Masterpieces that sing about play. Recommended popular songs.

The fish jumps.

[Summer classic! Hand-play song] The Fish Jumps

“Sakana ga Hanete” is a classic hand-play song that children love.

In addition to moving their hands to the music, you can adapt it to use familiar items like hats, masks, and gloves to help check for forgotten belongings.

You could also change the items that “stick” to different parts of the body—for example, a ribbon, crown, or straw hat on the head, sunglasses or a telescope for the eyes, and on pool days, goggles would be fun too.

Incorporating seasonal items will make it even more exciting!

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hiyori

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From inside the bamboo grove

From Within the Bamboo Thicket | A Hand Play for Childcare (Ages 4–5)

A simple yet rhythmic melody, combined with hand-play and rock-paper-scissors, makes this an ideal song for nurturing children’s imagination and sense of rhythm.

In educational settings, it also helps improve communication skills, and its appeal spans all ages.

Passed down orally, the piece features subtle regional variations that reflect local character and culture—an interesting point in itself.

It is widely used in nursery schools and kindergartens and is beloved as a staple for hand-play songs and rock-paper-scissors games.

Hand game ‘The Hill Where Mandarin Blossoms’

May hand play activity: 'Mikan no Hana Saku Oka' with lyrics

“Mikan no Hana Saku Oka” is cherished as one of Japan’s representative children’s songs.

Why not try a hand play activity themed on this warm, uplifting piece that encouraged Japan after the war? While singing lyrics that depict rich natural scenery, face each other and perform the hand play.

The choreography is distinctive for incorporating a variety of movements with both hands.

Move your hands calmly to the slow, three-beat rhythm.

Once you get used to it, it might be fun to gradually increase the speed of the hand play.

Try incorporating this song, which portrays relationships with loved ones, into childcare settings.

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mutō

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The Bento Box Songwarabeuta

[Hand Play] The Bento Lunch Box Song♪

Many of you have probably sung this at least once.

As you pack ingredients into a lunch box, it’s a playful hand game where children can learn vegetable names and numbers while having fun.

When you’re making it for a big elephant, sing at a relaxed tempo; for a tiny ant, sing faster and more rhythmically—babies are likely to listen with interest.

It’s sure to be a hit if you change the lunch box size or ingredients and sing with your own variations! It’s also great as an introduction to a field trip.

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Maron

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Churippu sharippuwarabe uta

tulip sheriff

Simple yet profound, this nursery rhyme captivates children’s hearts.

The part where everyone stands in a circle and calls each other’s names is perfect for nurturing communication skills and social development.

Its rhythmic lyrics and melody are fun and easy to memorize.

In preschools and kindergartens, it’s also used as an icebreaker to ease the nerves of new children.

At home, singing and playing it together as a family can make for a delightful time.

It can be enjoyed from infancy.

When the spring weather invites you outdoors, why not form a circle and sing it together?

Story FingerSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

[Fingerplay] Mr. Story Finger ♪ (Maatan)

The hand-play song “Ohanashi Yubisan,” which imagines the fingers as Dad and Mom, is a favorite among children.

Each finger’s characteristics are used, and each character has its own way of laughing, so if you sing with varied pitch for the voices, the kids will enjoy it even more! It’s fun to play with one hand, but it’s even more fun to play as if both hands are talking! As an arrangement, playing together with friends would really liven things up.

For the last baby finger, the children will probably imitate a baby when they sing, so you’ll get to see some very cute expressions!

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.