[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!
- Nursery rhymes I want to sing in July: fun summer songs
- [Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun hand-play songs and a nostalgic collection of traditional nursery rhymes and folk songs
- [Childcare] Summer songs: Full of fun! Summer nursery rhymes & finger-play songs
- Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August: Summer-Friendly Kids’ Songs and Fingerplay Rhymes
- Nursery rhymes to sing in spring: a collection of classic songs you'll want to sing with your children
- [Sky-Themed Nursery Rhymes and Songs] Children’s Songs Loved Across Generations
- Songs to Listen to on Children’s Day | A Curated Selection of Music for Tango no Sekku!
- [Tanabata Song] Exquisite Japanese love songs to listen to under the starry sky
- Children’s songs for Hinamatsuri: A collection of songs everyone can sing together for the Doll Festival
- [Children’s Day Hand-Play Songs] A Collection of Nursery Rhymes & Traditional Children’s Songs for Parents and Kids to Enjoy Together
- [Children’s Songs for June] Fun finger-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes perfect for the rainy season
- Children’s songs and nursery rhymes about the moon
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
[Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun Hand-Play Songs & Nostalgic Nursery Rhymes and Folk Song Collection (11–20)
I want to see you on July 7.
Let’s sing it to the melody of “Yankee Doodle”! We’re introducing “I Want to See You on July 7th.” Isn’t “Yankee Doodle” a tune everyone has heard before? This time, let’s enjoy the hand game “I Want to See You on July 7th” set to that melody! The choreography is short and simple, so it seems easy for both children and adults to try.
If you incorporate it along with the origin of Tanabata and the meaning of the festival, it should help deepen children’s understanding, too.
Everyone’s WishesKeroponzu
Get everyone excited at Tanabata parties and events! We’d like to introduce “Everyone’s Wishes.” At Tanabata, people write their wishes on tanzaku paper strips and hang them on bamboo branches.
While many write about things they want or dreams for the future, it originally seems to have been about wishing for improvement in one’s skills! In the song “Everyone’s Wishes,” children are interviewed about the wishes they wrote on their tanzaku—perfect for livening up a Tanabata-themed event.
Be sure to incorporate “Everyone’s Wishes” into your celebration!
little starSakushi: Tsuzuki Masuyo / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma
Let me introduce the well-loved song “Ohoshi-sama” (The Little Star).
Stars seem to twinkle brightly, don’t they? Have you ever thought about what that sparkle might represent? If you ask children, they’ll likely give you delightfully interesting answers.
The lyrics—suggesting that the stars are shining because they’re chatting with one another—are cute and unique, aren’t they? Planning some choreography together with the children would be a fun activity too.
By all means, try incorporating “Ohoshi-sama”!
A Drop of Star
With its bright rhythm and easy-to-understand lyrics, “Hoshi no Hitoshizuku” is a cheerful song that makes your body start moving naturally when you listen.
Sway your body to the lyrics and dance energetically.
Crafted with captivating rhythms and lyrics, it’s designed to be enjoyed by children of all ages.
Sing and dance to it at Tanabata performances or recreational events, and it’s sure to get everyone excited together.
Tanabata Hand Play SongTeasobi uta
This is a recommended hand-play song for Tanabata! It’s a summer hand-play song that’s sung every year at the Dazaifu Tanabata Festival.
It was originally created by members of the Recreation Research Club at Fukuoka Junior College for Children, and it has been passed down and sung ever since.
The lyrics are gentle: Hikoboshi and Orihime safely meet on Tanabata and grant everyone’s wishes.
The choreography is simple, so children of different ages can enjoy it together!
Princess Orihime and Prince Hikoboshiichigo kurabu
A happy entertainer who brings you fun times through singing, dancing, and play! Ichigo Club began their activities with the desire to become big brother and big sister figures who sing familiar play songs for children.
This track is their original song, “Orihime and Hikoboshi.” Its gentle, beautiful melody will enchant adults as well.
It’s a Tanabata song we definitely want children to hear.
Tanabata Children’s Songs: Fun Hand-Play Songs & Nostalgic Traditional Nursery Rhymes and Folk Songs (21–30)
Tanabata Festivalehon shouka
It’s the picture-book children’s song “Tanabata Festival.” The melody is a little melancholic, isn’t it? But that’s exactly why it evokes such a beautiful Tanabata scene—writing wishes on tanzaku strips and praying to the stars.
It seems this song is sung in kindergartens and nursery schools.
The lyrics are simple and short, so children can learn and sing them right away, making it perfect for group practice and even for use in performances like school plays!