Get excited! A list of popular and fun hand games that captivate children

Even with just one, it’s a carrot.

Even one carrot [Hirake Ponkikki] with gestures/piano accompaniment/a numbers song

Perfect for learning numbers! Let me introduce the hand game “Ippon demo Ninjin.” It’s great for learning the concept of numbers, and the humor in the lyrics makes it a wonderful hand game! As you count, different items appear in rhythm, making it a fun activity.

It’s also unique that the next number is hidden within the lyrics, which helps children learn numbers and words while enjoying the song.

The choreography is easy for kids to imitate, too.

Be sure to incorporate it into your activities!

egg egg

Tamago Tamago | Hand Play Video Channel “ASOBE”

“When the egg goes pop and cracks open, what will come out?” This is a hand-play game called “Tamago Tamago” that captivates children and nurtures their imagination.

Use both hands to show the egg cracking.

If you have the kids imitate you, it’s sure to be a hit! At first, a familiar chick appears, and as it levels up to a snake, a penguin, a monster, and more, the children are sure to smile! It might also be fun to prompt them with, “What will be born next?” to spark even more curiosity.

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miyabi

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Grill the mochi

Mochikko Yae (Nursery Rhyme): January Hand Play

January is a month with many chances to eat mochi.

Kids may each have their favorite ways to enjoy it—soy sauce, kinako, anko, and more.

In this hand-play song, we have fun with hand motions themed around tasty ways to eat mochi.

You can pretend to grill the mochi, dip it in soy sauce, and even enjoy it as a bonding play activity with babies.

Beyond the methods mentioned in the lyrics, it could be fun to ask the children and try out various ideas together.

If you’re looking for a hand-play perfect for January, give this one a try.

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sasashina

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spool (of thread); winding thread; Itomaki (traditional toy spinning top), depending on context

The Spool-Winding Song [Hand Play Song]

Let’s enjoy rhythm together with children! I’d like to introduce the hand play for “Itomaki” (The Spinning Song).

Hand-play songs can serve as a tool for communication with parents, teachers, and sometimes friends, creating wonderful moments that deepen bonds.

The charm lies in being able to experience fun and learning at the same time while playing.

Through the familiar “Itomaki” hand play that parents and teachers have known since they were young, let’s move our bodies to the rhythm and melody and enjoy feeling music and rhythm! Be sure to incorporate it into your activities.

Tanuki of Fist Mountain

[Hand Play] Mr. Raccoon Dog on Fist Mountain ♪ <With Movements>

Let’s enjoy Rock-Paper-Scissors at the end of the hand game! We’ll introduce the hand game “Genkotsuyama no Tanukisan.” For children, hand games are an important activity where they can learn while having fun.

Through play that uses the hands, they develop finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination, so many parents and teachers may include them before and after activities.

The “Genkotsuyama no Tanukisan” hand game is packed with rhythm and fun.

Its simple, easy-to-remember lyrics are another point that makes it enjoyable with children.

By adding Rock-Paper-Scissors at the end of the hand game, it’s sure to get the kids excited.

Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-cat

Kobuta Nuki Tsuneko ♪ [Hand Play Song] With Choreography

Do you know what kind of sounds they make? Let me introduce the hand game “Kobuta, Tanuki, Kitsune, Neko.” Animals come in many shapes and sizes and have unique characteristics.

Their movements and cries are fascinating, and many children are interested in them, aren’t they? This hand game is a perfect idea for such children! In the first verse, you imitate the animals’ names and gestures; in the second verse, you imitate their cries and gestures, so kids won’t get bored and can enjoy it all the way through.

Give it a try!

Under the big chestnut tree

[Hand Play] Under the Big Chestnut Tree [Children’s Song, Nursery Rhyme, Hand Game, Dance] Japanese Children’s Song, Nursery Rhymes (covered by UtaSta)

A big hit with kids in the autumn season! Let me introduce the hand game for “Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree.” It’s a fun rhythm-and-movement activity that everyone can enjoy together! Use your hands and body in time with the song to express it dynamically.

This hand game also lets everyone imagine the lyrics as they play, so it can help deepen bonds with parents, teachers, and friends.

As a fun variation, you could change the features—like a small chestnut tree or a round chestnut tree—to make it even more exciting.