[February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!
February brings Setsubun and the chant “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!” In nurseries and kindergartens, there are likely many chances to sing songs related to Setsubun.
But in fact, there are plenty of songs perfect for February beyond just Setsubun tunes! In this article, we introduce songs connected to February and children’s songs that are perfect for the harshly cold season.
Many of them can be sung with hand-play motions, so children are sure to enjoy them.
Please make use of them on days when it’s too cold to play outside or during music time.
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- Songs for January: Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs we want children to grow familiar with
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[February Songs] Introducing children’s songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs related to Setsubun and winter! (61–70)
Calendar MarchSakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako
This piece is a song packed with ideas that make learning the flow of the year fun.
From January to December, the lyrics weave in the characteristics and events of each month in a memorable way.
With a bright, lively march-style melody, it features a rhythm that makes it easy for children to sing along.
Since it was introduced on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in 1973, this piece has been loved by many children and their parents.
February is presented as the season when Adonis ramosa (Fukujusou) blooms.
On cold winter days or when spending time indoors, why not try singing it together with your child?
The Kitten’s BakerySakushi: Fuyumori Kayoko / Sakkyoku: Hayashi Akira
February 22 is considered Cat Day in Japan because 2-2-2 can be read as “nyan nyan nyan,” the sound of a cat’s meow.
A perfect fit for Cat Day is “The Kitten’s Bakery.” This song, which has also been aired on the children’s program “Okaasan to Issho,” depicts a kitten running a bakery, just as the title suggests.
However, the kitten only kneads the dough and completely forgets the baking step.
As a result, even when customers come to buy bread, there’s nothing to sell! It’s a delightfully quirky story-song.
It also plays on words by combining “koneko” (kitten) and “kone-ru” (to knead), making it fun for little children to sing along.
Snow DanceSakushi: Yui Keizō
Here is a fun winter song that can be played in ensemble on the recorder or sung as a round.
The melody is said to be based on the Czechoslovak folk tune “Týnom Tánom.” Keizo Yui wrote the lyrics to that melody.
It was once included in music textbooks, so many people may already know it.
It’s a cheerful song that uses onomatopoeia to mimic the sound of falling snow, but for those who are shoveling or clearing snow, it might not be such a welcome tune.
Mr. Penguin’s Mountain ClimbSakushi: Abe Naomi / Sakkyoku: Abe Naomi
The sight of adorable penguins sliding over the ice makes them a perfect motif for February, as birds of cold regions.
This is a light and playful hand game song that seems to capture a penguin’s movements.
You make a big mountain out of your arm and shoulder, then use your other hand, acting as the penguin, to climb the mountain.
At the end, you represent the penguin sliding down the mountain, evoking the charming everyday life of penguins.
After the penguin comes a polar bear, and it’s fun to contrast the difference in the weight and pressure of their steps, as depicted in the lyrics.
Momotaro defeats the ogres!
Momotaro is a classic folktale that everyone knows, and since it’s about defeating ogres, it’s a perfect story for February when Setsubun takes place.
This is a hand-play song that depicts Momotaro heading out to vanquish the ogres with his companions.
While expressing Momotaro’s strength, the ogres’ horns, and the appearances of the animal companions, it introduces the story of Momotaro.
In the original tale, a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant join him as his retainers, but it might be fun to arrange it with even stronger-looking animals.
Kocho-ko ChocogaagaaS
This is a hand-play song by gaagaaS, popular in childcare and early childhood settings.
The theme is Valentine’s Day, and it’s a fun piece featuring a wordplay that blends “kocho-kocho” (tickle-tickle) with “chocolate.” It includes suggested ways to play tailored to ages 0 to 2, so children can enjoy it according to their developmental stage.
The song is also available on YouTube and TikTok, and is loved by many childcare workers and parents.
As a fun, seasonal hand-play song, why not enjoy it with children around Valentine’s Day?
white friend(s)Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu
This is a warm, heartfelt song depicting a child eagerly awaiting the snowmelt.
Created by Osamu Sakata, it was broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in 2020.
The snow is personified as a “white friend,” tenderly expressing scenes of parting and reunion.
The lyrics, which are close to the hearts of young children, and the friendly melody are distinctive features.
The song evokes the transition from winter to spring, making it enjoyable for both adults and children.
It’s perfect for parents and kids to sing together, so why not hum along as a family and warm up on a cold day?