[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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- [For Seniors] February Songs You’ll Want to Hum: Enjoy Winter with Nostalgic Classics
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- Timeless songs you’ll want to listen to in February: winter songs and Valentine’s songs.
- Songs for January: Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs we want children to grow familiar with
- March nursery rhymes & hand play songs! Spring songs you can enjoy with your kids
- [Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
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- December children's songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes: fun winter hand-play songs
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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)
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?
Rural Wintersakkyoku: Shimazaki Akataro
“Winter in the Countryside” evokes a tranquil village scene set in winter.
It was published in 1931 in Shin Jinjo Shogaku Shoka (5).
The song depicts a cold, snowy morning, featuring rice paddies, tree branches, and sparrows in its lyrics.
When singing it in kindergarten or nursery school, preparing illustrations of the scenery is also recommended.
Its somewhat nostalgic melody conveys feelings of fond remembrance and poignancy.
It’s a children’s song perfectly suited to the cold season of winter, with spring just around the corner.
