[February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!

Yakiimo goo-choki-pasakushi: sakata hiroo / sakkyoku: yamamoto naozumi

[Sing-Along Anime] Yakiimo Goo-Chokii-Paa (Sung by Icchi & Naru) - Baked Sweet Potatoes, Baked Sweet Potatoes, My Stomach Goes Growl ~♫

When the season comes that makes you crave piping-hot roasted sweet potatoes, this is the classic fingerplay song to enjoy with children.

With lyrics by Hiroo Sakata and music by Naosumi Yamamoto, it’s a children’s song full of humor and warmth.

Included on a CD released in February 2006, it has long been loved as a winter staple.

It’s also been sung on TV programs such as NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” and its playful structure that incorporates rock-paper-scissors movements is part of its charm.

Perfect for chilly days when you can’t play outside or as a fun moment before snack time.

Why not get everyone moving with energy while miming the gestures of eating tasty sweet potatoes? If you face off with the teacher or friends in the final round, the whole classroom will be filled with smiles!

Moku-moku fuyuunSakkyoku: Byūtifuru Hamingubādo

Moku-Moku Fuyuun — Together with Mother — Song of January 2018

This is a song that gently conveys a soft winter atmosphere.

Its melody is calm, and together with lyrics that evoke winter scenery, it creates a heartwarming world.

Broadcast as the monthly song for January 2018 on NHK Educational TV’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it features a tender, acoustic sound.

It’s perfect not only for singing at preschool, but also for cozy family time during the cold season or for basking in a warm feeling while watching the falling snow.

You’ll sense both the quiet and the warmth of winter.

Bean bean bean throwingSakkyoku: boku to kimi.

[February Setsubun Oni Hand Play] Mame Mame Mame-maki ≪Must Read≫ If using in childcare, check the description below. Lyrics/Composition: Boku to Kimi.

Songs that celebrate the fun of bean-throwing bring back memories of Setsubun at nurseries and kindergartens, don’t they? Since its release in January 2018, this piece has been used in many childcare settings, and its lyrics include the chant “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” (“Demons out, fortune in”), which instantly conjures up images of children earnestly tossing beans.

There are other songs themed around Setsubun, but this one just warms your heart when you hear it.

As a song that caregivers and parents and children can enjoy together, it will surely be loved for a long time.

Forest Soup ShopSakkyoku: Ike Tsuyoshi

[Children’s Song] The Forest Soup Shop

Set in a soup shop deep in the forest, this warm-hearted song depicts animals gathering to joyfully make soup together.

Its lyrics, which convey the blessings of nature, the value of cooperation with friends, and the fun of cooking, resonate deeply with children.

The piece was released in June 1995 as the B-side to Yoko Ishida’s single “Choppiri Chef Kibun.” Takeshi Ike’s light, friendly melody is structured so that children can easily sing and dance along.

It’s a wonderful song that supports children’s growth, perfect for preschool and kindergarten performances as well as for use in family food education at home.

TroikaNEW!Roshia min’yō

Troika (winter nursery rhyme / school song)

A rhythm that seems to dash lightly through a snowy landscape feels like it could blow away the winter chill.

This piece is a delightful Russian folk song, evoking scenes of racing across a silver world and a melody where you can almost hear sleigh bells jingling.

In Japan, it has been loved for its cheerful character since around 1952, but locally it’s a historic song whose existence has been documented since about 1901.

After it was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in December 1961, it appeared in music textbooks and has continued to be cherished across generations.

Its exhilarating tempo makes it perfect for ringing bells and playing together with children, or singing indoors as if you were on a sleigh ride! How about humming this classic tune with your family—a song that warms you up even on a cold day?

I like winter.Sakkyoku: Shibuya Takeshi

Winter Is Nice (Okaasan to Issho) - Sung by NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

This warm-hearted song depicts children enjoying the winter chill.

You can almost picture everyone gathering around a hot pot after coming in from the cold.

Composed by Takeshi Shibuya, the piece was released in January 1995.

It was broadcast on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho” and has been beloved for many years.

Centered on finding joy even in the cold of winter and sharing heartwarming moments with others, it’s also hugely popular as a winter song in nursery schools and kindergartens.

It’s perfect for singing with family and friends on chilly days.

Brr!Sakkyoku: boku to kimi.

[January February Winter Hand Play] Brrr brrr! ≪Must Read≫ Tips and variations for use in childcare are listed in the description below ↓ Lyrics/Composition: Boku to Kimi.

Beloved as a perfect fingerplay song for the cold winter, this piece lets children sing happily while moving their bodies.

Its lyrics express the feeling of shivering from the cold, paired with matching motions, and it was created with use in nurseries and kindergartens in mind.

It is reportedly sung during childcare activities and concerts, and is widely enjoyed.

February, when cold winter days continue, is a season with more time spent indoors.

Singing and dancing to this song with children during that time will make it fun and help warm up their bodies.