![[Childcare] Summer songs: Full of fun! Summer nursery rhymes & finger-play songs](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/C3JSys-Vla0/maxresdefault.webp)
[Childcare] Summer songs: Full of fun! Summer nursery rhymes & finger-play songs
When the rainy season ends, summer finally arrives! Here, we’ll introduce a variety of children’s songs to help you enjoy the season.
We’ve gathered songs that kids love, as well as hand-play songs often sung in nurseries and kindergartens.
Listening to these songs will make you look forward to the long-awaited summer even more.
Hand-play songs are also fun for little ones, so be sure to incorporate them into your childcare activities.
While the days will be getting hotter, some children’s songs can make you feel cooler just by listening.
Enjoy a fun-filled summer together with the children!
[Childcare] Summer Songs. Full of Fun! Summer Nursery Rhymes & Hand-Clapping Games (1–10)
To the Sun in the Palm of Your HandSakushi: Yanase Takashi / Sakkyoku: Izumi Taku
A perfect children’s song for the brilliantly shining summer sun is “Tenohira o Taiyō ni” (Hold Your Palms to the Sun).
The lyrics were written by Takashi Yanase, creator of Anpanman, and the music was composed by Taku Izumi, who worked on many songs including the theme for “Tetsuko’s Room.” Joy and sadness, encounters with all kinds of friends and living creatures—this song deeply reminds us that these seemingly ordinary things are only possible because we are alive.
Although it’s a song for children, adults may feel it in a different, moving way.
There’s choreography that matches the lyrics, too, so sing and dance with all your energy and enjoy this moment of being alive!
Hey! SeaSakushi: Yamakawa Keisuke / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naosumi
When you think of summer, many of you probably picture the blue ocean.
In times like that, we recommend this song, “Hey! Ocean,” which lets you feel the sea’s vastness and beauty, as well as the gentleness and power of nature.
The lyrics are charming, as if you’re really speaking to the ocean, making it perfect to sing with energetic children full of summer spirit.
Move your body to the bright, free-flowing melody and rhythm, and you’ll likely feel your spirits lift! Try singing from your diaphragm, imagining your voice carrying far into the distance.
Mitsuya Cider
The educational duo Mana & Yuu—Mana Onochi (known as “Mana”) and Yuki Hamasaki (known as “Yuu”)—run the popular educational YouTube channel “Manayuu Channel,” which features lots of children’s songs and hand-play activities that kids can enjoy.
This time, with summer as the theme, let’s introduce a song about Mitsuya Cider, the first beverage that comes to mind for many when thinking of summer.
The cute choreography that expresses the fizzy carbonation is sure to delight children.
The lyrics also include counting—one, two, three—so it’s great for helping little ones learn numbers.
Yokai Shiritorisakushi: okuhara yume/sakkyoku: tane tomoko
The yokai challenge the so-called “Yokai Professor,” who supposedly knows everything about monsters, to a shiritori showdown…
Set to a slightly eerie minor key and a thumping, resonant bassline, the rapid-fire, rhythmic string of yokai names somehow makes your heart race with excitement.
From the smug opening that screams confidence, you can gradually see them getting cornered and flustered, and when they finally lose and sulk, the yokai are irresistibly cute and endearing.
It’s a song you’ll want to sing together while bantering with your kids.
Let’s dance, Ondo!
This is a participatory Bon Odori song that everyone can enjoy moving their bodies to.
The comical vocals and lively rhythm combine to create an atmosphere that naturally makes you want to dance as you listen.
The choreography that matches the lyrics is easy to follow, making it perfect for getting everyone excited at preschools or local summer festivals.
With moves like fireworks and hand claps, you’ll listen on with anticipation, wondering what comes next.
The instrumental tones are vibrant, and the balance with the vocals is exquisite.
A major appeal is that children can shout along, move their bodies, and have fun together.
Whether dancing in yukata or hero costumes, this song lets you fully feel the bustle of summer.
Genki Ondo
It’s a bright and lively Bon Odori song.
Set to a poppy rhythm, it features moves like the “hungry tummy growl” pose and big-voice gestures that naturally make kids want to move.
The choreography is easy to follow and full of the joy of dancing together.
Its energetic tempo and friendly vocals will further boost the festive mood.
The clear rhythm and catchy melody stick in your head, and moving freely to the music brings out smiles.
Popular as a versatile number for kindergartens and local summer festivals, it’s perfect for summer events where everyone can dance, sing, and feel energized.
Anpanman Ondo
Let’s all dance together! Here are some ideas for the “Anpanman Ondo.” Let’s dance the “Anpanman Ondo” with the beloved characters from “Go! Anpanman,” popular in the anime, movies, and picture books! The song has four verses, but the choreography stays the same, so it should be easy for children to learn, right? Moving their bodies to the rhythm can not only develop motor skills and a sense of rhythm, but also help nurture emotional expression—like “I did it!” and “I can dance for fun!”—and boost their self-esteem.