Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs to enjoy in May! Songs perfect for the fresh green season

rainbowSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

Niji – Colorful Palette [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO] (Hirotaka Nakagawa / Toshihiko Shinzawa)

A gem of a song by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, it gently sings of hopeful expectations for tomorrow, themed around meeting a seven-colored rainbow in the garden after the rain.

Since its release in 1990, it has been loved by many for its lyrics that depict small everyday joys and its warm melody.

In 2020, it was featured as the commercial song for Kao’s “Attack ZERO,” revealing new charm alongside striking visuals starring Tori Matsuzaka and others.

It’s a tune you’ll want the whole family to hum together, especially when you’re feeling down.

soap bubbleSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

Soap Bubbles – Soap bubbles flew, they flew up to the roof ~ [Japanese song/children’s song]

A classic adorned with a gentle melody that resonates in children’s hearts and lyrics that are fragile yet beautiful.

Created hand in hand by Ujo Noguchi and Shinpei Nakayama, this work left a profound mark on the history of Japanese children’s songs and continues to be loved by many today.

In a 2003 survey conducted by the NPO “Japan Doyo Association,” it was ranked ninth among favorite children’s songs and was also selected for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Songs of Japan.” At Yumoto Station in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, it is even used as the departure melody.

Why not enjoy a hand-play game while singing it with your child on Children’s Day? You’re sure to have a heartwarming time.

dandelionSakushi: Kadokura Satoshi / Sakkyoku: Horikoshi Kiyoshi

Dandelion [children’s song/choral piece] Lyrics: Satoshi Kadokura / Music: Kiyoshi Horikoshi — includes harmonies ♪

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.

Picnicdeguchi takashi

[Finger Play] "Picnic" [Takashi's Hand Play & Children's Songs] Japanese Children’s Song, Finger Play Songs

A song that gently portrays the fun of a picnic in a meadow and warm interactions with flowers and insects, highlighted by Takashi Deguchi’s uniquely soothing vocals.

Released on an album in November 2022, it was also featured on a children’s educational TV program.

Perfect as a fingerplay song for singing and dancing with kids—ideal for activities at daycare and kindergarten, as well as family bonding time.

Since numbers appear in the lyrics, it’s also great for practicing counting!

Dog PolicemanSakushi: Satō Yoshimi / Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Megumi

Japanese Children’s Song – Nursery Rhyme – The Dog Policeman – Inu no Omawari-san

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!

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Toy Cha-Cha-ChaSakushi: Nosaka Akiyuki / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi

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

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!

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koinobori (carp streamers)sakushi: fushō / sakkyoku: Hirota Ryūtarō

Koinobori (On the Rooftops...) — Suginami Children’s Choir

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!

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