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Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[Children’s Songs for June] Fun finger-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes perfect for the rainy season

The rainy season makes you long for summer.

When it rains day after day, many children make teru-teru bozu and wish, “Please be sunny!”

Precisely because it’s a time when it’s hard to play outside as much as you’d like, why not have fun by singing children’s songs and hand-play songs together?

In this article, we’ll introduce children’s songs and hand-play songs that are perfect for June, the month of the rainy season.

We’ve selected a wide range, from famous songs like “Katatatsumuri” (Snail) to hand-play favorites popular with children in nursery schools and kindergartens.

Let’s change our perspective and turn a rainy day into a fun one!

[June Nursery Rhymes] Fun Hand-Play Songs and Traditional Children's Songs Perfect for the Rainy Season (11–20)

Wonderful dadSakushi sakkyoku: Maeda Keiko

Lovely Daddy [Song] Lyrics and Music: Keiko Maeda
Wonderful dadSakushi sakkyoku: Maeda Keiko

A song characterized by a warm melody and simple, down-to-earth rhythm.

It’s written in a range that’s easy for children to sing, and its affectionate lyrics resonate with the heart.

Released in May 2009, the piece has been included in compilation albums of children’s songs, and various creators have released arranged versions as well.

It’s a perfect song for cherished family moments at home, for singing time in nurseries and kindergartens, and for Father’s Day events—any occasion that celebrates family.

Are you good at brushing your teeth?Sakushi: Enoki Fujio / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako

Are You Good at Brushing Your Teeth? / With Mother (Covered by UtaSta) [Make Brushing Fun!]
Are you good at brushing your teeth?Sakushi: Enoki Fujio / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako

This is an adorable song designed to make toothbrushing time fun.

Featured on the NHK educational program “Okaasan to Issho,” it has been beloved since the 1980s, with a bright, lighthearted melody that stands out.

Its upbeat tempo naturally makes children want to move, and within the show it has become established as the cue for brushing teeth.

With lyrics and choreography that make everyday habits like handwashing and toothbrushing enjoyable, it’s sure to capture children’s interest.

Just like on the show, it’s also recommended as a signal to start toothbrushing time at home.

Banana Parent and ChildSakushi: Seki Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako

Banana Parent and Child [Song Mom and Dad] Together with Mother Children's Song Hand Play
Banana Parent and ChildSakushi: Seki Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako

A simple song depicting a parent-and-child pair of bananas living on a southern island.

Its gentle melody conveys the bond between parent and child, and the rhythmic, easy-to-remember lyrics leave a strong impression.

After airing on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in 1982, it was included on the albums “Okaasan to Issho Memorial Album” and “NHK Okaasan to Issho 40 Years: Best 100 Songs,” winning the hearts of many.

With its bright, cheerful rhythm, it’s a song you can move your body to while singing, making it perfect for indoor fun even on rainy days.

Ideal for singing with family, or with friends at daycare or kindergarten.

Give it a try on a rainy day when spirits tend to sink.

Story FingerSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

Story Finger-san [Mama Papa of Songs] Nursery Rhyme, Hand Play, With Mother
Story FingerSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

With its bright, friendly melody, this hand-play song brings smiles to children’s faces.

It was first broadcast in February 1962 on the NHK radio program “Time for Toddlers.” The gentle dialogue that likens the five fingers to family members has continued to soothe many children, as well as parents and early childhood educators.

This piece is also perfect for indoor play on rainy days! It naturally fosters fine motor skills and communication.

An ideal hand-play song for June, when rainy days are frequent.

Brushing Teeth SongTokyo Haiji

This song has the familiar, down-to-earth warmth of a simple children’s tune.

Blending educational elements that naturally help children establish daily routines with a pop feel and catchy phrases, it boasts overwhelming popularity with over 100 million plays and is widely sung at home, as well as in nurseries and kindergartens.

It’s perfect not only for singing during Dental Health Week but also for building everyday habits.

Let’s sing it joyfully with movements while conveying the importance of brushing teeth!

Animal Clock

[Finger Play Song] Animal Clock♪ A finger-play song that encourages speech
Animal Clock

A charming song notable for its timekeeping rhythm and richly characterized depictions of animals.

The clock’s tones feel like the animals’ heartbeats, giving the piece a warm, inviting quality.

While it teaches about time, its playful melody sparks children’s imaginations.

The song has also been featured on the educational program “Okaasan to Issho,” capturing the hearts of many children.

Singing it with kids who are just learning to read the clock will naturally nurture their interest in time.

[June Nursery Rhymes] Fun hand-play songs and traditional children's songs perfect for the rainy season (21–30)

A raincoat that doesn’t get wet, a kappa that wants to get wet

[June Rain Hand Play] The Dry Kappa, the Wet Kappa. [Must Read!] Please see the description for how to play! Lyrics/Music: Boku to Kimi.
A raincoat that doesn’t get wet, a kappa that wants to get wet

When it comes to handy items for going out on a rainy day, the “kappa” raincoat that keeps your body from getting wet is a must.

For children who find it difficult to handle an umbrella well, it’s essential.

This is a fun fingerplay song featuring the raincoat as the star.

Imagine yourself from two perspectives: protected from the rain by the raincoat, and as seen by a rain-soaked raincoat, and enjoy singing while striking “don’t get wet” and “want to get wet” poses.