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

Goodbye, Our KindergartenSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Shimazutsu Hideo

Goodbye, Our Kindergarten – Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

On the day of the graduation ceremony, many parents have probably been moved to tears by the children’s singing.

The lyrics, which seem to count each memory of the days spent at the preschool, truly touch the heart.

With lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hideo Shimazutsu, this song is a classic for graduation ceremonies.

It was included on the 1996 album “SEASON,” and the lyrics can be adapted to fit each preschool.

Children singing with gratitude to their kindergarten or nursery school is the very picture of a warm spring scene.

Try singing it together as you look back through family photo albums and share in the joy of your child’s growth.

motherSakushi: Tanaka Nana / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao

Mother-♪ Mother What is it/Nursery Rhyme/100 Best Japanese Songs/Animation/With Lyrics/Yukano

Perfect for a heartwarming springtime moment, this children’s song by Nana Tanaka and Yoshinao Nakata is presented in a conversational style where a child speaks to their mother, expressing comfort and affection through the gentle, everyday scents that drift from her.

Beloved across generations, it was also selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Its tender melody—one almost everyone has heard at least once—seems to symbolize the timeless bond between parent and child.

Why not sing it together with your little one while out for a walk or during cozy time at home? It’s sure to bring a sense of calm.

Good Morning SongSakushi: Tanaka Tadamasa / Sakkyoku: Kawamura Koyo

Morning Assembly Song - Good Morning Song (♬ Good Morning, Good Morning) by Himawari 🌻 With Lyrics | Nursery Rhyme | Morning Song | Kindergarten/Preschool

This is the children’s song that makes you want to sing out with a bright voice on a spring morning when a new life begins.

The words woven by Tadamasa Tanaka announce the start of a refreshing day through greetings to teachers and friends.

The friendly melody crafted by Mitsuyo Kawamura will naturally make children’s voices lively and cheerful.

It’s also recommended for morning gatherings at kindergartens and nursery schools! As spring brings school entry and advancement, why not sing it together with children who are about to begin group life as a fun way to practice greetings?

Flower HotelSakushi: Fuyumori Kayoko / Sakkyoku: Shiratori Emiko

Ohana's 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.

Thump-thump, boom! First Graderssakushi: itō akira / sakkyoku: sakurai jun

Dokidoki Don! First Graders Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

This work portrays children about to become brand-new first graders, their hearts pounding with both excitement and anxiety.

Created by Akira Ito and Jun Sakurai, it was released in 1986.

As an original number for Fuji TV’s “Hirake! Ponkikki,” it has long been beloved.

Its brightness is striking, as the strong rhythm and positive lyrics seem to blow away the nerves about the school life that’s about to begin.

It turns the sound of a thumping, nervous heart directly into forward-moving power, making it perfect for moments when you want to be brave.

In the season of cherry blossoms, why not hum along—both the children shouldering their brand-new school bags and the adults watching over their growth?

The shoes make a sound.Sakushi: Shimizu Katsura / Sakkyoku: Hirota Ryūtarō

Kutsu ga Naru (♪ Holding Hands) by Himawari 🌻 With Lyrics | Children's Song [Japan’s 100 Best Songs] Kutsu ga naru |

Spring brings mild weather and is the perfect season for a stroll, isn’t it? So I’d like to introduce a song that depicts children going for a walk in spring.

It’s “Kutsu ga Naru,” which is also featured among Japan’s 100 Selected Songs.

This charming piece uses lyrics that personify the sound of footsteps as animals, capturing the feeling of walking while your shoes go click-clack.

As you listen, imagine what kind of shoe sounds are being made and what emotions are being felt, based on the animals mentioned.

It sounds fun to sing it during a walk, too.

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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!