A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes—songs that make you feel happy when you sing them.

When the Dock (Japanese knotweed) blooms

Children’s song: When Sorrel Blooms (Skampo no Saku Koro) — Lyrics by Hakushū Kitahara, Music by Kōsaku Yamada

Let me introduce “When the Dock Blooms,” a song with a gentle melody and a bright tempo.

It’s a song about a flower called sukanpo (dock) that blooms in spring.

This warm children’s song evokes nostalgia, depicting children playing happily and energetically in the fields.

Because it includes repeated phrases that help you feel the season, even children around two years old can enjoy joining in.

Of course, it’s also a soothing piece for babies from 0 years old to listen to.

Be sure to try singing it with your children.

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Ms. Himawari

Himawari-san by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics | Summer Children's Song |

Sunflowers, with their large yellow blossoms facing the sun, are uplifting just to look at, aren’t they? How about singing this sunflower-themed song, “Himawari-san,” together with the children? Its slow, gentle melody is easy to get familiar with, and the many repeated lyrics make it simple even for younger kids to remember—one of its charms.

When everyone sings, try forming a sunflower shape with both hands or stretching tall and singing up toward the sky; it’s a great way to nurture children’s expressive skills, so it’s highly recommended.

If you sing with big smiles and lots of energy, their hearts and bodies may grow quickly—just like summer sunflowers!

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (with gestures)

Hand play with a song everyone knows! Let’s introduce “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” It’s also one of the songs often sung as a lullaby.

How about incorporating it into your activities as a hand play this time? Imagine your palms as stars and express the sparkling, shining stars.

The choreography is easy to understand and doesn’t have any complex movements, so it seems enjoyable from infant to preschool classes.

Try adding “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to eurhythmics, morning meetings, or closing circles.

The stars are good friendsboku to kimi.

[July/Tanabata Star Hand Play] The Stars Are Good Friends ≪Must Read≫ If you use it in childcare, be sure to check the description below ↓ Lyrics/Composition: Boku to Kimi.

Let’s have fun with a fingerplay! Introducing “Ohoshisama wa Nakayoshi.” This is a great idea for anyone looking for fingerplay activities that match the season or special events.

“Ohoshisama wa Nakayoshi” is a unique fingerplay where you use your palms as stars while you play.

The rhythm is pleasant and the tempo is gentle, so it can be enjoyed by a wide range of children, from infants to preschoolers.

The lyrics are cute too, so try singing and playing together with the kids.

It also works well as an introduction before a Tanabata craft activity!

little starSakushi: Tsuzuki Masuyo / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma

[Children’s Song] Oh Star (with Lyrics) – Original: Lyrics by Masuyo Tsuzuki, Music by Ikuma Dan / July – Tanabata / Singing with Piano Accompaniment

Let me introduce the well-loved song “Ohoshi-sama” (The Little Star).

Stars seem to twinkle brightly, don’t they? Have you ever thought about what that sparkle might represent? If you ask children, they’ll likely give you delightfully interesting answers.

The lyrics—suggesting that the stars are shining because they’re chatting with one another—are cute and unique, aren’t they? Planning some choreography together with the children would be a fun activity too.

By all means, try incorporating “Ohoshi-sama”!

Zebra Swirl

[NHK E-TV] Zebra Guruguru / With Mother (covered by UtaSta) Japanese Children’s Song, Nursery Rhymes

The rhythmic and fun “Zebra Swirl” also features lyrics that are easy for children to remember.

Let’s sing along to the cute, rhythmic words.

The repeated phrases may match the zebra’s stripes and the song’s background, capturing children’s attention.

Try singing to the rhythm while feeling the melody’s lively yet somehow nostalgic vibe.

You might broaden the fun by first asking, “What around us looks like stripes?” and then singing the song.

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Ganbarappa☆Ganbarūn

Song: Ganbarappa☆Ganbaruun <with choreography> [Children’s Song, Nursery Rhyme, Hand Play, Kids, Dance] Japanese Children’s Song, Nursery Rhymes

“Gambarappa☆Gambarūn” is an uplifting song that gives you energy in the summer.

Its rhythmic melody and lyrics make it really charming.

You’ll feel more energized as you sing, so try singing along with some hand claps.

For older and middle kindergarteners, it’s also recommended to use instruments like castanets to make it even more fun.

On hot days when playing outside isn’t possible, using instruments while enjoying the song can help the children feel more united and have an even better time together.

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