Nursery rhymes to sing in spring: a collection of classic songs you'll want to sing with your children

Good morning, crayonSakushi / Sakkyoku: Taniyama Hiroko

[March] Good Morning, Crayon / Music: Hiroko Taniyama

This is a charming song where colorful crayons, awakened from their box, leap out with energy and, as if by magic, bring the breakfast table to life.

Just imagining the reds and greens turning one after another into delicious-looking foods is enough to make your stomach rumble.

Its lively, rhythmic wordplay is so fun that once you hear it, your child will want to imitate it right away! It aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in June 1987, and has been beloved by many for Hiroko Taniyama’s gentle singing voice and the delightful animation.

The song was also included on the album “Shippo no Kimochi,” released in May 1988, and continues to be cherished across generations.

Even children who aren’t morning people might perk right up if they hum along to this piece.

Gather around a delicious breakfast table and sing it together as a family!

March in springSakushi: Koharu Kyuichiro / Sakkyoku: Yatabe Hiroshi

Haru wa Sangatsu / Piano with singing; Lyrics: Koharu Kyuichiro; Music: Yatabe Hiroshi; children's song; childcare; spring; March; spring song; March

This children’s song is perfect for March, when the cold begins to ease and the footsteps of spring can be heard little by little.

The warm words woven by lyricist Kyuichiro Koharu and the gentle melody composed by Hiroshi Yatabe vividly capture the unique atmosphere of the changing seasons.

How about humming it together with your child, feeling the gradually warming sunshine and the anticipation of a new chapter in life? Included in the sheet music collection “Children’s Songs 175,” published in April 1998, the song has long been cherished in nursery schools and kindergartens.

Rather than being released as a typical commercial CD, it has been chosen and passed down by teachers through educational materials used in early childhood settings.

During this time of year, when hearts are stirred by upcoming graduations and promotions, singing it together as a class will surely make for a wonderful memory!

Song of a Little BirdKato Ichika / Kinjo Narumi

♪ Little Bird Song (with hand motions)

A charming song that everyone can enjoy by mimicking the chirps that herald the arrival of spring.

It depicts little birds calling for their mothers and fathers with song, and their endearing presence warms the heart.

If you shape a beak with your hands and move them to the rhythm, you can play as if you’ve become a little bird yourself.

This children’s song is performed by Ichika Kato and Narumi Kinjo, popular on the educational YouTube channel, and is included on albums such as “BonBon Academy: Songs of Spring,” to be released in April 2025.

Long cherished at BonBon Academy, operated by Kodansha, this song is perfect for March, when children graduate from preschool or move up a grade, and for parents and kids heading out on a springtime stroll.

Humming it under the warm sunshine will make children’s smiles shine even brighter.

Denderaryubawarabeuta

March Children's Song “Denderaryuba”

A children’s song from Nagasaki known for its unique rhythm and playful wordplay.

The lyrics feature a local dialect meaning “Even if you try to go out, you can’t,” but the charm lies in the sound and the fun finger-play motions.

Play it with children and smiles will naturally abound.

This piece became widely known nationwide when it was included on the album “NHK Nihongo de Asobo: Uta CD ‘Dendera Hebehebe Dojyaina,’” released in October 2006.

In Nagasaki, it’s familiar from the Bunmeido Sohonten commercials, and it’s also famous for being used in the film “Gege.” Why not enjoy the warm spring weather by playing together with your child, moving your hands and fingers in the park or at home?

Huh, where is it?Sakushi: Kanzawa Toshiko / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi

Where Are You? [E Tele] Lyrics: Toshiko Kamizawa / Composition: Nobuyoshi Koshibe Okaasan to Issho♪

This is a very unique and fun fingerplay song where you search for where animals’ body parts are.

As you respond to the prompts by pointing “up,” “down,” and “sideways,” or by touching your own body, children’s powers of observation and curiosity will naturally be drawn out.

Written by lyricist Toshiko Kanzawa and composed by Nobuyoshi Koshibe, this piece has been loved across generations since it was included on the album “NHK Okaasan to Issho,” released in April 1992 as a related song to the NHK program Okaasan to Issho.

March, when children are on the verge of graduating or moving up a grade and you can feel their growth, is the perfect time for this—whether in nursery schools and kindergartens or at home spending one-on-one playtime with your child.

Enjoy warm springtime moments together with lots of laughter!