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Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[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 play songs (71–80)

your smile

Your Smile [With Mother] {Akagon Dance}
your smile

Bright and uplifting, “Kimi no Egao” is a feel-good song that won’t be defeated even by a rainy day.

Try singing it with the children, making eye contact and smiling.

Adding gestures and movements can make it even more fun to sing.

Pay attention to the lyrics, too—they’ll fill you with energy that won’t lose to the summer heat.

It’s perfect for singing under the glittering summer sun.

Sing this heart-boosting song and share the importance of smiles with the children.

Let’s all sing it together with lots of energy!

Zebra Swirl

[NHK E-TV] Zebra Guruguru / With Mother (covered by UtaSta) Japanese Children’s Song, Nursery Rhymes
Zebra Swirl

The rhythmic and fun “Zebra Swirl” also features lyrics that are easy for children to remember.

Let’s sing along to the cute, rhythmic words.

The repeated phrases may match the zebra’s stripes and the song’s background, capturing children’s attention.

Try singing to the rhythm while feeling the melody’s lively yet somehow nostalgic vibe.

You might broaden the fun by first asking, “What around us looks like stripes?” and then singing the song.

Tonton Tomato-chan

[20 minutes continuous playback] Ton-ton Tomato-chan | NHK E-TV Inai Inai Baa | Popular Song [Stops Baby from Crying]
Tonton Tomato-chan

With its gentle vocals and refreshing melody, “Ton-ton Tomato-chan” is perfect as a July children’s song! Speaking of summer vegetables, there are tomatoes, cucumbers, and more.

Celebrating the tomato, which is delicious even in summer, “Ton-ton Tomato-chan” has a pleasant rhythm and is a nursery rhyme that even babies from 0 years old can enjoy.

Its comfortable tempo also makes it a relaxing song.

It’s also recommended to move your body to the music with kids while holding maracas or handmade instruments.

Have fun with it!

[Childcare] Summer Songs: Full of Fun! Summer Nursery Rhymes & Fingerplay Songs (81–90)

Norimaki Pera Pari Ondo

[Norimaki Pera Pali Ondo ◆ Live-Action Dance Ver. / Okaasan to Issho July 2022 Monthly Song] NHK E-Tele
Norimaki Pera Pari Ondo

The song “Norimaki Perapari Ondo,” which kids love, is a perfect summer tune and comes highly recommended for festival bon dances.

The catchy “perapari perapari” lyrics have a lively tempo that gives the intro a sense that something fun is about to begin.

The dance is simple and easy to learn, so children around age three can enjoy dancing to it as well.

It’s perfect for the summer festival season, too.

Dressing in yukata or jinbei to enjoy the festivities is a great idea.

Be sure to sing it and make it part of your summer memories.

A Drop of Star

A Drop of a Star – With Mother – July 2021 Song
A Drop of Star

With its bright rhythm and easy-to-understand lyrics, “Hoshi no Hitoshizuku” is a cheerful song that makes you want to dance when you hear it.

If you start the intro with handclaps, everyone can match the beat and dance together.

Try swaying your body energetically to the lyrics as you dance.

You might just find yourself smiling without even realizing it.

Its captivating rhythm and lyrics are enjoyable for children of all ages.

It could be a big hit to sing at events like Tanabata, too.

Magic Shoes

Magic Shoes - With Mother (Okaasan to Issho) July 2016 Song (Covered by UtaSta)
Magic Shoes

Listening to it makes you feel positive—“Magic Shoes” is the perfect song for the start of summer when you want to try something new! It’s also popular with children and teachers.

The lyric “put on your magic shoes” is so adorable, isn’t it? It’s a thrilling song that makes you feel like taking on new challenges or going out somewhere.

With its bright tempo, try singing it together while happily chatting about your favorite shoes.

Yokai Shiritori

Yokai Shiritori [Uta no Mama Papa] Nursery Rhyme, Hand Play, With Mother
Yokai Shiritori

The song “Yokai Shiritori” features all kinds of yokai in its lyrics.

Listen closely to hear which yokai appear.

Since it’s structured as shiritori, you might also enjoy it as a kind of wordplay.

It could be fun to ask the children which yokai they like and work their original yokai names into the song to get everyone excited.

It’s a tune that can be enjoyed in many settings, such as summer festivals or overnight daycare events in the summer.

By all means, try creating a new yokai song together with the children.