[Childcare] Summer songs: Full of fun! Summer nursery rhymes & finger-play songs

Whale ClockSakushi: Seki Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Takeshi

Whale Clock by Himawari 🌻 (♪ The whale floats on the sea ~ What time is it now? Now it’s whale time!) With lyrics | Children’s song, Okaasan to Issho | Kujira no Tokei | Whale Watches

This children’s song, “The Whale’s Clock,” is perfect for a refreshing summer day by the sea.

You might not easily spot a whale, but how about singing this tune when you go to the beach and enjoying a fun time? Just like the whale, seagulls and dolphins in the ocean ask the whale for the time.

Each time, the whale answers with a time that playfully relates to itself.

In the end, it even adds a little “ra,” turning it into a bit of a pun.

It’s a charming song featuring a very mischievous whale.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Rainy MoonSakushi: Noguchi Ujō / Sakkyoku: Nakayama Shinpei

Rainy Moon - Shoko Haida

With its beautifully nostalgic melody, just reading the lyrics conjures vivid scenes—“Amefuri Otsukisan” truly sings the heart of Japan.

It first appeared in the Taishō era in the children’s magazine Kodomo no Kuni, under the original title “Amefuri Otsuki.” Later, when it was recorded, it was combined with “Kumo no Kage,” a piece introduced in the same magazine as a sequel, and thus reborn as “Amefuri Otsukisan.” While the melody is easy to remember, the words used in the lyrics can be difficult for young children to understand, so it might be nice for mothers or fathers to sing it together with their children on a rainy summer night.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Row the boat

[Song] Rowing the Boat – Summer Song, Nursery Rhyme, Children's Song ♪

We’d like to introduce the hand-play song “Ofune o Koide,” which is perfect for keeping things fun and cheerful even in the hot summer.

Moving in a way that feels like you’re rowing a boat to a pleasant rhythm naturally brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

The lyrics convey scenes like swaying waves and blowing wind, letting you feel as if you’re actually out at sea on an adventure.

It also sounds fun to sit facing a friend, hold hands, and do it together! Adding a sound effect like “Splash!” between sections of the song will make it even more exciting.

Give it a try for inspiration!

The Goldfish’s Nap

Goldfish’s Nap ♪ [Children’s song / nursery rhyme] Cute goldfish in a red kimono ~ with lyrics animation / Japanese kids song

The relaxed song “Goldfish’s Nap” is a popular children’s nursery rhyme.

If you sing it as a lullaby at nap time, some kids find it so soothing that they fall asleep right away.

The gentle movements of the goldfish—and the moments when it seems to pause completely—are adorable and make it feel as if the goldfish itself is napping.

The lyrics are easy to remember, so if you sing it repeatedly, children can sing along.

It’s also recommended to sing it together with a picture book that features goldfish.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

When the Dock (Japanese knotweed) blooms

Children’s song: When Sorrel Blooms (Skampo no Saku Koro) — Lyrics by Hakushū Kitahara, Music by Kōsaku Yamada

Let me introduce “When the Dock Blooms,” a song with a gentle melody and a bright tempo.

It’s a song about a flower called sukanpo (dock) that blooms in spring.

This warm children’s song evokes nostalgia, depicting children playing happily and energetically in the fields.

Because it includes repeated phrases that help you feel the season, even children around two years old can enjoy joining in.

Of course, it’s also a soothing piece for babies from 0 years old to listen to.

Be sure to try singing it with your children.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

Ms. Himawari

Himawari-san by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics | Summer Children's Song |

Sunflowers, with their large yellow blossoms facing the sun, are uplifting just to look at, aren’t they? How about singing this sunflower-themed song, “Himawari-san,” together with the children? Its slow, gentle melody is easy to get familiar with, and the many repeated lyrics make it simple even for younger kids to remember—one of its charms.

When everyone sings, try forming a sunflower shape with both hands or stretching tall and singing up toward the sky; it’s a great way to nurture children’s expressive skills, so it’s highly recommended.

If you sing with big smiles and lots of energy, their hearts and bodies may grow quickly—just like summer sunflowers!

Water Gun Song

Let's Sing the Water Gun Song!! [Seasonal Song]

Let me introduce a fingerplay for “The Water Gun Song,” perfect for water play or before getting into the pool.

This lively song lets kids feel the unique fun and sense of freedom of summertime water play.

The motion of pretending your fingers are a water gun and going “pew-pew” helps develop fingertip dexterity, imagination, and a sense of rhythm.

The tempo is slow, so even younger children can enjoy joining in.

Various plants and flowers like dahlias and maple leaves appear in the song, so showing real examples or photos may help children picture them more easily.

It’s also fun to swap in familiar plants and playground equipment from your schoolyard into the lyrics.

Give it a try!