Nursery rhymes I want to sing in July: fun summer songs

Jellyfish Puwarin

Kurage no Puwarin [Peek-a-boo • Song • Nursery Rhyme • Children’s Song] Animation / Japanese song

A popular song from NHK’s children’s program “Inai Inai Baa!” The lyrics vividly describe jellyfish drifting through the sea with the phrase “puwarin puwarin.” Through encounters with sea creatures like sea anemones and whales, the song conveys a message that nurtures curiosity about nature and living things.

Its lively rhythm and friendly melody are designed to make it fun and easy for children to sing along.

At the end of the song, there’s a scene where the jellyfish soar into the sky, evoking a sense of anticipation for a new adventure.

Released in 2014, it is widely known as a fan favorite within the show.

Singing it while imagining the cool, refreshing world of the ocean on a hot summer day might be a great way to lift your spirits.

natto

Natto (hand play)

One of the hand-play songs popular with children at daycares and kindergartens is “Natto.” The lyrics feature everything from small natto to big natto, and kids play by twirling their hands as if mixing natto and stretching both hands as if pulling sticky threads.

It’s a very simple song with easy movements, so even little ones can learn it quickly and have fun.

July 10 is “Natto Day,” so if you’re looking for a hand-play song for July, this one is recommended.

Many children love natto, so they’re sure to get into it and play enthusiastically!

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sasashina

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It’s starting! (Summer ver.)

[Hand Play] It's Starting! Summer Version — Recommended for Kindergartens, Daycare Centers, and Practicums!

This song builds a sense of anticipation, as if something is about to begin.

It’s a fingerplay that transforms your hand into different things using one to five fingers.

If you do this fingerplay before starting an activity and end with “hands on your lap,” it helps children settle into a quiet, listening posture.

In this video, “Hajimaruyo” is in a summer version, so the hand shapes turn into various summer-themed items, making it perfect for helping children learn words associated with summer.

It’s also fun to come up with your own original choreography.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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School of Medaka

Medaka no Gakkō – The school of ricefish is in the river ~ (with gestures) [Japanese song / shoka]

This song uses the unique onomatopoeic expression “tsui-tsui” to depict medaka fish swimming leisurely.

The lyrics liken a school of medaka in the river to students and a teacher, sparking children’s imaginations.

First broadcast in March 1951 on an NHK program for young children, it has been beloved by many ever since.

In 1952, a record featuring a performance by Aiko Anzai received the Arts Festival Award.

On a hot summer day, singing it while picturing medaka gliding through a cool river is sure to refresh both body and mind.

Why not sing it together as a family and appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of living creatures?

From inside the cabbage

[Hand Play] From Inside the Cabbage <With Movements> [Takashi’s Hand Play & Children’s Songs] Japanese Children’s Song, Finger Play Songs

A recommended hand-play song for kids: “From Inside the Cabbage.” The creature that comes out of the cabbage is a caterpillar.

For people who grow vegetables it’s a pest, but many children like them since they turn into butterflies when they grow up.

During summer vacation, some kids may have observed a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.

In this song, a family of caterpillars appears, and at the end they become butterflies.

It’s a simple, easy-to-remember song, and there’s a hand-play routine using both hands—so be sure to give it a try!

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