[Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun hand-play songs and a nostalgic collection of traditional nursery rhymes and folk songs
July 7 is Tanabata.
Every year, you see large bamboo branches beautifully decorated in various places, don’t you? Have you decided on your wish to write on a tanzaku yet? In this article, we introduce children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes perfect for Tanabata.
We’ve gathered pieces themed around Tanabata, starting with the classic “Tanabata-sama” that everyone knows.
There are also songs you can dance to at nursery and kindergarten recitals, as well as hand-play games to enjoy at Tanabata parties.
Use this as a reference and enjoy a fun time with your child!
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[Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun Hand-Play Songs & Nostalgic Nursery Rhymes and Folk Songs (1–10)
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Hand play with a song everyone knows! Let’s introduce “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” It’s also one of the songs often sung as a lullaby.
How about incorporating it into your activities as a hand play this time? Imagine your palms as stars and express the sparkling, shining stars.
The choreography is easy to understand and doesn’t have any complex movements, so it seems enjoyable from infant to preschool classes.
Try adding “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to eurhythmics, morning meetings, or closing circles.
Wish Upon a Star
We would like to introduce “When You Wish Upon a Star,” a song used in Disney’s film Pinocchio.
As one of the world’s most beloved classics, “When You Wish Upon a Star” is likely a tune everyone has heard at least once.
Try adding simple hand motions to the relaxed rhythm and beautiful melody.
The choreography follows the lyrics, making it easy for both children and adults to learn.
Consider incorporating “When You Wish Upon a Star” as this month’s featured song or as the theme song for your Tanabata event.
The stars are good friendsboku to kimi.
Let’s have fun with a fingerplay! Introducing “Ohoshisama wa Nakayoshi.” This is a great idea for anyone looking for fingerplay activities that match the season or special events.
“Ohoshisama wa Nakayoshi” is a unique fingerplay where you use your palms as stars while you play.
The rhythm is pleasant and the tempo is gentle, so it can be enjoyed by a wide range of children, from infants to preschoolers.
The lyrics are cute too, so try singing and playing together with the kids.
It also works well as an introduction before a Tanabata craft activity!
[Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun Hand-Play Songs & Nostalgic Nursery Rhymes and Folk Song Collection (11–20)
Tanabata bustleboku to kimi.
A great and easy way to learn about Tanabata is the song “Tanabata Bata-Bata,” sung by the play-song creators Boku to Kimi.
The lyrics closely follow Orihime and Hikoboshi on the day of Tanabata and are memorable, making it perfect for studying the holiday with children.
You can also do hand motions to match lyrics like putting on makeup or shaving, so it’s ideal for Tanabata day activities.
It could be fun to think with the kids about getting ready for their ‘date’ and weave those ideas into the lyrics.
There are parts where you can shout energetically, too, so be sure to enjoy it together with the children!
Tanabata RhapsodySakushi: Hashimoto Shinnosuke / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Shinichi
Tanabata Rhapsody is a song by Team Ichinosuke, a play-song unit made up of active childcare workers.
It’s included on their first mini-album, “① – Run! Children of the Earth.” The song depicts Orihime and Hikoboshi getting excited as the long-awaited Tanabata approaches, and children writing their wishes on tanzaku paper.
On Team Ichinosuke’s official YouTube channel, there’s also a dance that’s perfect for a school performance, so be sure to try it with the kids!
bamboo leaves and tanzaku (paper strips)warabeuta
The children’s song “Sasa ni Tanzaku” portrays people dancing to coincide with the Tanabata festival held at a temple.
There are many ways to enjoy the piece, such as singing it as a round or dancing in a circle around bamboo leaves as the lyrics describe.
If you wear a yukata and dance with a fan, you can soak up the summer festival atmosphere and enjoy the song even more! Because the short lyrics are repeated many times, even first-time listeners should be able to sing along after hearing it a few times.
In addition to the more well-known Tanabata songs, it’s nice to spend the day with a piece like this for a slightly different take on the holiday!
The Night of TanabataTeasobi uta
“Tanabata no Yoru” is a hand-clapping song played in pairs while singing.
Tanabata is the event where Princess Orihime and Prince Hikoboshi can meet just once a year.
This song also serves as a little fortune-telling to see whether the two will manage to meet on Tanabata.
While singing, you clap each other’s hands, and at the end, after counting “one, two, three,” both players put out either their right or left hand.
If the hands match, it means Orihime and Hikoboshi were able to meet.
Cute, isn’t it? Be sure to enjoy it at your Tanabata party!
