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!
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Collection of winter children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes. Fun winter hand-play songs too (21–30)
The Snow PainterSakushi: Noritake Akihiko / Sakkyoku: Ando Takashi
This is a charming winter song that describes the way the snow piles up and the world outside gradually turns white by calling it a “house painter.” Hedges, fields, and farms are sights we’re not so familiar with these days, but listening to the song brings to mind nostalgic scenes of Japan’s traditional landscape.
We don’t see vast silver-white worlds much anymore either, but it’s a song you’ll want to sing while letting your imagination roam.
winter sceneryMonbushō shōka
A set of lyrics in classical Japanese titled “Winter Scenery.” You might expect a stern winter song, yet its light triple meter and the 3-3-5 syllabic pattern make it a strangely soothing piece.
Unraveling the lyrics reveals early-winter scenes—mist, frost, and even mugi-fumi (the traditional practice of treading young wheat).
It is a song filled with a gentle beauty, as if timeless, nostalgic Japanese landscapes unfold before your eyes.
Collection of winter children's songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes: Fun winter hand-play songs too (31–40)
Silent Night
Silent Night is one of the Christmas carols loved by many people.
Known as “Silent Night” in English, this song features lyrics celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
It was hastily composed as a piece that could be played on guitar after the organ broke, even though carols had been planned to be sung with the organ on Christmas Eve.
That song went on to become a quintessential Christmas classic, passed down and sung for centuries.
Its gentle melody feels soothing, as if it purifies the heart when you listen.
It’s easy to sing not only in Japanese but also in English, so give it a try!
bean-throwing (Mamemaki)
When it comes to Setsubun, many people probably think of this song.
“Mame-maki” (Bean Throwing) was included in a book published in 1933 (Showa 8) called “Ehon Shoka, Volume 1: Winter.” You can almost hear the pitter-patter of the beans and picture the ogres sneaking away.
It gives off a warm, charming feeling, doesn’t it? Setsubun is a traditional event to pray for good health and safety.
Even those who don’t usually take part might find themselves wanting to chant “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” and throw beans after listening to this song.
Kantarō the North Wind KidSakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako
Kantarō the North Wind Kid, which was featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” became a huge hit and continues to be sung by a wide audience.
The song was created when NHK director Yasuhiro Kondo, a lyricist, and a composer got together and discussed the idea that “it wouldn’t hurt to have enka for children.” It certainly has an enka flavor and is a song about “winter is coming,” yet for some reason its Western-style rhythm makes you feel upbeat.
I turned into Santa
This is a hand game where you use five fingers to imitate Santa Claus’s face.
The original melody comes from “Ten Little Indians,” a song loved in English-speaking countries.
As one, two, and more fingers are added, it’s exciting to see what shape they’ll become next.
It’s also great for practicing counting, so it doubles as a brain workout! Enjoy playing it together with everyone!
Winter MarchSakkyoku: Koshiji Nobuyoshi
Fumiaki Koshiji composed “Winter March,” which was broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta.
As you’d expect from a march, it’s a very cheerful, bright song with a great rhythm.
Winter’s cold can make you reluctant to go outside, but listening to this track might just make you want to go out and play!
