[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.
- Children’s songs for Hinamatsuri: A collection of songs everyone can sing together for the Doll Festival
- Hand-play songs to sing for Hinamatsuri. Songs everyone can enjoy.
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- Spring songs for people in their 60s: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells
- March nursery rhymes & hand play songs! Spring songs you can enjoy with your kids
- [February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!
- Recommended for cherry-blossom viewing season! Classic sakura songs and spring tunes
- Songs to Listen to on Children’s Day | A Curated Selection of Music for Tango no Sekku!
- Actually scary nursery rhymes. Children's songs that give you the chills once you understand their meaning
- Fun to dance! A roundup of recommended dance songs for young children, perfect for daycare and sports days
[Hinamatsuri Songs] A complete introduction to classic tracks for the Peach Festival and unexpected Hinamatsuri songs (11–20)
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.”
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).
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.
Hinamatsuri PrincessSakushi sakkyoku: Shinzawa Toshihiko
Experience what it feels like to become a hina doll with “Hinamatsuri Princess.” This song was created by Toshihiko Shinzawa—a lyricist, composer, and picture-book author known for many popular children’s songs.
Set to a poppy, cute melody that girls are sure to love, it expresses the hina-doll princess’s wish to celebrate Hinamatsuri in dazzling fashion all around the world.
March 3rd’s Hinamatsuri is a day when girls take center stage! Become a hina-doll princess, sing this song, and celebrate Hinamatsuri in grand style.