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 Listen to on Children's Day | A Curated Selection of Music for Tango no Sekku (Boys' Festival)! (41–50)
Squeeze, squeeze, kashiwa mochi.Sakushi: Sakura Tomoko / Sakkyoku: Ozawa Tatsuyuki
Written by lyricist Tomoko Sakura and composed by Tatsuyuki Ozawa, this piece is a short but charming song about kashiwa-mochi, the sweet rice cakes eaten on Children’s Day.
There is a tradition that the oak leaves wrapping the kashiwa-mochi drive out illness from the body and make you strong, which is why people eat them on Children’s Day.
In times when medicine was less advanced, people likely believed this even more.
I’ve heard it’s sung in kindergartens and nursery schools, and it could also work well as a hand-play song.
Children of the wind across Japansakushi: Yuyama Akira / sakkyoku: Mitsukoshi Sachio
Here is a charming song that personifies the wind that makes carp streamers swim all across Japan as “Kaze no Ko” (Child of the Wind), and it can also be enjoyed as a cute rhythm activity.
It’s occasionally featured in kindergartens and nursery schools, and with its refreshing melody it’s perfect for May.
No wonder—its composer is Akira Yuyama, who created the famous piece “Amefuri Kumanoko.” Though not widely known, it’s a hidden gem that deserves to spread far and wide as a Children’s Day song.
Boys’ Festival (Tango no Sekku)Yamaki Yasuyo (Fukinotō)
Yasuyo Yamaki, a member of the folk group Fukinotou formed in 1970, included this song on his 1981 solo album “Nora-Inu HOBO no Uta” (Song of the Stray Dog HOBO).
Set to a nostalgic folk melody, the first verse looks back fondly on the past, while the second sings about his present self.
Though the lyrics use refreshing imagery, it’s a nostalgic and bittersweet song for Children’s Day.
Tea Pickingsakushi sakkyoku: fushō
Early summer is the season for shincha, fresh green tea.
When I pass by a tea shop, the wonderful aroma lures me in and I can’t help but buy the new harvest.
The “Eighty-Eighth Night,” which appears in the song and is said to be the prime time for picking tea, is the 88th day from the first day of spring on the traditional calendar, and it usually falls on May 1 or 2.
Because the number eight, which suggests prosperity, appears twice, it’s also considered an auspicious day.
Everyone can hum the song “Chatsumi” (Tea Picking), but isn’t it strange how the lyrics in the latter half often get fuzzy? This year, let’s learn verses one and two with the children and sing them proudly on Children’s Day.
Song of Children’s DaySakushi: Maki Fusayu / Sakkyoku: Hara Kenichi
Compared to “Koinobori,” this song may be less well-known, but it’s a fine, nationally beloved Children’s Day song.
The lyrics, paired with a gentle melody, evoke the feeling of a refreshing breeze.
It’s a song that carries a certain nostalgia, and I hope it will continue to be sung for generations to come.
A-I-U-E-O nigiriSakushi Sakkyoku: Shuu Saeko
A bright, rhythmic tune themed around the joy and smiles of making rice balls as a family.
With lyrics that spark curiosity and imagination about everyday ingredients, it captivates children’s hearts.
First broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in April 2001, the song has been covered by many artists, including Satoko Yamano and the Himawari Kids.
It’s used in nursery schools and kindergartens as part of food education, and it’s also recommended to hum along at home while making onigiri with your child.
To the Sun in the Palm of Your HandSakushi: Yanase Takashi / Sakkyoku: Izumi Taku
It’s a classic children’s song brimming with the joy and hope of living.
Through the sight of blood glowing red when sunlight shines through a hand, it gently conveys the preciousness of life.
Earthworms, dragonflies, frogs, and other creatures make appearances, and the warm melody teaches the wonder of living together.
The lyrics, imbued with Takashi Yanase’s deep sentiments, harmonize beautifully with the bright tune crafted by Tak Izumi.
First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, it was performed by the Boys Jacks on the 1965 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It later appeared in elementary school music textbooks and has continued to be cherished by many.
It’s a perfect cheer song for children swelling with hope as they take a new step forward.
soap bubbleSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei
A classic adorned with a gentle melody that resonates in children’s hearts and lyrics that are fragile yet beautiful.
Created hand in hand by Ujo Noguchi and Shinpei Nakayama, this work left a profound mark on the history of Japanese children’s songs and continues to be loved by many today.
In a 2003 survey conducted by the NPO “Japan Doyo Association,” it was ranked ninth among favorite children’s songs and was also selected for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Songs of Japan.” At Yumoto Station in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, it is even used as the departure melody.
Why not enjoy a hand-play game while singing it with your child on Children’s Day? You’re sure to have a heartwarming time.
Picnicdeguchi takashi
A song that gently portrays the fun of a picnic in a meadow and warm interactions with flowers and insects, highlighted by Takashi Deguchi’s uniquely soothing vocals.
Released on an album in November 2022, it was also featured on a children’s educational TV program.
Perfect as a fingerplay song for singing and dancing with kids—ideal for activities at daycare and kindergarten, as well as family bonding time.
Since numbers appear in the lyrics, it’s also great for practicing counting!
It will be sunny tomorrow.Sakushi Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu
A moving song from NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” gently singing about the importance of friendship and a hopeful future.
Its warm melody and encouraging lyrics carry a message to children who feel lonely and isolated.
First broadcast within the program in March 1999, the piece depicts friends gathering on a green meadow, holding hands and singing together—a song that gives you the courage and energy to face forward.
It’s a heartwarming number you’ll want to hum along to with your family.