[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
- March nursery rhymes & hand play songs! Spring songs you can enjoy with your kids
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- Nursery rhymes to sing in spring: a collection of classic songs you'll want to sing with your children
- 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! (31–40)
Black Cat Tango (Original song: Volevo un gatto nero)Sakkyoku: Mario Pagāno
“Black Cat Tango” is a charming, humorous cat song composed by artist Mario Pagano.
In Japan, it became a huge hit when sung by Osamu Minagawa in 1969.
The piece portrays a black cat getting up to all sorts of mischief, set to the rhythmic music of tango.
With the tango’s signature emphatic accents and brisk tempo, it’s a tune that lifts your spirits just by listening.
February 22 is Cat Day in Japan, making this song a perfect way to deepen your fondness for felines.
Sing and dance to it with your family, and you’re sure to forget the winter chill and fill your home with warm smiles.
A Town Where It SnowsSakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao
Yuki no Furu Machi o is a slightly melancholic children’s song that depicts a town where cold snow falls.
First introduced in 1951 as an insert song for the radio drama Eriko to Tomo ni broadcast on NHK Radio, it has a long history.
It was later featured on Minna no Uta, which helped it gain wider recognition.
Winter’s chill has a way of making us feel lonelier and more desolate than in other seasons, stirring a bittersweet mood.
This subtly mature children’s song expresses the hope that such feelings will drift away with the cold winter wind as we move toward the warmth of spring.
Powdery snow konkoSakkyoku: Hirao Kishiō
Konayuki Konko evokes a scene of pure white powdery snow falling from the sky.
The lyrics were written by Toshiko Iijima, with music composed by Kishio Hirao.
The phrase “konko” is used at the end of lines, making the lyrics easy to remember.
Since the song as a whole is short, it’s also recommended for childcare settings.
It could be fun to create gestures or simple choreography to match words like “hands” or “apron.” It’s a perfect children’s song for the cold season in February—the height of winter.
Try singing it to the song’s relaxed tempo while gazing out the window at the snowy view.
Snow (Yuki ya Konko)Sakkyokusha: Fushō
When it snows, many people probably think of this song first! One of the most iconic children’s songs about snow, “Yuki” (Snow).
It warmly portrays the scene of snow piling up and how dogs and cats react differently when it snows.
Even though it’s cold outside, it somehow makes you feel cozy inside.
Snow can be a hassle for adults, but for children it’s fun even in the cold! It would be nice to sing this song and then go play in the snow when it piles up.
Ski SongSakkyoku: Hashimoto Kunihiko
In February, when the winter cold is especially severe and snow easily accumulates, it’s a season when many people enjoy skiing.
This piece of music captures the full joy of skiing, expressing the magnificent mountain vistas that unfold as you glide down the slopes.
It is often sung as a choral piece accompanied by piano, and the lively piano tones vividly convey the fun of skiing.
The lyrics depict gleaming white slopes and the sensation of slicing through the wind as you descend, evoking the refreshing feel of winter air rushing past.
[Songs for February] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs related to Setsubun and winter! (41–50)
MomotaroSakkyoku: Okano Teiichi
As a character associated with Setsubun, ogres (oni) are indispensable, aren’t they? When it comes to famous stories featuring oni, “Momotaro” comes to mind.
There’s a song with the same title, “Momotaro,” that tells the story of Momotaro.
This song has six verses and compactly covers the episodes from Momotaro leaving home, recruiting three animal companions, setting off to Onigashima to defeat the oni, and triumphantly returning.
Not many people may know all six verses, but since it lets you grasp the whole Momotaro tale at once, Setsubun is a great chance to listen to the entire song!
The Song of KonkonshyanSakkyoku: Yuyama Akira
Even if you try to be careful, it’s easy to catch a cold during the chilly winter, isn’t it? To prevent catching a cold—and to avoid passing it on to family and friends—masks are essential! But masks can feel a bit bothersome, and children in particular often don’t like wearing them.
That’s where the song “Konkon Kushan no Uta” can help change their attitude in a positive way.
It depicts various animals wearing masks suited to the size and shape of their faces, then sneezing and coughing.
As you listen, don’t you start to feel like wearing a cute mask that suits you, too?