[For 1-year-olds] Fun Together! Recommended Songs and Hand Play Collection
One-year-olds are starting to move their hands and bodies and show interest in all sorts of things around them.
When you sing to them, they happily clap along to the rhythm and sway their bodies as they enjoy the music.
So this time, we’ll introduce recommended songs and popular hand-play activities for one-year-olds.
We’ve gathered plenty of hand-play songs that one-year-olds can enjoy singing, including songs with fun repeated words and songs that introduce colors and numbers as you sing.
They’ll surely keep asking, “One more time!”
These are perfect for filling small gaps between activities or as a warm-up!
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[For 1-Year-Olds] Have Fun Together! Recommended Songs and Hand-Play Activities (31–40)
Five melon breads at the bakery.Sakushi: Nakagawa Hirotaka / Sakkyoku: Igirisu dōyō
Shall we sing a fun fingerplay song themed around a bakery’s melon bread together with the children? It’s an adaptation of a traditional English nursery rhyme, arranged to be familiar and appealing to Japanese kids.
The fingerplay involves counting with fingers in time with lyrics that show the bread being sold, nurturing children’s imagination.
It’s often used in early childhood settings, and this work—through which you can enjoy playful counting with children via song—is sure to be a big hit both at home and in nursery or kindergarten!
Vegetable SongYamano Satoko
Welcome to the wonderful world of vegetables! This song, hugely popular with children, is full of clever ways to help them learn the names of vegetables in a fun, rhythmic way.
With sounds that express the names and characteristics of veggies like tomatoes and cabbage, just listening will fill you with excitement.
Accompanied by Satoko Yamano’s bright and gentle voice, the vegetables make their appearances one after another.
This piece is included in many children’s music albums.
It’s also recommended for nutrition education time or for singing together with kids who aren’t fond of vegetables.
If you sing while moving your body, it becomes even more fun!
To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand
It’s a classic children’s song brimming with the joy and hope of living.
Through the sight of blood glowing red when sunlight shines through a hand, it gently conveys the preciousness of life.
Earthworms, dragonflies, frogs, and other creatures make appearances, and the warm melody teaches the wonder of living together.
The lyrics, imbued with Takashi Yanase’s deep sentiments, harmonize beautifully with the bright tune crafted by Tak Izumi.
First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, it was performed by the Boys Jacks on the 1965 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It later appeared in elementary school music textbooks and has continued to be cherished by many.
It’s a perfect cheer song for children swelling with hope as they take a new step forward.
Get on the busSakushi sakkyoku: Taniguchi Kunihiro
Kunihiro Taniguchi’s rhythmic children’s song is brimming with charm, inviting listeners to vividly imagine the fun of riding in vehicles.
Set to a gently swaying melody, it’s a piece that lets you express with your whole body the bus’s rocking motion and the thrill of turning.
Released in May 2008 and later included in the September 2020 album “Teacher Ti’s Kids Love It! Play Songs,” the track has also been featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and is frequently sung at nursery school and kindergarten events.
As a hand-play song that children can enjoy together, it’s a perfect choice for family bonding time and making memories.
Mr. ElephantSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma
Born from the collaboration of Michio Mado and Ikuma Dan, this song—portraying a warm bond between parent and child—was first broadcast on NHK Radio in May 1952.
Characterized by a gentle triple-time melody and heartwarming lyrics that cherish one’s individuality, it has been featured in many educational and children’s TV programs and is loved across generations.
The May 2007 version by Satoko Yamano and the Morinoki Children’s Choir remains one of the most beloved recordings.
With a melody that nestles close to the heart like a gentle spring breeze, it’s perfect for parents and children to hum together.
In the fresh green season, singing it while out for a walk will make for even more delightful memories.
The Puppy Police OfficerSakushi: Satō Yoshimi / Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Megumi
This is a gentle, melodic song depicting the encounter between a lost kitten and a kind police officer.
Written by Yoshimi Sato and composed by Megumi Ohnaka, it was created between the 1950s and 1960s.
With its warm lyrics and rhythmic tune, it’s perfect for fostering children’s emotional development.
It has been broadcast on NHK programs such as “Minna no Uta” and “Okaasan to Issho,” and is beloved by many.
We recommend singing it together with your child while adding simple motions for extra fun.
The heartwarming, picture book–like story will nurture your child’s imagination.
Playful Love Ai AiHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
Let me introduce a warm, cat-themed song featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Sung by Yuichiro Hanada and Maya Nagata, this piece charms with its bright, cheerful melody that depicts cats playfully frolicking together.
Since February 2025, it has been broadcast as the show’s “Song of the Month,” with the brother-and-sister singing duo transforming into cats and performing rhythmic choreography on the program.
Filled with the feelings of Hanada, a devoted cat lover who lives with five cats, this song is perfect for moving your body to the music together with your child!
March of the RoadHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
A lively marching tune has arrived! Introducing the January 2025 “Song of the Month” from Okaasan to Issho, sung by Yuichiro Hanada and Maya Nagata.
Set to bright brass and snappy drum rhythms, this cheerful piece expresses the feeling of facing forward and moving ahead.
You can clap along to the rhythmic beat and move your body with a big smile.
It’s also included on the album “NHK Okaasan to Issho Latest Best: Hyu-rara Bun-bun!” so it can be enjoyed both at home and in childcare settings.
It’s a wonderful piece for the start of a new year, perfect for sharing the feeling of walking toward the future together with parents and children.
Chochi chochi awawa.warabeuta
Traditional Japanese nursery rhymes are a charming way to spend quality time with your baby.
With endearing hand and facial movements, look your child in the eyes and gently hold hands as you play together.
Perfect for deepening the bond between caregivers and children, this work has been featured in various educational programs and events, and its appeal has been passed down across generations.
You can play with your baby on your lap or while lying down, allowing you to adapt flexibly to their condition and mood.
With a caregiver’s gentle singing and warm touch, enjoy a delightful time filled with your baby’s smiles.
peach-colored cheeksSakushi / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Shou
The new song that began airing in March 2025 on NHK Educational TV’s “Okaasan to Issho” is a cheerful and fun piece created by Sho Yamamoto.
It features an appealing, idol-style melody and lyrics that are easy to enjoy.
With lively choreography designed to bring out children’s smiles, the piece has a heartwarming finish.
Sung joyfully by singer Nagata Maya, exercise leader Anzu Akimoto, and the new character Mimomo-chan, this song is delightful for everyone from babies to young children.
It’s a wonderful tune that families can enjoy together, moving their bodies to the rhythm.