[Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes collection

Wonderful dadSakushi sakkyoku: Maeda Keiko

Lovely Daddy [Song] Lyrics and Music: Keiko Maeda

A song characterized by a warm melody and simple, down-to-earth rhythm.

It’s written in a range that’s easy for children to sing, and its affectionate lyrics resonate with the heart.

Released in May 2009, the piece has been included in compilation albums of children’s songs, and various creators have released arranged versions as well.

It’s a perfect song for cherished family moments at home, for singing time in nurseries and kindergartens, and for Father’s Day events—any occasion that celebrates family.

Spring came pop-pop-popsakushi: kozue hikari / sakkyoku: sako shinichirō

♪ Pon pon pon, spring has come ♪

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!

DenderaryubaNagasaki-ken warabe uta

Denderaryuba

Do you know the children’s song “Denderaryūba”? It’s a slightly complex and fun hand game.

The lyrics have a mysterious sound, almost like a regional dialect, and in fact this nursery rhyme comes from Nagasaki Prefecture.

Along with the chant-like lyrics, the hand motions are also curious and intricate.

In time with the song, you rhythmically change combinations of your knuckles, thumbs, and index fingers on the palm of your other hand.

Start slowly to get used to it, and once you can move smoothly, gradually pick up the pace.

If you can make it through without any mistakes, it’s sure to feel very satisfying.

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chacha jarwarabeuta

[Hand Game] Chachatsubo Chatsubo — Recommended for Kindergartens, Nursery Schools, and Teaching Practicums!

Introducing a hand game that will leave your head and body in a total muddle when you keep playing.

It’s a traditional children’s hand game performed while singing “Cha-cha-tsubo Cha-tsubo,” moving both hands to match the lyrics.

You switch back and forth in time with the song between one hand shaped like a tea jar and the other hand acting as the lid—almost like brain training.

This hand game that tangles up your thoughts gets everyone excited when you play it together.

Once it starts, you can’t help but think, “Alright, I’m not going to mess up this time!” It gets even more fun if you start slow and gradually speed up the tempo.

Let’s play it with everyone like a game.

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Let’s clap our handssakushi: kobayashi jun’ichi/genkyoku: cheko minyō

Let's Clap Our Hands – Let's clap our hands, tan-tan-tan, tan-tan-tan~ [Hand Play / Children's Song]

This warm song expresses joy beginning with the simple act of clapping, naturally resonating with children’s hearts.

With Japanese lyrics by Junichi Kobayashi set to a Czech folk melody, it features an easy-to-remember tune and friendly words, and is often sung in nursery schools and kindergartens.

It has also been featured on NHK educational programs and in collections of children’s songs, remaining beloved across generations.

Because the clapping motion helps develop a sense of rhythm and motor skills, it serves not only as a tool for parent-child communication but is also an ideal piece for recreational activities in senior care facilities.

One, two, three, four, two, five

One, two, three, four, two, five

This traditional children’s song, beloved across generations, features a simple way to play: sing rhythmic number phrases while raising and bending your fingers.

It has been featured on NHK’s children’s program Nihongo de Asobo and is popular on video-sharing sites.

The piece has been carried forward in new forms by contemporary artists such as dmg’s “Ichi Ni San Shi” and Gen Hoshino’s “Ichi Ni San.” It’s a fun song you can enjoy with parents or friends while nurturing finger dexterity and a sense of rhythm.

The fish jumps.

The Fish Jumps [Hand Play] Lyrics and Music: Hirotaka Nakagawa — Great for daycare and kindergarten practicums too! A summer hand game that’s fun even when you change the speed ✨

A refreshing hand game! Let me share some ideas for “Sakana ga Hanete” (Fish Jumping).

When you think of summer, many people probably imagine watersides like rivers and the sea, right? This is a unique fish-themed hand game you’ll want to use before fish-related crafts or dances.

Before starting the game, it could be fun to ask the children how they would react if a fish suddenly jumped—boing!—out of the water.

In this playful activity, fish hop onto different parts of the body and stick there, then keep transforming one after another—such a unique hand game!