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

A Demon Parent and Child

Fingerplay Song 'Oni no Oyako' (with lyrics version)

This piece focuses on oni—often portrayed as villains—within Setsubun, a major event in February.

The lyrics feature an oni parent and child, expressing differences such as the size of their horns and the lightning they unleash.

It begins with the child oni’s small horns and tiny lightning, then unfolds to depict the father and mother with large, powerful presences.

From there, it might be interesting to imagine other family members as well.

With its light, lively movement, this music could also serve as a friendly introduction to oni.

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kappamaki

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While Oni is awaywarabeuta

While Oni is away

Speaking of Setsubun, bean-throwing—driving away oni, which symbolize evil—is essential, isn’t it? This is a children’s song that depicts preparing for the bean-throwing while the oni aren’t around.

The lyrics express the scene of roasting beans while the oni are away and the crackling sound of the beans ringing out.

Shaking the container to check the sound of the beans is also an important point, and it naturally connects to movement activities like swaying the body.

Using a shaker filled with real beans is recommended, as you can enjoy the sound while clearly conveying the mood of the song.

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Winter Song (Original: Bulgarian Folk Song)Sakkyoku: Furisto Nejarukofu

Winter Song ♪ Haiya haiya, scattering the sound of bells across the meadow — Japanese lyrics by Tomoko Nakayama, composed by Hristo Nezhalkov

Here is the children’s song that was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1971.

It uses a piece composed by Bulgarian musician Hristo Nedyalkov as the original, with lyrics translated by Tomoko Nakayama, a translator and children’s literature author.

Nedyalkov served as the conductor of the Bulgarian National Sofia Boys and Girls Choir, and he is said to have visited Japan as well.

With its lively melody and onomatopoeia preserved from the original, it’s a delightful song that makes you feel as if you can hear a sleigh gliding across a snowy field.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Ogre’s HornsSakkyoku: Kutsuna Mika

Oni no Tsuno [Hand Play Song]: Recommended for Setsubun in February

This song was created as part of a eurhythmics (rhythmic education) program to warm children’s hearts during the chilly month of February.

It features a lively rhythm and playfully inventive melody, designed to help children enjoy and grow familiar with music.

Listening to it may bring back nostalgic memories of bean-throwing festivities at nursery schools and kindergartens.

It’s perfect not only for eurhythmics and music classes, but also for parents and children to enjoy at home.

Dance and sing with energy, and let’s get through the cold winter together.

chocolateSakkyoku: Kutsuna Mika

Chocolate [hand play song]: Recommended for February Valentine’s Day

When you listen to this song, sweet memories of Valentine’s Day come flooding back, don’t they? The track crafted by Mika Katsuna beautifully captures both the sweetness of chocolate and the bittersweetness of love.

Set to a rhythmic melody, it feels as if the feelings of someone in love have been turned directly into lyrics.

Released on February 28, 2023, this piece is perfect for the Valentine’s season.

Just by listening, both those giving and receiving chocolate are sure to feel their hearts race with excitement.

It’s a heartwarming song that’s perfect for enjoying February festivities—be sure to give it a listen.

hail (small hailstones)Sakkyoku: Yanagida Tadashi

Arare (♪ Kon kon kon kon, hail is falling) by Himawari 🌻 with lyrics | Children's song |

This is a children’s song that charmingly portrays arare—hail, a wintertime tradition in Japan.

Born in the 1920s, the song uses onomatopoeia like “konkon” and “parari” to depict the sound of hail falling, delighting children’s playful imaginations.

Its lively rhythm and bright melody instantly conjure up the scene of hail coming down.

It’s widely loved in schools and music education, and is often sung in preschools and kindergartens during the winter season.

It might also be nice to sing it with your family on a cold day while looking out the window.

Yuki said they like rain boots.Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

Yuki Likes Galoshes [Children’s Song] Lyrics: Yoshiko Kayama / Music: Akira Yuyama

Composed by Akira Yuyama, this piece is a charming children’s song that depicts the joyful scenes of kids on a snowy day.

The lyrics weave in images of them hopping around in boots and feeling the chill of the snow, conjuring up a winter landscape just by listening.

Its lively rhythm and friendly melody make it easy for children to remember, making it perfect for music activities in preschools and kindergartens.

Listening to this song might even make you look forward to playing outside, even in the cold season.