Masterpieces that sing about play. Recommended popular songs.

sparklerInoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue / Sparklers -Music Video- (Full Ver.)

It’s a song of the same name included on Sonoko Inoue’s first original album, “Senkō Hanabi,” released in 2013.

The lyrics realistically depict the feelings of a current high school girl who feels the loneliness of not being able to see the person she likes once summer vacation begins, and the track conveys the refreshing spirit of youthful summer.

Chochi chochi awawa.warabeuta

Chochi-chochi Awawa (hand play song)

Traditional Japanese nursery rhymes are a charming way to spend quality time with your baby.

With endearing hand and facial movements, look your child in the eyes and gently hold hands as you play together.

Perfect for deepening the bond between caregivers and children, this work has been featured in various educational programs and events, and its appeal has been passed down across generations.

You can play with your baby on your lap or while lying down, allowing you to adapt flexibly to their condition and mood.

With a caregiver’s gentle singing and warm touch, enjoy a delightful time filled with your baby’s smiles.

Playing bus (pretend bus play)Sakushi: Kayama Bi / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

Bus Pretend Play (♪ We’re riding on a big bus ~ To our neighbor, hey!) by Himawari 🌻 With Lyrics | Children’s Song | BUS GOKKO | Vehicle Song, Eurhythmics, Nursery Teacher Exam Set Piece 2019

Since the 1970s, this piece has been cherished as a song that captures the excitement of going on field trips and off-site activities by bus.

It beautifully blends Akira Yuyama’s lively melody—winner of the Japan Children’s Song Award—with Yoshiko Kayama’s lyrics, written from a young child’s perspective.

The song is often featured at preschool and kindergarten recitals and sports days.

Singing it as if you’re riding on a bus is sure to boost children’s spirits! It’s also perfect for getting everyone excited before heading out.

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!

The Hill Where Mandarin Orange Blossoms Bloom

Nostalgic hand game - The Hill Where the Mandarin Blossoms

This song was born in the era of hardship and confusion after the war.

Sayoko Iguchi and Masako Kawada sang it and released it on record.

Composer Minoru Kainuma is said to have thought of the prelude near Kōzu Station, where orange groves can be seen from the train window.

At the entrance of Fuji Sengen Shrine in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture, there are a monument inscribed with the lyrics of “Mikan no Hana Saku Oka” and a memorial to Shogo Kato.

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky

Released in 1999 as 19’s second single.

After being selected as the theme song for TBS’s “1999 Spring” campaign, it became a long-running hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 20 consecutive weeks.

Remarkably, just one year after their debut, they performed this song on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV] Paper Airplane of 365 Days (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

It was released in 2015 as a coupling track to AKB48’s 42nd major single, “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby.” The song was created as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita,” and its lyrics compare life to a paper airplane, conveying that the journey matters more than the outcome.

It’s also a popular song for graduation ceremonies.