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

Cute Hide and SeekSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao

Nursery Rhyme / Cute Hide-and-Seek / 36th Children’s Song Contest, Children’s Division

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.

Happy ChildrenSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

Happy Children (Lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa) [From Toshihiko Shinzawa’s 40th Anniversary of Musical Activities “Nursery Song Concert”]

This heartwarming piece by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa gently sings of the mysterious power of children’s smiles and pure hearts.

Set to a bright, lighthearted melody, it portrays how being with children naturally fills us with happiness, kindling a warm light in the listener’s heart.

It is included on albums such as “How Softly the Heart Warms: Children’s Songs Grown-ups Love, Too.” In April 2024, Daisuke Yokoyama released a cover, and the song continues to be cherished across generations.

Perfect for childcare and educational settings or joyful moments with family, it’s a song everyone can sing together to share smiles—why not give it a listen?

What color do you like?Sakushi: Sakata Osamu / Sakkyoku: Inui Yuki

[Baby Stops Crying] What Color Do You Like? / Together with Mother (Covered by UtaSuta) [Crayon/Colors/Memorization Song]

With its bright, rhythmic melody and friendly lyrics, this heartwarming song helps nurture children’s sense of color.

The gentle voices of Osamu Sakata and Yuko Kanzaki lead listeners into a world of colors like red, blue, yellow, and green.

Released by Victor Entertainment in June 1992, it was featured as the Song of the Month for June and July on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Filled with a soothing melody and elements that make learning color names fun, it’s perfect for singing together with friends and family during walks or outdoor playtime.

It’s also a great pick for spring, when fresh greenery shines, as a way to spark interest in the colors all around us.

Mr. ElephantSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma

Zou-san | Children's song | Red Cat Reading

Born from the collaboration of Michio Mado and Ikuma Dan, this song—portraying a warm bond between parent and child—was first broadcast on NHK Radio in May 1952.

Characterized by a gentle triple-time melody and heartwarming lyrics that cherish one’s individuality, it has been featured in many educational and children’s TV programs and is loved across generations.

The May 2007 version by Satoko Yamano and the Morinoki Children’s Choir remains one of the most beloved recordings.

With a melody that nestles close to the heart like a gentle spring breeze, it’s perfect for parents and children to hum together.

In the fresh green season, singing it while out for a walk will make for even more delightful memories.

All set and ready to go!nagata maya/hanada yuuichirou

Junbi Bantantan — Live-action Dance — With Mother — May 2023 Monthly Song / E Tele — NHK

In dazzlingly fresh May, many children are still getting used to their new daily rhythms.

This song will make getting ready in the morning and winding down before bed so much more fun! To lively, “all set!” cues, Yuichiro Hanada and Maya Nagata sing brightly.

Clap your hands or stomp your feet to the rhythmic beat, and even the hassle of getting dressed turns into play.

Originally aired on NHK Educational TV’s “Okaasan to Issho” as the Monthly Song for May 2023, this track is included on the album “Okaasan to Issho Latest Best: Junbi Bantantan!” released in October of the same year.

With this song cheering on your everyday “getting ready,” parents and kids are sure to prep with smiles! Be sure to sing it before you head out!

Raise the carp streamers.gaagaaS

[Finger Play / Children's Day] Let's Raise the Koinobori (Carp Streamers) / gaagaaS – Childcare, Kindergarten, April, May, Play Songs, Parenting, Children's Songs

When we think of Children’s Day, we picture carp streamers swimming in the sky—but did you know there’s a song that lets you experience that through a hand-play activity? GaagaaS’s “Koinobori Ageyo” is a participatory song where you enjoy the motion of hoisting a carp streamer by pulling a string.

There’s a staged mishap in the middle where you let go and it falls, followed by a dramatic turn as you try again and succeed—something that always gets kids laughing.

Released as a video in March 2023, the piece has become a beloved staple that livens up seasonal events at nursery schools and kindergartens.

True to the unit known for providing music to NHK Educational TV and Molly Fantasy, it’s full of ideas parents and children can play along with right away.

Even if you “fail,” everyone will be shouting “One more time!”—so give it a try at home too.

dandelionwarabeuta asobi

May children’s song “Dandelion”

If you spot fluffy dandelion seeds floating on the spring breeze, here’s a traditional children’s song-and-game you’ll want to enjoy together as a parent and child! Its charm lies in how simply it expresses sending the fluffy seeds far away through rhythm and movement.

You can pretend to blow with a long “fuu,” flutter your hands and become the drifting seeds yourself, using your whole body to play.

This folk song has long been loved in places like Gunma Prefecture, and it continues to be cherished today—introduced in a video in April 2022 as part of efforts to connect nursery school play with activities at home.

With scarves or fabric, you can create a magical, floating-seed atmosphere even indoors! Try it not only when you find real dandelion seeds at the park, but also as a cozy, hands-on activity at home.