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)! (31–40)
Tan-go FestivalSakushi sakkyoku: Ichigokurabu
Tango no Sekku, also known as the Iris Festival, is one of the five seasonal festivals.
We know it as an old tradition, but these days it feels more like a celebration day for children’s growth—eating kashiwa-mochi, flying carp streamers, and soaking in iris baths.
The song “Tango no Sekku” is one of the “Ichigo Club Original Songs” created by Ichigo Club.
Its melody, which perfectly captures the charm of a children’s song, is very pleasant to listen to.
The lyrics, with their “I’ll grow big! I’ll grow strong!” vibe, are encouraging too.
It’s a very easy song to sing, so I hope more people will get to know it.
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.
KintaroSakushi: Ishihara Wasaburō / Sakkyoku: Tamura Torazō
This is a children’s song that depicts a sturdy boy wrestling a bear on Mount Ashigara.
Written by Wasaburō Ishihara and composed by Torazō Tamura, it was published in June 1900 in “Shōnen Shōka, First Edition, Upper Volume.” As a representative children’s song that sings about a folktale hero in words familiar to children, it remains beloved today.
The bold figure carrying a hatchet and practicing horse-riding is vividly expressed through a lively two-beat rhythm and spirited calls that make it easy to sing while moving the body.
Because it conveys strength and energy, it’s perfect for singing with children in childcare settings or at home who are starting to take an interest in animals and folktales.
Add handclaps and gestures while singing, and it’s sure to be even more exciting.
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.
motherSakushi: Tanaka Nana / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao
The children’s song “Okaasan” paints a heartwarming scene where a child speaks to their mother and the mother replies.
It’s a very short song, but it beautifully portrays a child’s feelings for their mother and a mother’s gentle way of interacting with her child.
Even very young children who can’t read can sing it, and you can change a few words to make a fun parody version—an original song just for your family.
Songs to Listen to on Children's Day | A Curated Selection of Music for Tango no Sekku (Boys' Festival)! (41–50)
shoulder tapSakushi: Saijō Yaso / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shimpei
“Katatataki” (Shoulder Tapping) is a song sung from a child’s perspective about a child giving their mother a shoulder massage.
The song was released in 1923, during the Taisho 12 era.
The lyrics were written by Saijō Yaso, and the music was composed by Nakayama Shimpei.
You can picture a child tapping their busy mother’s shoulders from behind, chatting about what they’ve noticed while thinking of her daily busyness.
Although it’s a very short song, it has five verses.
carp in the pondsakushi sakkyoku: fushō
When we think of Children’s Day, we picture carp streamers swimming in the sky, but this children’s song, Pond Carp, focuses on carp swimming in a pond.
It depicts someone calling out, “Come out—!” to carp hiding among the pond’s algae or in the shade of trees.
Wanting the carp to appear, the song’s protagonist tries various ideas, like making sounds or offering food.
The sight of carp streamers gliding through the sky is wonderful, of course, but let this song be a chance to befriend the carp swimming in the pond, too!
