[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)
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!
Candle receiving
A song indispensable to Hokkaido’s Tanabata and a beloved seasonal tradition for children: “Rōsoku Morai.” Set to a simple melody, the lyrics—asking for candles and sweets—leave a strong impression.
Lines like “If you don’t give us any, we’ll scratch you!” add a touch of playful mischief that’s endearing.
“Rōsoku Morai” is said to have connections with Aomori’s Nebuta Festival as well.
Guided by this song, children parade through their neighborhood at night carrying lanterns, creating a quintessential summer evening scene.
It’s also interesting how it resembles Halloween’s trick-or-treat.
This folk song lets you feel the rich diversity of Japanese culture.
Tanabata Children's Songs: Fun Hand-Play Songs & Nostalgic Nursery Rhymes and Folk Songs (31–40)
The Weaver Girl (Tanabata Goddess)warabeuta
This is the Tanabata children’s song from Hiroshima Prefecture, “Tanabata no Kamisan.” Its origins are said to be very old and trace back to China.
The lyrics are quite unique for a Tanabata song, and many people may be a little surprised.
That’s because it’s a “demon” (oni) play song: while singing, the oni dances, and the people in the circle hold hands and walk around the oni.
The oni also weaves in and out; along the way, it taps someone on the shoulder, and the person who’s tapped joins on behind the oni.
The circle gets smaller, but it’s a game of connecting to the oni.
Enjoy a fun Tanabata with your children through this connecting-play game.
In conclusion
We introduced Tanabata children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes.
There were also many lovely songs that evoke Tanabata, such as those about “stars,” “constellations,” and “wishes.” Some songs can be enjoyed with hand-play or dance while singing, so please make good use of them in childcare settings or at home!