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 (11–20)

Cha-Cha-Cha of the Snowman

When I hear “Cha Cha Cha,” the first thing that comes to mind is ‘Omocha no Cha Cha Cha,’ but this ‘Yukidaruma no Cha Cha Cha’ is just as delightful.

The song even features a daddy snowman and a mommy snowman, so it seems perfect for a short New Year’s performance by children.

Its catchy rhythm makes you want to sing while watching the January snow!

oshikura manju (a children’s pushing game)

This song is charming for its friendly melody and playful lyrics that use the image of manju buns.

Born from the wisdom of keeping warm, it has been passed down across generations as a game that shares warmth and smiles.

Beyond its value as a play song, it is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, even appearing in haiku as a winter season word.

On a cold winter day, if you sing it while actually doing oshikura manju—huddling and gently pushing each other—children will surely feel not only the warmth of skin, but also the joy of time spent with friends and family.

KodANUKI Ponpo

Atom Shimojō: Little Raccoon Dog Ponpo
KodANUKI Ponpo

The children’s song “Kodanuki Pompo,” with its uniquely pleasant sense of rhythm, has been airing on NHK’s Minna no Uta since 1983, so some of you may have heard it.

Listen closely to the poignant lyrics about Kodanuki Pompo faithfully waiting for the girl who lent him her red gloves last winter.

The steady, even rhythm flows comfortably into your body, and together with the gentle, deeply expressive melody, it’s sure to strengthen the bond between parents and children.

Christmas tree

Hand Play: Christmas Tree ♪ (with lyrics / with choreography / children's song / hand play)
Christmas tree

How about a hand play song that incorporates onomatopoeia kids love? Words associated with Christmas, like “candle” and “Santa,” heighten the sense of excitement, and actions like blowing with a “fwooo” or smiling with a “niko” naturally draw children in.

At the same time, it can also deepen their understanding of words for numbers, such as “first” and “second.” A slow tempo helps create a calm atmosphere, making it easy to enjoy the hand play song with a gentle feeling.

When Santa goes out

When Santa Goes Out – Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs with Lyrics [Christmas Hand Play]
When Santa goes out

“When Santa Goes Out” is a Christmas song that sets Santa-themed lyrics to the familiar phrase from the nursery rhyme “Gonbei-san no Akachan.” With a catchy melody you can remember after just one listen, it’s delightful even for little children.

Santa brings the gifts everyone eagerly awaits—so sing and dance while letting your imagination run wild: “How is he getting everything ready?” “What kind of presents will he bring?”

Ogre PantsSakushi: Fushō / Sakkyoku: Ruīji Dentsa

The original song is the Italian popular tune “Funiculì, Funiculà.” Despite its grand, resonant melody, it actually has lyrics about ogres’ underpants.

The surreal lyrics say the ogre’s underpants are strong, and kids absolutely love it.

Strike a strong-arm pose to show strength, pretend to put on pants, and have fun together.

Even children who aren’t fond of Setsubun events will likely enjoy “Ogre’s Underpants.” Singing and dancing to it is pretty intense, so it’ll warm you up even in the cold season!

Collection of winter children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes. Fun winter hand-play songs too (21–30)

campfireSakkyoku: Watanabe Shigeru

Bonfire – Taki Bi | By the hedge, by the hedge, around the corner—it's a bonfire, it's a bonfire, burning fallen leaves [Japanese Song / Shoka]
campfireSakkyoku: Watanabe Shigeru

When we were children, you might remember seeing neighbors making small bonfires in their yards as summer faded into autumn.

In recent years, such scenes have become rare, but on chilly days, there’s still something about gathering around a fire with a few people.

It might be nice to sing this song while recalling those nostalgic memories.

I’m sure it will wrap your heart in a gentle warmth!