Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs to enjoy in May! Songs perfect for the fresh green season
May is the season when fresh green leaves shine brightly and playing outside becomes so much fun.
On walks, you can hear many little birds and feel the pleasant breeze, which lifts your spirits.
At times like that, why not spend the moment singing children’s songs that let you feel the joys of spring?
We’re introducing many songs—from ones that capture the comfortable feeling of May to tunes perfect for spring field trips and fun outings.
Let’s sing children’s songs that you can enjoy together with May’s nature—everyone with friends and family!
Nursery rhymes and hand-play songs to enjoy in May! Perfect songs for the fresh green season (1–10)
Song of a little birdSakushi: Yoda Jun’ichi / Sakkyoku: Akutagawa Yasushi
May is a season when you can encounter many birds, isn’t it? How about singing “Kotori no Uta” this May? The lyrics, which depict a little bird calling for its father and mother by singing its favorite song, are so adorable.
Listening to this song might make you want to sing just like the little bird.
Let’s sing along with the little bird in the lyrics! By the way, this children’s song also has choreography, so singing while dancing is recommended too!
School of MedakaSakushi: Chaki Shigeru / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao
The famous children’s song “Medaka no Gakkō” compares the sight of many medaka swimming in a river to children playing at school.
Medaka hatch from eggs around mid-May, and as their numbers grow, the image of many medaka swimming fits the month perfectly—this song is just right for May! The lyrics depict watching medaka play in the river.
It’s become rarer to see schools of medaka swimming in rivers, but since their numbers increase in May, it might be nice to hum this tune and go see if you can find some.
strollSakushi: Nakagawa Rieko / Sakkyoku Hisaishi Joe
Warm May days are perfect for a stroll! And the perfect song to listen to on such a walk is the opening theme from Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro.
Singing along will surely make you want to explore all sorts of places.
The names Satsuki and Mei from My Neighbor Totoro come from the old Japanese name for May and the English word for May, respectively, so both the song and the film are a perfect match for the month.
How about spending Golden Week by taking a walk while singing this song, then coming home to watch My Neighbor Totoro?
The Bento Bus SongSakushi sakkyoku: Shinju Mariko
This heartwarming song, written and composed by beloved children’s picture book author Mariko Shinju, depicts food items cheerfully boarding a bus.
Its rhythmic, catchy melody and lyrics that roll out ingredient names one after another create a lively atmosphere that makes you want to move your body.
Released in 2017 as part of King Records’ “Suku♪Iku” series, it also saw a new version by Icchi & Naru in 2025.
Widely used for hand-play activities in nurseries and kindergartens and as a tool for food education, this delightful track makes mealtimes more enjoyable—perfect for singing along while cooking in the kitchen or humming during lunchbox prep for a field trip.
The Hungry Tummy Songsakushi: sakata hiroo / sakkyoku: onaka megumi
This is a delightful children’s song by Hiroo Sakata (lyrics) and Megumi Oonaka (music) that humorously portrays hunger.
With a simple, friendly melody and lyrics that gently capture everyday moments of children, it’s a work that’s sure to bring a smile.
First released in 1960, it was performed by the Froebel Boys’ Choir when it aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962.
Loved for many years since, it was rebroadcast in July 2021.
It’s perfect for singing together as a family when you’re hungry or during snack time—smiles come naturally.
It’s also an ideal song for lunch during field trips or picnics.
Sing it together, and your mealtime will become an even more memorable, joyful moment.
Cute Hide and SeekSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao
This is a gentle children’s song about a game of hide-and-seek played by adorable animals.
Hatchlings, sparrows, and puppies try their best to conceal themselves, warmly portrayed in the words of Hachirō Satō, with Yoshinao Nakada’s melody enhancing its charm even further.
First released in 1951, the piece has inspired children’s playfulness and curiosity toward animals.
The thrilling hide-and-seek unfolds in everyday scenes—gardens, rooftops, and meadows.
It’s perfect for singing with your child in fresh, green May, while thinking of the animals you might meet on a walk.
The rhythm of the lyrics and the friendly melody truly seem to express the joy of spring.
Let’s go to the park.Sakushi sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu
This popular song from NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” is characterized by a bright tone that evokes the arrival of spring and a lively, uplifting rhythm.
Created by Osamu Sakata, it features lyrics that convey the joy of playing outdoors and a warm worldview that can be enjoyed across generations, from babies to the elderly.
It was sung by Ayumi Shigemori and Kentaro Hayami in August 1999, and around the same time it was also included on Ikkokudō’s album “Niji no Mukou ni.” It’s a heartwarming piece you’ll want to hum with someone special during a sunny walk or playtime at the park—perfect for enjoying with family and friends in the fresh green season.