[Childcare] Fun Songs for 2-Year-Olds to Sing! Recommended Song Collection

a cat’s child; a kittenSakushi / Sakkyoku: Deguchi Chikara

[Children's Song] Nekonoko <with gestures> with lyrics – cute hand play ♪ nursery song Nursery rhymes Japanese girl

Blending a gentle, adorable rhythm with hand-play movements, this piece is perfect for interactive play with babies from 0 years old.

Its cat-themed, charming world broadens children’s imaginations.

Satoko Yamano’s clear, transparent vocals combined with Masashi Wakamatsu’s tender arrangement weave a heartwarming melody.

Included on the album “Columbia Kids: Parent and Child Nursery Songs—Enjoy the Rhythm and Words of Songs,” released in June 2018, it is also cherished in early childhood education settings.

By making eye contact with your child and moving hands and fingers together, the circle of communication naturally grows.

It’s recommended for morning meeting time, end-of-day gatherings, and family bonding time at home.

Hey, Kaba-kun!sakushi: nakagawa itsuko / sakkyoku: nakagawa hirotaka

[Children’s Song] Hey, Mr. Hippopotamus

With its calm and gentle atmosphere, this song was released in April 2007 as a picture book with a CD, and together with illustrations by Hiroshi Abe, a former zookeeper at Asahiyama Zoo, it became a tune rooted in children’s daily lives.

Created by Hirotaka Nakagawa and Itsuko Nakagawa, the work also encourages children’s curiosity about animals through its focus on hippos.

It was featured on the TV program Hirake! Ponkikki and has long been loved by many children.

Its relaxed tempo and melody perfectly match the laid-back image of hippos, making it great for singing along with your child.

Why not hum it happily on a spring field trip or during a visit to the zoo?

The Puppy Police OfficerSakushi: Satō Yoshimi / Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Megumi

Dog Policeman – The Little Lost Kitten [Japanese Children's Song]

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.

Vegetable SongYamano Satoko

♪Vegetable Song – Tomatoes go ton-ton-ton, cabbage goes kyak-kyak-kya~♪ <with gestures>

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!

treasureHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya

[Okaasan to Issho October 2024 Song / 65th Anniversary Commemorative Song] “Takaromono” Cover

A heartwarming song brimming with warmth has been born from “Okaasan to Issho.” Gently resonating with the harmonies of Yuuichiro Hanada and Maya Nagata, this piece tenderly explores the theme of the precious happiness found close to home.

Their clear, expansive vocals vividly paint the joyful moments nestled in everyday life.

Digitally released on October 9, 2024, the song has also been featured on the “Okaasan to Issho” program and is included on the album “NHK Okaasan to Issho Best Hyurara Bunbun!” It’s perfect not only for parents and children to enjoy together, but also for shared moments with kids in nursery schools and kindergartens.