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

Buzz buzz buzzSakushi: Murano Shirou / Sakkyoku: Bohemia min’yō

[Children’s Song] Buzz, Buzz, Buzz [Summ, summ, summ!]

Bun Bun Bun has been sung even in elementary school classes since the 1940s.

The lyrics were refined by Shiro Murano, and the song depicts bees collecting flower nectar in spring.

Because it features many onomatopoeic words used in the title, it’s fun to sing together in a lively way.

Another highlight is the abundance of lyrics that evoke springtime scenes.

It’s nice to let your imagination wander and think, “What kind of landscape is this song describing?” Incidentally, the tune originally comes from a traditional Czech folk song, to which Japanese lyrics were added to create its current form.

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Flower HotelSakushi: Fuyumori Kayoko / Sakkyoku: Shiratori Emiko

Open! Ponkikki Emiko Shiratori “Ohana no Hotel”

This is a whimsical song that unfolds a dreamlike world—about a hotel for adorable flowers.

Just imagining the insects visiting as guests warms the heart! The singer-songwriter Emiko Shiratori, known for her clear, translucent voice, composed and performed the piece.

It was aired on Fuji TV’s popular children’s program “Hirake! Ponkikki,” so many listeners may feel a wave of nostalgia when they hear it.

The poetic worldview crafted by lyricist Kayoko Fuyuto remains as vibrant as ever.

On a gentle spring afternoon, try humming along with your child, spreading your wings of imagination and singing with kindness.

Waltz of the MountainsSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

Waltz of the Mountains [Children’s Song]

Set to a cheerful triple-meter rhythm, this delightful piece depicts animals arriving one after another at a mountain kindergarten.

With lyrics by Miyoko Kayama and music by Akira Yuyama, it’s a children’s song.

As time progresses, different animals appear, making it a charming way to learn how to read a clock while singing.

The distinctive lyrics are perfect for rhythm play, too! During the spring enrollment season, why not hum along to this heart-lifting melody with your child and share the excitement of a new beginning?

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?

Blow, O wind, blowSakushi: Yamamoto Morihisa / Sakkyoku: Komori Akihiro

Kaze yo Fuke Fuke (Okaasan to Issho) / Daisuke Yokoyama & Takumi Mitani

A song brimming with the kind of energy that makes you want to dash outside barefoot in this season of refreshing breezes.

Lyrics by Morihisa Yamamoto and music by Akihiro Komori, it’s especially memorable for its rhythmic repeated phrases.

Its bright, forward-looking message makes you feel lighter, as if the wind could blow away all your troubles.

First broadcast in 1975 on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” the song has continued to be sung for many years on programs like NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” You can listen to it on albums such as “Zoku NHK Minna no Uta yori: Meikyoku 100 Uta – <1969–1977> Omoide no Uta-tachi.” On a clear May day, try singing it together with your child while taking a walk under the blue sky.