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 Hand-Clapping Songs We’d Like Children to Enjoy (31–40)
Even Kaze-san.Sakushi: Shibayama Kaoru / Sakkyoku: Satō Hachirō
Composed by Yoshinao Nakada, with lyrics by Kaoru Shibayama and supplementary lyrics by Hachiro Sato.
Nakada and Sato left behind many children’s songs, including “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” and “Medaka no Gakko.” This piece is a song about the wind that lets us truly feel the presence of Wind-san, who is usually invisible.
How about singing it with your child in a warm room during a chilly January when the north wind is blowing hard? Even though you can’t see it, the wind can have hands, a mouth, and eyes—this nursery song nurtures a child’s imagination.
The gentle, slow melody makes it even more fun if you add hand motions and express it together as you sing.
Light of FirefliesSakushi: Inagaki Chisaki / Sakkyoku: Sukottorando min’yō
For Japanese people, a song that feels especially familiar as a graduation ceremony piece is Hotaru no Hikari.
Its original melody is the Scottish folk song Auld Lang Syne, but Japanese lyrics were added so it could be used as a school song.
Even if you’ve had chances to hear the tune, the lyrics are written in classical Japanese, which can make them a bit hard to approach.
Why not take this opportunity to listen to it with your children, savoring the beauty of the old-fashioned Japanese lyrics?
Winter ConstellationSakushi: Horiuchi Keizō / Sakkyoku: Heisu
“Winter Constellations” is a classic song with lyrics by Keizo Horiuchi, included in the 1947 textbook Middle School Music.
It is a Japanese rendition of the 1871 popular song “Darling Nelly Gray,” composed by William Hays, but instead of a sweet love song, the lyrics beautifully depict the winter constellations.
The melody feels as if it were born for these words—warm and tender.
In 2007, it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Noted Songs, attesting to its beauty and renown.
Listening to the original tune makes its charm all the more palpable.
As the cold days continue, try singing Winter Constellations to warm both your heart and body.
hometownSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi
The well-known classic song “Furusato,” which also appears in music textbooks, is a familiar favorite.
Its lyrics evoke the charm of traditional Japanese countryside scenery.
Because the song uses classical language, it might feel a bit difficult for children.
In such cases, teachers and guardians can explain the meanings in a way children can understand while guiding them into the world of the lyrics.
Becoming familiar with traditional Japanese music can also give children a valuable opportunity to experience beautiful Japanese language.
A Town Where It SnowsSakushi: Uchimura Naoya / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao
When it comes to winter traditions, “Yuki no Furu Machi o” (A Snowy Town) beautifully depicts a cityscape blanketed in snow.
This song has been covered by many singers, and among them, the version performed by actress-singer Chieko Baisho is especially beloved.
Set against the snowy scenery of Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture, the piece evokes the spirit of the season.
Its melody is easy to remember, making it fun to sing along with children, which is why it’s cherished in many households as a winter song.
Though the season is cold, let this song warm both your heart and body.
Be sure to sing it together with your children and create wonderful winter memories.
[January Songs] Nursery Rhymes and Hand-Clapping Songs We Want Children to Enjoy (41–50)
Snowball fightSakushi / Sakkyoku: Fushou
Speaking of the cold winter season, there are times when snow piles up.
This song depicts children enjoying a classic winter pastime: a snowball fight.
The sky is clear, and the scene shows a landscape blanketed in snow; after that, the lyrics focus on the snowball fight itself.
What stands out is the use of vivid, intense language to portray the heated battle, conveying how seriously the children are engaged.
It also feels like a reminder that it’s important to throw yourself wholeheartedly into play as well.
[Hand Play Song] Nikuman Anman
![[Hand Play Song] Nikuman Anman](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RdWSRMNFaTM/sddefault.jpg)
Let us introduce the hand-play song “Nikuman Anman,” a simple tune you can enjoy with easy lyrics and choreography.
The theme is nikuman (meat buns) and anman (sweet red bean buns), foods you crave in the cold winter.
Its key point is a familiar, easy-to-remember melody.
The original tune is a French folk song, the same melody as “Guu Choki Paa de Nani Tsukuro” (“What Shall We Make with Rock, Paper, Scissors?”), so many of you have probably heard it before.
Not only do various kinds of Chinese steamed buns make an appearance, but each has an adorable choreography as well.
You’re sure to smile at the charming performances of the cute children.