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)
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.
Songs to Listen to on Children's Day | A Curated Selection of Music Related to Tango no Sekku! (51–60)
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!
The Hill Where Mandarin Orange Blossoms BloomSakushi: Katō Shōgo / Sakkyoku: Kainuma Minoru
This beautiful children’s song, born in August 1946 shortly after the war, vividly depicts fresh scenes of nature and a poignant longing for a mother.
Hastily created the day before its NHK radio broadcast, the piece gently sings of a child’s pure feelings and warm love for their mother through the view from a seaside hill.
The depiction of a ship fading in the distance conveys a sense of unreachable loneliness, stirring a deeply moving emotion.
In 2003 it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Shin: Ten Made Todoke,” and in 1991 it was also featured in a Recruit commercial.
Embraced by warm light, this soothing song will continue to comfort and stay close to many hearts.
Karada DandanSakushi: Yoshida Sensha / Sakkyoku: Kosugi Yasuo
Known as a popular exercise song from an NHK children’s program, this piece is full of ideas that let kids move their bodies while having fun.
It’s thrillingly imaginative, inviting children to become sea creatures, pretend to be dinosaurs and mammoths, and move like ninjas or athletes.
The playful lyrics by manga artist Sensha Yoshida and the friendly melody composed by Yasuo Kosugi are a perfect match, sparking kids’ spirit of adventure.
Broadcast since April 2019 in the exercise segment of “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s ideal for morning stretches, warm-ups before physical activity, or whenever you want a refreshing change of pace.
Applause for you!sakushi: aritarou/sakkyoku: masuda tarou
This refreshing piece, themed around handclaps, was broadcast as the Monthly Song for February 2023 on NHK E-TV’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Its lyrics, which convey gratitude and encouragement through the act of clapping, gently embrace feelings too deep for words and soothe the listener’s heart.
In the video, the older performers in colorful costumes sing and dance joyfully in front of a dazzling floral set, leaving a lasting impression.
It’s a heartwarming work that cheers on children who strive every day and gives courage and energy to parents raising them.
Song for Children’s DaySakushi: Yoda Jun’ichi / Sakkyoku: Sakata Tomiharu
Composed by Tomiharu Sakata with lyrics by children’s literature author Junichi Yoda, “Kodomo no Hi no Uta” (Children’s Day Song) is, as the title suggests, a song for Children’s Day.
While Children’s Day is commonly associated with Boys’ Day and often focuses on wishing for boys’ growth, this song includes boys, girls, and even fathers and mothers, as well as older brothers and sisters.
Everyone appears, and it’s a heartwarming song that invites everyone to celebrate together.
In conclusion
Children’s songs and nursery rhymes passed down from parents to children, and from children to grandchildren for Children’s Day are filled with warm wishes for healthy growth. Why not take this opportunity to raise your hearts in song together with family and friends? It will surely deepen your bonds.