[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)
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.
[For 1-year-olds] Enjoy Together! Recommended Songs and Hand Play Collection (41–50)
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.
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.