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Songs to Sing on Rainy Days! Introducing Beloved Children’s Songs About Rain That Transcend Generations

When it rains, you can’t go play outside, and kids tend to feel a bit gloomy, don’t they?

At times like that, listen to or sing children’s songs with a “rain” theme to make rainy days a little brighter!

In this article, we’ve gathered a variety of children’s songs themed around “rain,” including songs that describe how the rain falls, songs that evoke the image of rain, and songs that capture the excitement after the rain stops.

Even children who feel they don’t like rain might start to like it a little after listening to the songs we introduce.

On gloomy rainy days, let’s sing and keep our spirits up!

Songs to Sing on a Rainy Day! Introducing Beloved Children’s Songs About Rain Across Generations (11–20)

So it rains.Sakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

So That’s Why It Rains (Lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa)
So it rains.Sakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

A children’s song with lyrics by singer-songwriter and picture-book author Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by picture-book writer Hirotaka Nakagawa.

It’s a cute rain song that conveys the feelings of frogs and hydrangeas who love the rainy season, as well as rubber boots.

It’s a perfect track for kids who dislike rain and refuse to go outside! We want them to imagine how frogs dry out if sunny days go on too long, how hydrangeas can’t bloom without rain, and how boots get dusty if they keep sleeping in the shoe cubby.

The heartwarming melody will make you want to sing along.

drip drop (of raindrops)Sakushi: Sugiyama Toshiko/Sakkyoku: Ichinomiya Michiko

Also popular as a hand-play song, “Amadare Pottan.” Lyrics by Toshiko Sugiyama and music by Michiko Ichimiya.

It’s a charming number that expresses raindrops dripping pitter-patter.

The way the “pitta-patta” sound is represented by drumming is really fun! Try enjoying it as a hand-play activity—clap your hands like raindrops falling, or twirl your arms as you listen! It’s a recommended song that’s sure to liven up indoor time, even during gloomy rainy days or the rainy season.

teru teru bozu (a traditional Japanese handmade doll hung to wish for good weather)Sakushi: Asahara Kyōson / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

This children’s song from the Taisho era features lyrics by Kyōson Asahara and music by Shimpei Nakayama.

The custom of hanging teru-teru-bozu under the eaves to wish for good weather is said to have come from China.

Both Asahara and Nakayama were born in Nagano Prefecture.

In Ikeda Town, Kitaazumi District, Nagano, teru-teru-bozu is a town symbol, and they actively hold events like children’s song performances and art happenings.

It’s a bit old-fashioned and amusing that the song promises to give bells or sake if the weather clears up, isn’t it? It’s a tune that seems perfect for enjoying with your children.

Teru teru bozu we made togetherSakushi: Shibano Tamizō/Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Megumi

Teru-teru Bozu We Made Together — Lyrics by Tamizo Shibano, Music by Megumi Ōnaka
Teru teru bozu we made togetherSakushi: Shibano Tamizō/Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Megumi

Teru-teru bozu are those little charms everyone has made at least once as a child.

This children’s song, inspired by teru-teru bozu, features lyrics by children’s literature author and poet Tamizo Shibano and music by Megumi Oonaka, known for “The Dog Policeman.” The lyrics are short and easy to understand, and the teru-teru bozu that everyone makes in their own way are wonderfully unique.

Hoping for clear skies tomorrow, try making some together with your child while listening to “The Teru-teru Bozu We All Made!”

Rainbow OrchestraSakushi: Sasaguchi Yū / Sakkyoku: Satō Itsuo

A children’s song with lyrics by Yu Sasaguchi and music by sound creator Gogo Sato.

The way it expresses the rainbow that appears after the rain as an orchestra is wonderful, isn’t it? Rain can feel gloomy and sap your energy, but when it stops and a rainbow comes out, you naturally feel uplifted.

With many instruments making an appearance, it’s a colorful piece that’s fun and boosts your mood! On the way home from kindergarten or nursery school, look up at the post-rain sky with your child and try singing it together.

It’s sure to make you feel happy!

Rainy MoonSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

Rainy Moon | Children's song for rainy days and the rainy season | With lyrics | Ichigo Club
Rainy MoonSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

A children’s song written by lyricist and poet Ujō Noguchi with music by composer Shinpei Nakayama.

It was published with sheet music in the New Year’s special issue of the children’s magazine Kodomo no Kuni in 1925.

With the spread of records in the early Showa era, their song “Amefuri Otsukisan” was also recorded and became a long-running hit.

In recent years, it was selected for the 2007 “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and in 2019 it was featured as an insert song in director Naoyuki Niiyama’s animated film “Otohime 20,000 Years.” With its graceful, pop-style lyrics and relaxed melody, it beautifully conveys the gentle, rain-soaked atmosphere.

Songs to Sing on Rainy Days! Introducing Children's Songs About Rain That Are Loved Across Generations (21–30)

Here is the weather forecast.Nihongo shi: Fukuo Noho / Amerika min’yō

[Hand play] Weather Forecast ♪ [Baku-san]♪ We bring you the weather forecast ~Tomorrow's weather will likely be sunny ~ ♪
Here is the weather forecast.Nihongo shi: Fukuo Noho / Amerika min'yō

A children’s song that adds Japanese lyrics to the well-known “Alps Ichiman-jaku.” The Japanese lyrics were written by Ayumu Fukuo, a traveling performer who creates many play songs.

The wordplay and repeated words are so unique! Since “Alps Ichiman-jaku” itself has a catchy melody and rhythm, it’s highly recommended for kids to listen to and play along with.

It’s also popular as a hand-play song, so have fun with your child and blow away those rainy-day blues!