RAG MusicJapanese Songs
Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.

Do you like winter?Although winter is very cold, there are many unique ways to enjoy it: you can see a beautiful silver world created by pure white snow, and you can feel a special kind of warmth you can only experience in winter, like hot pot dishes or sitting in a kamakura snow hut.There are also lots of fun events like Christmas and New Year’s!Children are probably looking forward to making snowmen, having snowball fights, and enjoying Christmas presents and cakes, aren’t they?In this article, we’ll introduce nursery rhymes, folk songs, traditional children’s songs, and hand-play songs themed around various aspects of “winter.”There are many songs that will turn a winter that’s “just cold” into wonderful memories, so please give them a listen!

Collection of winter children's songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes. Fun winter hand-play songs too (101–110)

chocolate

Hand Play 'Chocolate' — Hand Game Taught by an Active Teacher
chocolate

Sweet and delicious chocolate that everyone loves.

Let’s make chocolate through a song and hand play.

As you sing “choko choko,” the cute combination of sounds somehow lifts your mood! It’s a perfect song for everyone to sing together before a fun snack time.

Be sure to learn it and sing it with the kids! You’ll surely get hooked!

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Snow and Children

[Children's Song] Snow and Children [Minna no Uta]
Snow and Children

It is said that the first introduction in Japan was the broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962.

It is considered a Norwegian folk song.

The Japanese lyrics were written by the children’s literature author Junichi Kobayashi.

“Ski heil” is German for “long live skiing,” and is used as a greeting among skiers.

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Winter’s GiftKashi: Kimoto Keiko / Sakkyoku: Ike Takeshi

Winter Present - With Mother (Together with Mom) - December 1999 Song
Winter’s GiftKashi: Kimoto Keiko / Sakkyoku: Ike Takeshi

It was released in NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” as the song for December 1999.

From the intro, it already feels like Christmas! Although it’s a children’s song, it has a vibe that somehow calls to mind Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” It’s a sparkling pop tune that makes even adults feel giddy with excitement.

Housui Sachiyo
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New Year (Japanese New Year)Sakushi: Azuma Kume / Sakkyoku: Taki Rentaro

A children’s song that every Japanese person knows and a quintessential tune for the New Year.

It was composed by Rentarō Taki, a musician of the Meiji era.

The first verse features boys’ pastimes like kites and spinning tops, while the second highlights girls’ games such as mari balls and hagoita, expressing how children look forward to the New Year.

Its use of the uniquely Japanese “yonanuki major scale,” which omits fa and ti, also adds a distinctly Japanese sense of nostalgia.

Housui Sachiyo
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In conclusion

We introduced winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, children’s songs, and hand-play songs! Even among winter songs, there were many kinds—songs about winter scenery and fun events, and songs that express the feeling of eagerly awaiting spring.

When the thought of winter’s chill makes you feel a bit down, try listening to some music and feel the joy and wonder of the season!