[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 Song Collection (11–20)
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!
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.
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!
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!