[Music Play] Children’s Recreational Music: Rec Songs You Can Sing and Play
We’re introducing playful songs and recreation songs that you can enjoy with children!
We’ve gathered a wide variety—from classic folk dance and campfire songs to rounds, hand-play songs, and playful tunes perfect for bus activities.
They’re all songs that everyone will say, “I’ve heard this before!” so you can use them for recreation with confidence.
The folk dance songs also come with choreography tutorial videos, so please use them as a reference.
Let’s sing together and have a wonderful time!
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- Kids go wild! Popular hand games and fun sing-alongs
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- Kids will love it! A collection of dance song ideas with easy-to-follow rhythms
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- [Partner Song] Singing two different songs simultaneously! Nursery rhymes & the latest hits
- [For Kids] Songs Perfect for Dancing at Christmas — A Full Roundup
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- Childcare: Today's recommended fun songs
- Funny songs recommended for kids: Japanese music that will make you laugh without even trying when you listen.
- [Rhythm Play] A roundup of popular cup songs
- Classic songs for musical chairs. A carefully curated selection of easy-to-walk-to, crowd-pleasing tracks.
- Get pumped with kids’ favorite songs! A memorable collection of classics that will make you want to sing along
[Music Play] Children's Recreational Music: Sing-and-Play Rec Songs (11–20)
Goodbye for today.
This is a song composed in 1966 by Shoichi Kaneko, a university student who belonged to the Harmonie Center Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, with the aim of deepening friendship among young people.
The following year, Ryoko Moriyama featured the song and made it the B-side of a single, which became a hit.
In 1973, it was included in high school music textbooks, leading to wider recognition and more frequent singing.
It is often sung during Boy Scout and Girl Scout activities, and due to its lyrics, it is also cherished as a graduation song.
Oh, the pastures are green
This song was chosen to be the very first piece broadcast on NHK’s long‑loved program “Minna no Uta” in 1961.
Originally, it was a tune long sung and cherished in rural areas of Slovakia and the Czech Republic, featuring humorous lyrics and still performed today at folk music festivals.
The song was brought to the United States by immigrants, where new lyrics were added to make it a ranch work song.
The most widely known Japanese lyrics were written by Ugo Nakata, a pastor who had studied in the United Kingdom.
Soran Bushi
Soran Bushi is a folk song from the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido, often danced to at school and kindergarten sports festivals.
Sung with the powerful phrasing characteristic of folk songs, it tells of herring fishing.
In Hokkaido, the YOSAKOI Soran Festival, an event that features Soran Bushi, is held every year in early June.
The choreography includes many movements that depict herring fishing, giving a strong, dynamic impression just like the song itself.
It’s a perfect choice for showcasing the unity of a class or group at a sports day!
Let’s dance, fun Polechke!
Many of you may have sung, danced to, or even played this piece on instruments in elementary school.
The original version of this song is called “Polka Trampolka,” a Polish folk tune that was transcribed and arranged by the Polish composer Sygietyński.
The polka, which began around 1830 as a Czech folk dance, is often in fast duple meter.
When Japanese lyrics are added, it can feel like a Japanese song, giving the impression of a fusion between Japanese and Polish cultures.
O Bureneli
“O Breneli,” which feels like it would be wonderful to sing in a place with beautiful scenery.
It’s based on a Swiss folk song, and in Japan it’s been adapted with new lyrics and sung in various commercials.
The lyrics feature two people who talk about where they live and what kind of person they are.
The crisp, soaring chorus evokes Switzerland’s vast green landscapes and feels so refreshing! Just like calling out from a mountaintop, let’s all sing this song together in loud, clear voices! And, like in the lyrics, spend time chatting with your friends about all sorts of things.