection for Tango no Sekku (11–20)
Anpanman ExerciseSakkyoku: Makaino Kōji / Henkyoku: Kondō Hiroaki
The lyrics written by Takashi Yanase carry deep messages—about the courage to face difficulties and the preciousness of bonds with loved ones.
Thanks to these powerful themes, the song has continued to be loved by a wide range of generations, from children to adults.
It was released by CHA-CHA in July 1991, followed by Dreaming’s version in March 1993.
The song has been used as the ending theme for the TV anime since 1991, and since April 2011 it has been broadcast with animation featuring new characters.
It’s a perfect track for when you want to get moving or enjoy time together with someone.
rainbowSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
A gem of a song by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, it gently sings of hopeful expectations for tomorrow, themed around meeting a seven-colored rainbow in the garden after the rain.
Since its release in 1990, it has been loved by many for its lyrics that depict small everyday joys and its warm melody.
In 2020, it was featured as the commercial song for Kao’s “Attack ZERO,” revealing new charm alongside striking visuals starring Tori Matsuzaka and others.
It’s a tune you’ll want the whole family to hum together, especially when you’re feeling down.
paprikaFoorin×Yonezu Kenshi
A collaborative song by Foorin and Kenshi Yonezu that brightly sings of children’s dreams and hopes.
The cheerful, energetic voices of the kids and the festive, lively sound create a work that gently resonates with the heart.
The lyrics charmingly depict nature and the changing seasons, imbued with feelings for loved ones and a shining sense of anticipation for the future.
Released in August 2018, it is also known as an official song of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Beloved by a wide range of generations from children to adults, it won the 61st Japan Record Award in December 2019.
It’s a heartwarming track perfect for seasonal transitions, taking a new step forward, or spending special moments with someone important.
I love big hugs!Sakushi: Tadokoro Yoko / Sakkyoku: Tayama Masamitsu
A heartwarming song that expresses warm affection.
Broadcast in August 1999 on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” as a popular song performed as a duet by Ayumi Shigemori and Kentaro Hayami, it teaches the importance and joy of embracing.
From interactions with family, pets, and friends to conversations with nature, it charmingly depicts various scenes and conveys the richness of expressing love.
This piece is a heartwarming song that parents and children of the child-rearing generation can enjoy singing together.
If you want to deepen your family bonds, why not try singing it with your child?
Friendship HymnAmerika min’yō (sakushi: Sakata Hiroo)
A heartwarming melody that gently portrays the bonds between people.
Based on an American folk tune, this piece features Japanese lyrics by poet and author Hiroo Sakata, conveying to children the importance of friendship and unity.
Since its introduction on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it has continued to be loved in many settings, including school music materials and children’s events.
The lyrics, which express the joy of holding hands with friends around the world and singing together with smiles, teach us the beauty of friendship that transcends borders.
When everyone stands in a circle and sings, smiles are sure to come naturally.
How about singing it together at kindergarten or nursery school gatherings, or in settings for exchange and interaction?
What color do you like?Sakushi Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu
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.
Picnic Marchsakushi: Ide Takao / sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi
A bright and cheerful march-style song born from the familiar NHK program “Okaasan to Issho.” It expresses the act of stepping forward while cheerfully addressing your right and left feet, through adorable lyrics and a rhythmic melody.
Created as an insert song for the puppet show “Niko Niko Pun,” which aired from 1982 to 1992, it featured the trio of Jajamaru, Pikkoro, and Porori singing and dancing—an image that left a deep impression on many children.
Thanks to its easy, movement-friendly appeal, it’s often sung at events like field trips and sports days and is widely used in early childhood education.
It’s a perfect song for a picnic in open fields that stirs the urge to run around, or for the season of meeting new friends.
bento (boxed lunch)Sakushi: Amano Chou sakushi / Sakkyoku: Ichinomiya Michiko
A classic children’s song with a gentle singing voice that nurtures table manners and a sense of gratitude.
With a bright, rhythmic melody, it conveys the importance of washing hands before meals and offering greetings with thanks.
Frequently featured in nurseries, kindergartens, and educational programs, it is used as part of food and manners education.
It was included in an album of children’s songs in September 2006 and continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a recommended song not only for children who look forward to mealtime, but also for anyone who wants to cherish gratitude for food.
Children’s Day, Adults’ DaySakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
The melodies woven by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa gently speak of the joy of growing up, from both a child’s and an adult’s perspective, carried by a comforting tune.
The key theme is “the bond between parent and child.” The feelings of children moving forward in life and the adults who continue to watch over their growth are conveyed through tender, heartfelt vocals.
Released in November 2021 on the album “Atarashii Tomodachi / Korekara mo Tomodachi,” this piece appears alongside the duo’s signature songs for children.
It is a song we hope you’ll listen to during those precious moments of connection between parent and child.
Koinobori Swimming Through Space!machi akari
Koinobori is a custom that began in the Edo period, said to have started among samurai families to pray for boys’ healthy growth.
Nowadays, people raise them to wish for children’s health regardless of gender.
The famous song “Koinobori” is such a well-known nursery rhyme that every Japanese person can sing it.
Do you know a fun song that feels like a parody of that “Koinobori”? Akari Machi’s “Swimming Through Space! Koinobori” tells the story of koinobori swimming beyond rooftops, past the clouds, all the way into space.
It even has a proper punchline where they get hungry and come back home, making it a really delightful tune.
Listen once and you might get hooked!