RAG MusicJapanese Songs
Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

Japanese sign-language songs; sign-language song(s)

We’ve put together a collection of “sign language songs” that express the lyrics of Japanese music using sign language.

Focusing on popular standards—from J-POP hits to school songs and children’s songs—we’ve carefully selected favorite tracks.

Sign language pairs beautifully with heartwarming, gentle tunes, so we’re introducing a wide range of songs that people of all ages, from young children to seniors, can enjoy signing along to.

There are upbeat numbers that make signing fun, pieces you can combine with dance, and plenty of ways to get creative and enjoy them.

It’s also great for studying sign language, making it perfect for beginners; and of course, those with experience are encouraged to give it a try as well.

Japanese Sign Language Songs (11–20)

I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

Sign-language song: 'Ue o Muite Arukou' (Sukiyaki)
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

A song by singer Kyu Sakamoto, who rose to global stardom but passed away suddenly in a 1985 plane crash.

Known overseas under the title “SUKIYAKI,” it became a massive hit not only in Japan but around the world, and it is famous for being the only Japanese-language song to reach No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100.

Its positive lyrics and light, upbeat melody can be beautifully conveyed in sign-language performance while preserving its lyrical atmosphere.

As a globally renowned song, it’s a sure-fire number to perform for anyone.

A one-of-a-kind flower in the worldSMAP

Sign language chorus “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana” (SMAP)
A one-of-a-kind flower in the worldSMAP

The 35th single by SMAP, the legendary idol group whose calls for a reunion have never ceased even after their disbandment.

Written by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, this song became the first work released in the Heisei era to achieve triple million sales.

The original performance is famously striking, and because the beauty of the lyrics can be conveyed directly in sign language, it’s also recommended as a sign language song.

It’s a classic that every Japanese person likely knows, delivering a message—that everyone is special—that gives people courage.

A bouquet with loveSuperfly

With Love, a Bouquet / Superfly (Sign Language Song)
A bouquet with loveSuperfly

A music unit Superfly’s fourth single, featuring vocalist Shiho Ochi, whose powerful singing voice is so captivating.

This song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Edison no Haha” (Edison’s Mother), and thanks to its lyrics, it’s also known as a classic choice for weddings.

While the song is characterized by its emotional melody, its beautiful and strong lyrics can inspire courage even when expressed in sign language.

Some parts can be tricky because the lyrics mention colors, but even if you don’t force sign language, you can convey the meaning using drawings and other visual expressions—so feel free to get creative.

InfinityKanjani∞

Kanjani Eight – Infinity (Sign Language Song)
InfinityKanjani∞

A song by Kanjani Eight, a five-member idol group highly praised for their personalities and skills in dance, band performances, and variety entertainment.

It’s included on their 3rd single, “Sukiyanen, Osaka./Sakura Oenka (Oh! ENKA)/Mugendai,” and was also used as the Japanese promotional song for the animated feature “Robots.” Because it includes rap, a perfectly literal reproduction of the lyrics can be a bit difficult, but by conveying the sense accurately, the message still comes through.

It’s a track whose words to a friend will warm your heart, and it’s also recommended as a song for sign language performances.

Let It Go ~As I Am~Matsu Takako

Sign language chorus: “Frozen – Let It Go” (subtitled, model). Singing in sign language.
Let It Go ~As I Am~Matsu Takako

A song by Takako Matsu, a female singer who is active across a wide range of fields, including acting, voice acting, and singing, and who commands a strong presence.

It’s known as one of the numbers from Disney’s Frozen, in which she starred as a voice actress, and it has received high acclaim not only in Japan but also overseas.

Its powerful, forward-looking lyrics retain their impact even in sign language, allowing you to convey a dynamic energy reminiscent of a scene from the film.

As a famous song recognized around the world, not just in Japan, it’s a perfect choice to perform as a sign-language song.

A Song for YouSugawara Sayuri

HEAR-T Sign: A Song for You - JSL Sign Language
A Song for YouSugawara Sayuri

A song by female singer Sayuri Sugawara, who has been active under the name THE SxPLAY since 2014 and draws influences from a wide range of music including pop, rock, classical, and dance.

It is the title track of her first mini-album “Kimi ni Okuru Uta” and was used as the opening theme for the music program JAPAN COUNTDOWN.

The lyrics, which sing of unwavering devotion, may convey even stronger emotion when expressed in sign language.

The combination of expressive signing with the song’s memorable acoustic guitar arpeggios and delicate beats reveals new charms—making it a highly recommended number for sign-language performance.

Japanese sign language songs, sign language songs (21–30)

threadNakajima Miyuki

Sign language chorus “Ito” (Miyuki Nakajima) Japanese chorus ‘ITO’ with sign language
threadNakajima Miyuki

A famous song by Miyuki Nakajima that’s hugely popular at weddings and other occasions.

Its gentle, soothing tempo and heartfelt lyrics have won the support of many people, and it has been covered numerous times by other artists.

The lyrics, which sing about life, are profound, and it would be wonderful to convey that depth through sign language.