![[Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun hand-play songs and a nostalgic collection of traditional nursery rhymes and folk songs](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/FG0fpbsr-6g/maxresdefault.webp)
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 Songs (1–10)
Milky WaySakushi: Fujimaki Rie / Sakkyoku: Wakamatsu Kan
This piece, Amanogawa, is filled with many expressive moments—like changes in dynamics and tempo—and is also popular as a school choir song.
It can be sung by mixed voices, so it’s often performed in junior high and high schools.
The song’s appeal lies in the dynamic power of its chorus and the beauty of its lyrics.
Since it’s themed around stars, understanding the literary lyrics that use stars as metaphors will deepen your appreciation of the piece.
It’s a song that children, of course, and adults alike can enjoy!
One little starShinzawa Toshihiko
The charming melody and lyrics are the highlights! Let us introduce “Ohoshisama Hitotsu.” It’s a wonderful song that evokes vivid scenes as you listen.
With stars as the main motif, a variety of stories unfold.
It could be fun for children to use their imaginations to think up what happens next.
Through the Tanabata festival, some children may become interested in stars or deepen their curiosity about them.
This is one of those wonderful songs that’s sure to spark excitement.
Tanabata-sama
Speaking of Tanabata, this is the song that comes to mind, right? This famous tune, known by everyone, was once adopted as a Ministry of Education school song, and children have been singing it for generations.
That shows just how cherished the Tanabata festival has been in Japan.
Of course, it’s still a classic today, so if you have children, be sure to teach it to them and sing along together.
The Milky Way between the two of ussakushi sakkyoku: gaagaaS
The play song featured in the July 2023 issue of the monthly magazine for childcare workers, Gekkan Hiroba, is “Futari no Aida ni Amanogawa.” Created by the unit gaagaaS, who also serve as music supervisors for NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s themed around Tanabata.
It comes with choreography that babies and toddlers aged 1–2 can enjoy, making it perfect for bonding time with your child.
The hand-play expressions vary by age, so be sure to give them a try!
Tanabata SummerKatsuriki
This is a hand-play song called “Tanabata Summer” that anyone can enjoy, with simple choreography and a slow 3/4 tempo.
As the title suggests, it sings about the Tanabata story.
You wave your hands to sparkle like stars, make heart shapes, and enjoy easy-to-understand gestures—one of the fun points.
It’s a perfect song for Tanabata lessons or events in kindergartens and nurseries.
Orihime, Hikoboshi, and the Milky Way all make proper appearances!
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.