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

Panda Rabbit Koalasakushi: takada hiroo / sakkyoku: inui hiroki

Let's try the hand game 'Panda Usagi Koala' together!!

The fresh greenery of May feels great, and it’s the perfect season for a trip to the zoo, isn’t it? That’s when this song—featuring three kinds of animals appearing one after another—is perfect for parents and kids to sing and play together.

With lyrics by Hiroo Takada and music by Yuki Inui, it has been loved for many years, including being featured on the December 1990 album “NHK Okaasan to Issho Best 35.” Broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” this piece is especially fun because you can imitate animals in time with the rhythmic calls! The simple choreography is easy to learn right away, making it perfect for getting everyone excited on a field trip bus or at a picnic.

Be sure to strike cute poses together and have fun!

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!

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!

Tulipdōyō

Tulip

With the arrival of spring, that flower which brightens the flowerbeds—isn’t it the one from a children’s song everyone has hummed at least once? The lyrics depict rows of blossoms in vivid reds, whites, and yellows, and, while simple, they brim with a gentle warmth as they affirm that each flower is beautiful in its own way.

In fact, this piece first appeared in July 1932 in the publication Picture Book Songs: Summer Edition, where the lyricist’s name was withheld; later, after a court case, Miyako Kondo was recognized as the author.

It was recorded in 1933, and ever since it has been cherished at kindergarten entrance ceremonies and other spring events.

It’s perfect as a first song for little children to sing, and it’s also lovely to listen to its nostalgic melody and feel the calm cheer of spring.

Hello with a handshakeSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Watanabe Shigeru

Hello with a Handshake [Children’s Song] Lyrics: Michio Mado / Music: Shigeru Watanabe

This piece, with lyrics by Mado Michio and music by Shigeru Watanabe, is perfect for spring, when hearts flutter with new encounters.

It portrays meeting someone during a walk, shaking hands, having a brief chat, and parting ways.

The warm melody by the lyricist of “Zō-san” and the composer of “Takibi,” songs everyone knows, truly resonates.

It’s also perfect for events like kindergarten and school entrance ceremonies! As a hand-play song that can ease the tension of first meetings, why not sing it with teachers and new friends, all with smiles?

Mother is spring.Sakushi: Yamakawa Keisuke / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Takeshi

Okasanwa Haru

Mother Is Spring features a gently enveloping melody that leaves a lasting impression.

It likens a mother to the warm cheerfulness of spring, portraying how she watches over her child with kindness.

Scrapes and tears quickly heal when met with a mother’s smile…

That magical sense of security remains a place our hearts return to, even in adulthood.

Included on the album Children’s Songs and School Songs: “Songs of Spring,” this piece is distinguished by the beautiful harmonies of Saori Yuki and Shoko Yasuda.

Let the soft melody carry you as you sing—thinking of a mother who lives far away, or feeling the arrival of spring together with your child.