[Hinamatsuri Songs] A roundup of classic Girls’ Day tunes and unexpected Hinamatsuri tracks
March 3 is Hinamatsuri, the Doll Festival, when we pray for girls’ healthy growth.
Because it coincides with the season when peach blossoms bloom in the old lunar calendar, it is also called the “Peach Festival.” Speaking of Hinamatsuri songs, the children’s song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri” is famous.
Many people might not be able to think of any others, but in fact, there are more songs that celebrate Hinamatsuri.
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of Hinamatsuri songs.
If “Ureshii Hinamatsuri” is the only one you know, take this opportunity to give the others a listen.
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[Hinamatsuri Songs] A roundup of classic tunes for the Peach Festival and unexpected Hinamatsuri tracks (1–10)
Here are the Hina dolls.Sakushi: Kayama Yoshiko/Shokyoku: Komori Akihiro
“Ohinasama, Here You Go” is a song that invites a gentle feeling of offering seasonal items to the Hina dolls in time with the repeated phrase “douzo” (“here you go”).
The lyrics are by Mikiko Kayama, a children’s literature author born in 1928, and the music is by Akihiro Komori, known for songs such as “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” (Itomaki no Uta).
The lyrics are charming, as if handing over peach blossoms and arare rice crackers one by one, and it culminates in a heartwarming turn where you show them a picture you drew yourself.
Released to the world through a sheet music collection in April 1998, this piece has long been sung at Hina Matsuri events in nursery schools and kindergartens.
It’s also beloved as a hand-play song, making it perfect for singing with small children while enjoying the gestures.
This year on the Peach Festival, be sure to try a parent–child mimic game together.
Peach blossoms of the Doll Festival
A song that lets you fully feel the festive atmosphere of the Doll’s Festival, featuring a parade of familiar decorations like peach blossoms—an essential for the occasion—Hina dolls, folding screens, and bonbori lanterns.
It’s a piece that has been lovingly passed down more through recordings like CDs than sheet music, and you can hear it on albums such as “Hinamatsuri ★ Koinobori: Best of Spring Songs,” released in February 2017.
It’s perfect not only for Hinamatsuri parties but also as BGM for events during the graduation and school-entry season.
As you savor the gentle arrival of spring, enjoy a wonderful Hinamatsuri filled with smiles together with this song.
The Five-Musician Band Song
When it comes to Hinamatsuri, the main stars are the hina dolls, but why not also pay attention to the lively Gonin Bayashi who brighten the scene around them? Composed by Akira Yuyama, this piece is a cheerful festive song that introduces children to a five-member ensemble modeled after the hayashikata of Noh theater in an easy-to-understand way.
Its light rhythm and traditional Japanese atmosphere blend harmoniously, giving it a brightness that makes you want to start moving.
This song is also beloved as a standard at Hinamatsuri events in nursery schools and kindergartens.
It’s easy to learn in a short time and may be the perfect way for children to get a taste of Japan’s traditional culture.
[Hinamatsuri Songs] A complete introduction to classic tracks for the Peach Festival and unexpected Hinamatsuri songs (11–20)
Happy Hinamatsuridōyō
When it comes to classic Hinamatsuri songs, this is the one that immediately comes to mind! It’s been sung for so long that just about everyone knows it, right? It’s said that this song was written around 1935, when poet and children’s songwriter Hachirō Satō composed it after giving a set of Hina dolls to his daughter.
Beyond this song, Satō left us with many familiar tunes for Japanese people, such as “Ringo no Uta” (The Apple Song).
Hinamatsuri (Peach Festival/Girls’ Day)Hirai Eiko
It’s a Hinamatsuri song that’s hard to know unless you’re someone who enthusiastically digs into old prewar children’s songs or an elderly person, but it’s one I’d really like people to get to know.
Sung by Eiko Hirai, who was a popular children’s song vocalist from the Taisho era through the early Showa period, and composed by the renowned composer Shimpei Nakayama, “Hinamatsuri” was released on record in 1929.
Originally, it seems two different melodies were set to lyrics by Atsushi Umino, and the Nakayama version is the better known of the two.
Its somewhat wistful melody, which evokes a nostalgic image of Japanese festival scenes, has something in common with “Ureshii Hinamatsuri.”
The Dreaming Hina DollsKeroponzu
Keropons, the musical duo made up of Hiroko Masuda (aka Kero-chan) and Akiko Hirata (aka Pon-chan), was formed in 1999 and creates children’s play songs and more.
While energetically touring nationwide, they’ve released a wealth of kids’ music and exercise routines, and have even performed at the Fuji Rock Festival for six consecutive years.
Their Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Day) song “Yumemiru Ohinasama” is one such work.
It’s included on the 2021 omnibus CD “Ichinenju Asoberu Kodomo Mesen no Shin Gyouji Song & BGM” (“New Event Songs & BGM from a Child’s Perspective You Can Enjoy All Year”).
The lyrics charmingly and uniquely express the girlish feelings of the Hina dolls.
Take this opportunity to listen to this delightfully unconventional Hina Matsuri song!
Hina dollsSakushi Sakkyoku: Nihon Kyōiku Ongaku Kyōkai
Ohinasama is a Hinamatsuri song that vividly brings to mind rows of hina dolls just by singing it.
Created by the Japan Educational Music Association, which uses music to foster development in young children, the song’s lyrics feature the hina dolls and decorations displayed on the tiered stand.
Simply listening to the song lets you quickly understand which dolls are arranged on each tier.
It’s very short and easy to remember, so even small children can sing it right away! You can also enjoy it as a hand-play song, so be sure to try it during Hinamatsuri.
