[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 Traditional Nursery Rhymes and Folk Songs (21–30)
Star FestivalSakushi: Murata Sachiko / Sakkyoku: Kikuchi Masaharu
The Tanabata children’s song “Hoshi Matsuri”—many of you probably sang it in music class at elementary school and the like.
Its opening lyrics use star-themed onomatopoeia that are catchy and charming.
The contrast between the lively rhythm at the start and the more laid-back, smooth section makes it a song that feels great to sing.
Just a little humming and the phrases start looping in your head—an easy-to-remember, friendly piece themed around stars!
Song of the StarsSakushi: Ide Takao / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Tsuyoshi
A song by Takao Ide and Takeshi Shibuya, first introduced on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho.” It features a simple, beautiful melody and lyrics themed around stars shining in the night sky.
With a calm and gentle tone suited for children, it combines familiarity with educational value and is loved by a wide range of generations.
Since its release, it has long been cherished by many children and is considered a classic.
It is also a popular piece used in educational institutions and childcare facilities.
What shall we make with rock-paper-scissors? Tanabata version
Let’s try arranging a classic hand game! I’d like to introduce the Tanabata version of “What Can You Make with Rock, Scissors, Paper?” This idea is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy Tanabata, the once-a-year festival.
Many children are probably familiar with the hand game “What Can You Make with Rock, Scissors, Paper?” This time, let’s try a Tanabata-themed arrangement! The choreography and lyrics inspired by Tanabata are so cute.
Be sure to give it a try!
World of Starssanbika
Let’s sing it to the melody of the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”! Introducing “Hoshi no Sekai” (Starry World).
In connection with Tanabata, how about getting familiar with songs that feature stars? Set to an easy-to-learn melody, children will likely pick it up quickly.
Through the song, their interest in stars and the night sky can grow, and their engagement with Tanabata festivities may deepen as well.
Incorporating it before Tanabata crafts or during morning circle time can help everyone enjoy and appreciate the seasonal tradition more fully.
It’s a song you can sing in a gentle, calm atmosphere!
Seasonal constellations♪Koperu uta no oneesan
Let me introduce a star-themed song, “Constellations of the Seasons.” It’s a unique piece that helps you learn constellations through singing! The standout feature is its wonderful lyrics that make you want to look up at the sky in each season and search for constellations.
It’s perfect for sparking interest in constellations and stars, and could be a great fit as an introduction to Tanabata as well.
The lyrics pique children’s curiosity, making it easy to incorporate into everyday childcare activities and to smoothly explain the origins and meaning of Tanabata.
Be sure to try using “Constellations of the Seasons.”
The stars are humming with joySakushi: Murata Sachiko / Sakkyoku: Fujiie Koji
Let me introduce a delightful song that’s a joy to sing: “Hoshi ga Runran.” When you think of Tanabata, many of you probably picture stars and the Milky Way, right? This charming song features stars, and its comfortable rhythm and tempo make it easy to sing! The lyrics are fantastical, opening up a dreamlike world—that’s the highlight.
With a beat that makes you want to dance, children can enjoy singing along, too.
It has a wonderful atmosphere that kids are sure to love, so give it a try!
Song of the Constellationsdeguchi takashi
Let me introduce “The Constellation Song,” a sing-and-learn piece.
Many of you may be looking to explain the meaning and origins of Tanabata to children as part of the festivities.
Orihime is Vega, the first-magnitude star in the Lyra constellation, and Hikoboshi is Altair, the first-magnitude star in the Aquila constellation.
Through “The Constellation Song,” you can convey that stars have various names and that there are different kinds of constellations! By setting the lyrics to a pleasant melody, children can learn while singing.
Give it a try and incorporate it!