[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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- [Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
- Ideas for indoor play and physical activities recommended for 1-year-olds
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- [Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.
- [For 0-year-olds] Recommended songs for babies: A special feature on bonding play and traditional nursery rhymes
- Kids go wild! Popular hand games and fun sing-alongs
- Nursery rhymes to sing to your baby! Recommended songs enjoyable from 0 months
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- For 1-year-olds! Indoor play ideas that make rainy days fun
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- Get pumped with kids’ favorite songs! A memorable collection of classics that will make you want to sing along
- [1st Birthday] Perfect songs for kids’ celebrations—great for birthday parties and videos
[For 1-Year-Olds] Have Fun Together! Recommended Songs and Hand-Play Activities (31–40)
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.
Song of a little birdSakushi: Yoda Jun’ichi / Sakkyoku: Akutagawa Yasushi
This piece, which gently captures the chirping of little birds, warmly embraces the hearts of young children.
Jun’ichi Yoda’s lyrics and Yasushi Akutagawa’s music blend beautifully to bring to life the image of small birds living in nature.
The onomatopoeic words in the lyrics spark children’s imaginations and make singing delightful.
Since its debut in 1954, this song has remained beloved in kindergartens and nursery schools, making it perfect for entrance ceremonies.
It helps ease the anxiety of children facing a new environment and is sure to turn their nerves into smiles through song.
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.
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.
[For 1-year-olds] Enjoy Together! Recommended Songs and Hand Play Collection (41–50)
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.
In conclusion
We introduced some recommended songs for one-year-olds. There were also songs featuring animals, flowers, and insects that children love. Singing while looking at photos or picture books can help deepen their interest. Since one-year-olds vary widely in their physical and language development, try using big, clear actions and adding expression to your singing so each child can engage and enjoy in their own way. Incorporate plenty of songs and hand-play games into daily life, and have fun singing together.