[Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes collection
For children, hand-play songs where they sing and interact with familiar adults and friends are so much fun.
Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes are said to have a very positive effect on children’s brain and emotional development.
It’s something we’d love to incorporate a lot into everyday life.
So this time, we’re introducing hand-play songs and nursery rhymes that parents and children can enjoy together.
From classic tunes everyone has heard to popular songs sung in daycare centers and kindergartens, there’s a lot to choose from!
Please try to find songs you can enjoy together that match your children’s age and interests.
Many of these songs have a good tempo and catchy melodies or phrases, so they’re easy to learn right away!
- Parent–child interactive play. Fun activities popular in childcare settings and at parent–child observation days.
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- [Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
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- Kids go wild! Popular hand games and fun sing-alongs
- Popular hand games and hand game songs for toddlers and children! Full of ideas for childcare/early childhood education.
- Handkerchief and Towel Play! A Collection of Fun Play Ideas
- [Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.
- Nursery rhymes to sing to your baby! Recommended songs enjoyable from 0 months
- Ideas for Performances Recommended for 0-Year-Olds at Recitals and Play Events
- [For 1-year-olds] Fun Together! Recommended Songs and Hand Play Collection
- Snow Songs to Enjoy in Winter! Children's Snow Nursery Rhymes & Hand-Play Songs
[Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand play songs and traditional nursery rhymes collection (21–30)
Zuizui Zukkorobashiwarabeuta
A hand game that lots of people can enjoy together, for adults and children alike—people of any age.
The great thing about singing games is that anyone can join in, there are no tough rules or disparities in ability, and everyone can play and interact together.
“Zuizui Zukkorobashi” is a traditional children’s song that has long been loved, and you can enjoy a fun hand game along with the song.
A big group forms a circle, lines up, and touches hands in time with the music.
Clap, tap with your fingers, and strike a pose.
Playing this fun hand game with family or friends is sure to get everyone excited.
Panda, rabbit, koalasakushi: Takada Hiroo / sakkyoku: Inui Yūki
How about “Panda Usagi Koala,” a hand-play song that became widely popular thanks to NHK’s educational program Okaasan to Issho? The lyrics were written by Hiroo Takada, and the song is known for mimicking the movements of a panda, a rabbit, and a koala.
Its appeal also lies in the built-in variations and game-like elements, such as the gradually increasing tempo.
Adding brief explanations between sections—like “Let’s line them up!”—might make it even more fun.
[Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes (31–40)
Goodbye, ankoro mochi.
A playful wordplay centered on the traditional Japanese sweets “ankoro mochi” and “kinako,” imbued with the wish to meet again, leaves a strong impression.
By singing with hand games and gestures, it nurtures children’s creativity and communication skills.
In nursery schools and kindergartens, puppets are often used to perform it so that children can enjoy their farewell time.
Passed down for many years as a traditional song, this piece has been included in numerous childcare-related books and CDs as a teaching material that supports children’s emotional development.
It’s also a recommended song for parents and children to enjoy singing together while experiencing Japan’s traditional culture.
Bamboo shoots are sprouting.warabeuta
Through a traditional Japanese play song that evokes the arrival of spring, it gently wraps children’s hearts in warmth.
The key is choreography that engages the whole body—pressing both hands together above the head to show a sprout pushing up from the ground, or spreading both arms wide to mimic a flower in bloom.
The way it’s played varies slightly by region and has been passed down from parents to children.
It can be enjoyed not only as a hand game but also as a rock–paper–scissors game, making it popular among children in nursery schools and kindergartens.
Keeping rhythm while moving their hands and bodies, children naturally break into smiles.
This piece is a friendly song that eases the worries of children who feel anxious in new environments.
It is truly a perfect number for fostering children’s healthy growth and emotional richness.
Not bad, hoi! A children’s songwarabeuta
Traditional children’s songs that have been passed down for generations are still loved today as play that kids can fully enjoy for their rhythms, melodies, and ways to play.
With their relaxed, simple tempo and short length, they’re perfect for a little fun anytime—whether on your own or with friends.
You can add finger play or gestures, too.
It’s also nice to try playing with handmade props.
There are many possible arrangements, so there are countless ways to play.
Another charm is that they can be enjoyed together with older adults as well.
Animal Exercises 1-2-3Sakushi • Sakkyoku: Abe Naomi
A charming exercise song that lets kids joyfully move their bodies, taking inspiration from animal gestures.
It starts with a gentle rhythm and is packed with ideas that naturally make children want to move—jumping together to the music, swinging their arms wide—while helping develop their motor skills.
It has frequently been featured on popular preschool TV shows like NHK Educational’s “Inai Inai Baa!” and “Okaasan to Issho,” and covers by various artists have also drawn attention.
Perfect not only for sports days and morning exercise time, but also for celebrating Children’s Day with the whole family.
Spring came pop-pop-popsakushi: kozue hikari / sakkyoku: sako shinichirō
Why not sing together a refreshing song that evokes the arrival of spring? Created by Mr.
Komichi Hikari and Mr.
Shinichiro Sako, this piece features lyrics that make rhythmic hand-play fun.
The spring-themed lyrics spark children’s imaginations, and the bright melody naturally makes you want to hum along.
Since it incorporates clapping motions, it’s perfect for developing a sense of rhythm and teamwork.
Singing it at entrance ceremonies or spring events can help ease the nerves of children who are anxious about a new environment.
Be sure to sing it with your child and enjoy the coming of spring!