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

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!

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands ✨👏 [Pop’n Dance] Let’s dance together!

“If You’re Happy and You Know It” is a classic fingerplay song everyone knows! Many parents probably learned it in nursery school or kindergarten.

The great thing about this game is that it’s fun whether you play alone, with one other person, or in a big circle.

You can enjoy parent-child bonding by facing each other and clapping hands, or patting each other’s shoulders.

Each action is simple, but if you gradually increase the difficulty by combining hands, feet, and shoulders, it will get even more exciting.

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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!

Get on the busSakushi sakkyoku: Taniguchi Kunihiro

[With Choreography] Riding the Bus / Okaasan to Issho | Working Vehicles Animation | Daisuke Yokoyama, Takumi Mitani

Kunihiro Taniguchi’s rhythmic children’s song is brimming with charm, inviting listeners to vividly imagine the fun of riding in vehicles.

Set to a gently swaying melody, it’s a piece that lets you express with your whole body the bus’s rocking motion and the thrill of turning.

Released in May 2008 and later included in the September 2020 album “Teacher Ti’s Kids Love It! Play Songs,” the track has also been featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and is frequently sung at nursery school and kindergarten events.

As a hand-play song that children can enjoy together, it’s a perfect choice for family bonding time and making memories.

Toy Cha-Cha-Cha

“Toy Cha-Cha-Cha” (with choreography) [Japanese song / shoka]

The classic children’s song “Omocha no Cha-Cha-Cha” is an appealing piece with its bright rhythm and imaginative lyrics about toys coming to life at night.

Beyond being a dance tune, it can also be used for hand-play activities or as a theme for school performances.

Kids who love toys will be excited simply because the song and dance theme is “toys.” It would be fun to include choreography that lets them pretend to be toys and move freely.

It’s a highly recommended song that draws out children’s imagination.

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Applause for you!Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya, Fukuo Makoto, Akimoto Azuki

[Okaasan to Issho February 2023 Song] “Kimi ni Hakushu!” Cover

Clapping serves as the motif for a bright, refreshing cheer song, “Kimi ni Hakushu!” which appeared as the February 2023 song on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho.

The lyrics were written by the unit “Aritarou,” and the composition was handled by Taro Masuda himself.

Its rhythmic melody and handclaps resonate with fun! The lyrics are filled with positive phrases like “A round of applause for the one I love,” “A round of applause for being born,” and “A round of applause for the miracle that we met,” making it a song that brings energy and gratitude to both children and adults.

Be sure to listen while clapping along with your kids!

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The Bento Box SongSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Akihiro

[Hand Play Song] The Bento Box Song [With Choreography]

This is a fingerplay song, beloved by children, that cheerfully introduces the contents of a lunchbox.

Miyako Kayama’s warm lyrics perfectly match Akihiro Komori’s bright, friendly melody, resulting in an uplifting tune.

It’s fun to sing while doing the hand motions, and the lively storytelling is part of its charm.

Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in August 1978, the song was featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and the Nippon TV network’s “Ohayō! Kodomo Show,” gaining widespread popularity.

It’s a delightful song that makes moments centered on food—like packing lunches or getting ready for a field trip—even more enjoyable.