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!
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Nursery Rhymes and Fingerplay Songs to Enjoy in May! Perfect Tunes for the Season of Fresh Greenery (61–70)
dandelionSakushi: Kadokura Satoshi / Sakkyoku: Horikoshi Kiyoshi
Here is a song themed around the dandelion, a flower that heralds the arrival of spring.
Its lyrics are striking, overlaying the sight of the dandelion blooming robustly even in harsh conditions with people’s strength to live and their hopes.
Since its release in 1976, it has spread nationwide through the singing movement and has also been cherished as a labor struggle song.
In 2000 and 2002, it was included in elementary school music textbooks, becoming established as a choral piece featured in educational settings.
The melody, gentle yet powerful, is sure to resonate with many listeners.
It’s a recommended song when you want to feel the courage to face difficulties and the bonds between people.
Dog PolicemanSakushi: Satō Yoshimi / Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Megumi
The children’s song “The Policeman Dog” tells the story of a dog who becomes a policeman and a cat who gets lost.
Often sung on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s a tune well-known among children.
The lost cat goes to the dog policeman for help, but only cries and can’t provide any information.
In the end, even the dog policeman is at a loss and starts crying too—a comical storyline.
May brings warmer weather and more activity, so be careful not to get lost!
Let’s go to the zoo.Sakushi: Umino Yōji / Sakkyoku: T. Paxton
May has pleasant weather, and many kindergartens and nursery schools go on field trips.
If you’re heading to the zoo, we recommend the song “Let’s Go to the Zoo”! This song, which has been aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and “Okaasan to Issho,” is based on “Goin’ to the Zoo” by American singer-songwriter Tom Paxton.
The lyrics describe going to the zoo and spotting lots of animals, and they also include animal sounds, so children can enjoy singing it like a wordplay game.
Sing the song and head to the zoo to look for the animals that appear in the lyrics!
Toy Cha-Cha-ChaSakushi: Nosaka Akiyuki / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi
When it comes to things kids absolutely love, toys are at the top of the list! On Children’s Day, many children probably get their favorite toys as gifts.
Here’s a perfect toy-themed song for such a day! Interestingly, it wasn’t originally a children’s song, and the lyrics were different from what they are now.
It was later remade as a nursery rhyme, and that’s the version still sung today.
There’s also an English version called “Toys Dance The Cha Cha Cha,” so curious kids can give it a listen and practice their English at the same time!
koinobori (carp streamers)sakushi: fushō / sakkyoku: Hirota Ryūtarō
Koinobori are carp streamers that symbolize Children’s Day in May.
Among the songs about koinobori is “Koinobori,” composed by Ryutaro Hirota.
It’s a different koinobori song from “Koinobori” that sings of parent and child carp swimming in the sky.
Although the lyrics use slightly difficult words, the content itself portrays the features of carp streamers swimming through the sky and the surrounding scenery.
From their wide-open mouths to their gently swaying tail fins, the lyrics depict their splendid traits and convey the strength and bravery of koinobori that won’t be defeated by strong winds or even great waterfalls.
Be sure to sing this “Koinobori” as well on Children’s Day!
A caterpillar
May is also the season when fresh green leaves are beautiful.
Many children probably get absorbed in observing insects in parks and nature, don’t they? “One Little Caterpillar” is an adorable song that depicts a caterpillar dancing and hopping with friends, then getting tired and falling asleep! You can enjoy a fingerplay by wiggling your raised finger like a caterpillar.
Numbers appear in the lyrics, making it perfect for practicing counting! For indoor play, singing while looking at picture books or field guides may make it easier to imagine.
Bamboo Shoot ExercisesSakushi: Nakazawa Yoshihiro / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi
Featured on numerous releases, including Nippon Columbia’s album “The Best: Kids Exercise Songs,” this piece is a bright, rhythmic track themed around the growth of bamboo shoots.
Since its release in April 2006, it has remained a favorite at sports days and in early childhood activities.
The composition is by Nobuyoshi Koshube, who worked on music for NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” for 40 years, with lyrics by Yoshihiro Nakazawa.
With a comfortable tempo and easy-to-enjoy choreography, it’s perfect not only for exercise time in kindergartens and nursery schools, but also for families to enjoy moving together at home.