Songs for January: Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs we want children to grow familiar with
When you hear “songs for January,” what kinds of tunes come to mind?
There are many, from those often sung in childcare settings and schools to classic pieces that have been loved in Japan for many years.
Here, we’ll introduce nursery rhymes and hand-play songs that you’ll want to enjoy with children in January.
Everyone has different experiences with the songs they’ve grown up with, so try talking about them with your family and friends.
You might even come across some songs for the first time.
These are all songs that can be enjoyed across generations and that we’d love to pass on to the children who will shape the next generation.
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[January Songs] Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs we want children to become familiar with (21–30)
little snow monkSakushi: Murayama Toshiko
@bombomacademy Yukinoko-bōzuHand games#Fingerplay SongWinter songnursery rhymeChildren's songChildren’s song#kidssong#Nursery school#Kindergarten#nurseryrhymes#japaneseculture#Bonbon AcademyIchinaruIcchi-naru
♫ Original Song – BonBon Academy – BonBon Academy
Let us introduce a song that likens snowflakes drifting down from the sky to cute little characters.
With lyrics by Toshiko Murayama, it humorously personifies snow as it falls onto roofs, slides, ponds, and more—only to melt away.
In fact, this song uses the same melody as the well-known hand-play tune “The Itomaki Song.” The melody is said to originate from a Danish folk song, and records show it was included in a Japanese songbook published in May 1957, indicating it has been sung for many years.
It has also become established as a play song with actions that match the lyrics, making it perfect for recreational activities in nurseries and kindergartens.
On a cold day, if you look out the window and sing it while moving your bodies together as a parent and child, it’s sure to warm both your hearts and bodies.
TroikaRoshia min’yō
A rhythm that seems to dash lightly through a snowy landscape feels like it could blow away the winter chill.
This piece is a delightful Russian folk song, evoking scenes of racing across a silver world and a melody where you can almost hear sleigh bells jingling.
In Japan, it has been loved for its cheerful character since around 1952, but locally it’s a historic song whose existence has been documented since about 1901.
After it was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in December 1961, it appeared in music textbooks and has continued to be cherished across generations.
Its exhilarating tempo makes it perfect for ringing bells and playing together with children, or singing indoors as if you were on a sleigh ride! How about humming this classic tune with your family—a song that warms you up even on a cold day?
Ticotin, the winter fairySakushi / Sakkyoku: Suzuki Tsubasa
Do you know a perfect song for parent-child bonding that warms the heart in the cold season? It’s a play song you can enjoy with tickling games while imagining a winter fairy casting magic.
Move your body to the mysterious, magical-sounding words, and you might just forget the cold.
Created by Tsubasa Suzuki and Kazuto Ozawa, this piece is included on the album “Arigatou no Aoi Sora [Blue],” released in June 2016.
Packed with playfulness in a short track, it’s handy for kicking off activities at nurseries and kindergartens, or for filling small pockets of time.
Tickling play that brings out children’s laughter is also perfect for indoor fun on chilly days, don’t you think?
fluffy snowteasobi
Here’s a unique hand-play song that’s perfect for the winter season, letting you enjoy the chill of snow and delicious food all at once! “Fluffy Fluffy Snow” is a tune where you gather the snow falling from the sky and, keeping the rhythm, make an adorable snowman.
The playful lyrics, which imagine parts like the eyes and mouth as mandarins and strawberries, spark children’s imaginations.
Released in May 2019 as a hand-play activity recipe, the song spread through word of mouth in childcare settings and via videos, and has become widely used as an introduction to winter craft activities.
If you turn it into a panel theater activity, you can have fun creating all kinds of expressions with the children, and it also helps them learn the names of vegetables and fruits! How about keeping warm indoors during the cold season while everyone sings and plays together?
The Song of KonkonshyanSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira
This is a song that evokes winter and was also sung on NHK’s educational program “Okaasan to Issho.” In the title “Konkonkushan no Uta,” konkon represents coughing and kushan represents sneezing.
The cute lyrics go on: when a squirrel wears a mask, it’s a small mask; when a crane wears a mask, it’s a long mask; when a pig wears a mask, it’s a round mask…
It’s a perfect song for teaching children the importance of cold prevention, such as handwashing and gargling.
Imagining each animal’s distinctive mask somehow puts you in a cheerful mood.
A Morning of Steamsakushi: mado michio / sakkyoku: noritake akihiko
When winter comes and the air is cold, when you exhale with a whoosh, your breath turns white like steam, right? This song playfully compares that steam to the smoke of a steam locomotive.
It’s a cheerful children’s song that encourages finding fun outdoors and playing energetically even in the cold winter—just listening to it lifts your spirits.
Snow and ChildrenSakushi: Komori Jun’ichi / Sakkyoku: Noruwē min’yō
It’s said to be a Norwegian children’s song, but the original title and lyrics are unknown.
Combined with its slightly melancholic melody, it also sounds somewhat mysterious.
The lyrics were written by children’s author Jun’ichi Kobayashi, and it has long been featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” The content of the lyrics evokes Norway in Northern Europe: “No matter how much snow falls, it’s okay, because snow is my best friend.” Though both the first and second verses are short, just three lines each, they convey to listeners the beauty and joy of a snowy country.
If you haven’t heard it yet, please do!