Kids go wild! Popular hand games and fun sing-alongs

From inside the cabbage

[With vocals] From Inside the Cabbage – Children’s Song / Hand Play Song

Here is an introduction to the hand-play song “From Inside the Cabbage.” This is a game where you use both hands in time with the lyrics, pretending your hands are a cabbage.

One by one, little caterpillars pop out from inside the cabbage.

Since you extend your fingers in order, it might be a bit difficult for infants, but watching them imitate the teacher and sing along is absolutely adorable! And the way the hands come together at the end to become a butterfly is super cute, too!

Play song ‘On the Bus’Sakushi/Sakkyoku: Taniguchi Kunihiro

Kasama Tomobe Tomobe Kindergarten Childcare Information: “Hand Play & Song Play Vol. 39 – Riding the Bus”

When it comes to things little kids love, both boys and girls, vehicles like cars and buses are at the top of the list.

This is perfect for children who love going out or often draw buses and cars in their pictures.

This song is a fun activity where you sit side by side with your child and pretend to drive a bus with simple motions.

You can also place the child on someone’s lap and bounce your legs to mimic the bus’s vibrations—kids will be delighted.

It’s a great recommendation for rainy days or times when you can’t go outside.

Close It, Open It

♪Close Them, Open Them

Let’s enjoy “Musunde Hiraite” with one-year-olds who are getting better at imitation.

The song incorporates various movements, like opening and closing the hands and raising and lowering the arms in time with the music.

Watching the teacher’s example and copying it is so much fun for children.

You’ll see a range of expressions, from big smiles to very serious faces.

The key is to sing at a slow tempo so it’s easy to imitate.

Spend a wonderful time with the adorable children as they express themselves with all their might using their little hands.

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tsukada moe

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five melon breadsSakushi: Nakagawa Hirotaka / Sakkyoku: Igirisu dōyō

[Finger Play] Five Melon Buns (with actions) [Takashi’s Hand Play & Children’s Song] Japanese Children’s Song, Finger Play Songs

Derived from a British nursery rhyme, the fingerplay “Five Melon Buns” captivates children with its regular rhythm and fun actions.

The phrases using numbers from one to five, repeated over and over, can help children naturally learn how to count.

The frequently appearing melon buns have their own storyline, allowing children to enjoy using their imagination.

By changing your voice and using big gestures, you can have fun together with the children.

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miyabi

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Ehomaki, yum!gaagaaS

[Hand Play • Setsubun] Ehōmaki Amuu / gaagaaS – Childcare, February, Ehōmaki, Play Song, Parenting, Children's Song

A hand play that children love—among them, gaagaaS’s “Ehoumaki Amu” is a perfect, fun song for the Setsubun season.

With lyrics themed around ehoumaki and a rhythmic melody, it captures children’s hearts.

The lyrics that go “amu amu amu,” mimicking the sound of eating, spark their imaginations.

Because the actions involve repeatedly eating ehoumaki while paying attention to direction, kids can learn about directions in a fun way.

If you include it in Setsubun events at nurseries or kindergartens, it’s sure to get everyone excited! It’s a wonderful song that helps children enjoy learning about a traditional Japanese custom.

Story FingerSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

[Fingerplay] Mr. Story Finger ♪ (Maatan)

The hand-play song “Ohanashi Yubisan,” which imagines the fingers as Dad and Mom, is a favorite among children.

Each finger’s characteristics are used, and each character has its own way of laughing, so if you sing with varied pitch for the voices, the kids will enjoy it even more! It’s fun to play with one hand, but it’s even more fun to play as if both hands are talking! As an arrangement, playing together with friends would really liven things up.

For the last baby finger, the children will probably imitate a baby when they sing, so you’ll get to see some very cute expressions!

HAPPY HONEY HORSENo-zan Ho-su Pa-ku

[Official] Northern Horse Park’s Horse Song “HAPPY HONEY HORSE” – Let’s All Dance

The hand-play song about horses produced by Northern Horse Park in Tomakomai, Hokkaido is a piece that expresses the fun of interacting with horses through dance.

It’s designed so that children can physically portray the characteristics of horses—like the clip-clop of running, affectionate nuzzling, long necks, and signature gestures—in time with the rhythm.

By weaving running and jumping movements into the lyrics and using lots of easy-to-mimic onomatopoeia, the song is structured so even first-time listeners can quickly sing and dance along.

Released in April 2023, the lyrics were written by Nanami Miyoshi and the Northern Friends, with music by Shuntaro Yamauchi and Nanami Miyoshi.

You can also enjoy the music video on the park’s official website.

Watching the video before your visit and then meeting the horses on-site will likely make the experience even more memorable.

It’s the perfect track for parents and children who want to move their bodies while growing fond of horses!