From Japan with Love: A Classic Song That Teaches and Delights

Among Japan’s most beloved preschool songs, むすんで ひらいて (Musunde Hiraite) holds a special place. Often used in early childhood education, this song isn’t just a tune—it’s an interactive finger play activity that helps children develop coordination, language, and rhythm.

It’s the Japanese version of “Open, Shut Them,” and is widely used in kindergartens, baby groups, and parent-child music classes across Japan.

Japanese Lyrics

むすんで　ひらいて
てを　うって　むすんで
また　ひらいて　てを　うって
その　てを　うえに
むすんで　ひらいて
てを　うって　むすんで

Romaji (Latin Alphabet)

musunde hiraite
te o utte musunde
mata hiraite te o utte
sono te o ue ni
musunde hiraite
te o utte musunde

English Translation (Simple Meaning)

Close your hands, open your hands
Clap your hands, and close them again
Open them once more, clap your hands
Raise your hands up high
Close your hands, open your hands
Clap your hands, and close them again

Why This Song Is So Popular with Young Learners

Musunde Hiraite is not only catchy and easy to follow, but it also introduces basic body-related vocabulary such as te (hands), ue (up), musunde (close/fold), and hiraite (open). The accompanying hand motions encourage fine motor skill development, which is key in early childhood education.

Children love following along with the gestures: opening and closing their hands, clapping, and raising them into the air. It’s often used during circle time, transitions, or as a gentle warm-up before a more active game or lesson.

Learn Through Movement with Dinolingo

With Dinolingo’s Japanese for kids program, songs like Musunde Hiraite are taught with animated videos, gesture prompts, and repetition games to ensure understanding and memorization. The platform supports learners aged 2–14, offering developmentally appropriate content for toddlers through middle schoolers.

Dinolingo is available via web, iOS, and Android, and includes offline materials and a parent dashboard to track progress. It’s a great way to combine language learning with play-based activities like this song.

Final Thought: A Song That Builds More Than Words

Simple, joyful, and rhythmic, Musunde Hiraite teaches more than vocabulary, it fosters listening skills, body awareness, and joyful participation. Whether used at home or in a classroom, it’s a perfect introduction to the Japanese language through movement, music, and fun.

Let your child sing, move, and learn, starting with their own hands.